As soon as a vehicle is purchased and drives off the dealer's lot, it drops in value. That is just part of the nature of vehicles. Very few vehicles end up more valuable than the original purchase price, and it typically takes decades for this to happen. For anyone who is looking to sell their vehicle and wants to do everything in their power to increase the car's value before selling, there are ways to boost the overall value of the vehicle. Small issues when selling a used car can drastically bring down the potential asking price, which is why anyone looking to sell their vehicle should use these five tricks. 

Taking the vehicle in for a tune-up is a must. Buyers at a used car lot can spot common problems and knock all sorts of cash off of the price, while private buyers will want to have it inspected and likely not even buy the vehicle if there are substantial problems. A vehicle tune-up costs money up front, but it makes it much more valuable when selling (like selling a house, sometimes an owner needs to spend a little bit of money to receive a much better return). 

2. New Tires

New tires can be an instant selling point, especially when selling a vehicle in colder climates where snow and ice are a problem. It is possible to keep an eye out for sales on new tires which instantly increase the value of the vehicle. 

3. Detailing

Detailing the vehicle brings out the inner shine and gives it the roof to fender cleaning, inside and out. It increases its marketability and really catches the eyes of interested buyers. it is amazing how a little bit of cleaning can go a long way in boosting the asking price. 

4. Print Out the Car Fax

Printing out the Car Fax can help when selling a vehicle privately. The main holdup private buyers have is not knowing the history of the vehicle. By having it readily available, car buyers now what to expect and are willing to part with more money when they know the vehicle has an excellent history. 

5. Avoid the Extreme Add-Ons

Add-Ons can actually reduce the value of a vehicle as it alienates buyers away from the vehicle. Oversized rear fins, bright undercarriage LED lighting and other add-ons drop the value when selling the vehicle. 

Do you have a new year’s resolution to save more money this year? Well, start with your car. A vehicle is only as good as it is maintained. The best designed cars can falter without proper servicing and checkups. Simply waiting for something to go wrong on the vehicle is a recipe for expensive auto repairs. To avoid this, performing some general preventative car services not only extends the life of the vehicle but it helps cut down on expensive replacement parts. Here are a few preventative vehicle maintenance tips that will save any car owner both time and money:

Engine and Transmission 

The engine and transmission are essentially the heart and brain of the vehicle. If one fails, it not only causes significant damage to the vehicle, but these areas are some of the most expensive to repair and replace when either goes bad. Due to this, proper engine and transmission maintenance is a must. This starts with changing the oil when recommended. At this time, all other fluids can be checked and filled. Plus, serpentine and timing belts can be inspected and serviced as well. A coolant flush may be necessary to rid the engine of old and corroded coolant while filling up the power steering fluid keeps the vehicle turning properly. Should a driver feel their vehicle fighting them during snow speed turns, it likely means the steering fluid is low. A new spark plug can boost engine efficiency and safe on fuel economy as well. All of these areas of the vehicle can be looked over and inspected in one short visit to the auto shop, so having the car looked over during a standard oil change can help avoid more expensive repairs later on. 

Wheels and Brakes

Replacing brake pads is a must. Should the brake wear down to nothing, it may require additional repairs, including new tie rods. When new brakes are installed, having the tires rotated can help ensure universal wear on the tires, which in turn improves handling and driving performance (while also extending the life of the tires). Tires should be replaced on a regular basis as well. An easy way for any driver to know if it is time to replace their tires is to pull out a quarter and slide it into the tire tread. If the top of Washington's head can still be seen, the tread is too low and needs to be replaced.

Alignment problems should be addressed at this time as well. If the vehicle is turning to one side or the other instead of pointing strait (where the steering wheel is pulling to one side) it means the alignment is off and it needs to be straightened and corrected.

Let True Auto Help

If you would like to make sure that you are never stuck with an expensive vehicle repair bill, True Auto can provide you with an extended vehicle warranty. Call 877-397-1021 today to discuss your options with one of our representatives. Trust True Auto to take care of your vehicle!

Have you heard of Kymeta?

If not, this is your chance to see what they are embarking on. Kymeta is trying to change the way we are contsrained by mobile communications. Specifically in the areas of coverage and capacity. "Through innovative application of the metamaterials tool set, Kymeta's mTenna™-powered antenna creates a holographic beam that uses software to track moving satellites in a mobile environment."

Source: Kymeta Corporation, Youtube Channel

"Kymeta is solving this problem by replacing the current parabolic dish technology with a flat antenna that can be steered electronically and track a Moving Satellite – from a mobile platform. As the new space race emerges with companies launching low earth orbit (LEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations, Kymeta will meet this new era of mobility with best-in-class technology to unlock this potential." Source: Kymeta Corp.

As this article is being written, there is a Tayota 4Runner, KymetaConnected™, equipped with Kymeta's mTenna® technology, touring America. In order to show people the benefits of connectivity where coverage and capacity can't meet today's demands, Kymeta has set off on a month long tour of the United States. You are able to follow the progress of the tour using #KyTrek on social media. 

Kymeta explains on their website that less than 10% of the earth is covered by 4G/LTE, and the wireless spectrum it covers is incredibly expensive. 

Building out the infrastructure from the ground up would take billions of dollars and decades to implement. Plus on top of that, new smartphones come out everyday and makes it clera that mobile bandwidth is unstainable. Kymeta is changing the current parabolic dish technology with a flat antenna that can be steered electronically and track a moving satellite. This is the future of connectivity. 

Our goal is to keep you up to date on the latest #automotive #industry news. Be sure to check out True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ for more valuable vehicle information. If you have questions about how we can protect you and your vehicle with an extended warranty, please call 1-877-397-1022 or click HERE. 

A vehicle is only as good as it is maintained.

The best designed cars can falter without proper servicing and checkups. Simply waiting for something to go wrong on the vehicle is a recipe for expensive auto repairs. To avoid this, performing some general preventative car services not only extends the life of the vehicle but it helps cut down on expensive replacement parts. Here are a few preventative vehicle maintenance tips that will save any car owner both time and money. 

Self Performed Preventative Vehicle Maintenance

While the average car owner shouldn't attempt to change their brakes or service their transmission, there are a few minor improvements they can perform on their own.

• Replacing damaged and spent windshield wipers is a must. Once water starts to streak through wiper blades, it is time for replacements.

• Some car owners may feel alright installing new cabin or engine air filters as well, but for those who are not, it can be easily serviced at an auto garage such as True Auto. 

Engine and Transmission 

The engine and transmission are essentially the heart and brain of the vehicle. If one fails, it not only causes significant damage to the vehicle but these areas are some of the most expensive to repair and replace when either goes bad.

Due to this, proper engine and transmission maintenance is a must. This starts with changing the oil when recommended. At this time, all other fluids can be checked and filled. Plus, serpentine and timing belts can be inspected and serviced as well. A coolant flush may be necessary to rid the engine of old and corroded coolant while filling up the power steering fluid keeps the vehicle turning properly. Should a driver feel their vehicle fighting them during snow speed turns, it likely means the steering fluid is low. A new spark plug can boost engine efficiency and safe on fuel economy as well.

All of these areas of the vehicle can be looked over and inspected in one short visit to the auto shop, so having the car looked over during a standard oil change can help avoid more expensive repairs later on. 

Wheels and Brakes

Replacing brake pads is a must. Should the brake wear down to nothing, it may require additional repairs, including new tie rods. When new brakes are installed, having the tires rotated can help ensure universal wear on the tires, which in turn improves handling and driving performance (while also extending the life of the tires).

Tires should be replaced on a regular basis as well. An easy way for any driver to know if it is time to replace their tires is to pull out a quarter and slide it into the tire tread. If the top of Washington's head can still be seen, the tread is too low and needs to be replaced.

Alignment problems should be addressed at this time as well. If the vehicle is turning to one side or the other instead of pointing strait (where the steering wheel is pulling to one side) it means the alignment is off and it needs to be straightened and corrected

When you own a vehicle, there are many different things that you need to take care of in order for you to get the most use and enjoyment out of that vehicle. Whether it's new tires or things like regular maintenance and oil changes, keeping your vehicle in prime condition is important. Investing in an extended warranty will provide you with the extra coverage you want in order to keep your family safe. 

If you are looking for a company that specializes in Automobile Extended Warranties, look no further than True Auto Vehicle Breakdown Protection. Coverage plans will protect your new, used and new-to-you used vehicle. Call 877-397-1022 or Click HERE to recieve your FREE Quote today.