Car Warranties Blog and Resources

Are you looking into buying a used car and want to know its warranty status? Are you wondering if your current car still has an active vehicle warranty? Are you trying to guide a family member or friend through the car-buying process and want to check all the boxes? Are you purchasing a pre-owned vehicle and want to check if there is still a warranty on it? Whatever your reasons for being curious about the status of your extended warranty, here are four things you need to know to get the most accurate information about a car's warranty: 1. Look at your VIN number Your car’s VIN number is necessary in order to find out if your car is still under warranty. A VIN number is a unique 17-digit code where each digit or group of digits has a meaning and is given to all vehicles driven in the United States. A car’s VIN number can be located in the following locations on your car: Lower left hand side of the dashboard — Look at the left corner of your dashboard where the glass meets the dashboard. Under the hood — Pop the hood and check in front of the engine for a small metal plate with a number printed on it.  Under the windshield wipers — Check on the outside front area of your car below the windshield wipers on the driver-hand side.  Under the spare tire — Lift up your spare tire and check under the tire for your VIN number. The spare tire is typically located in the trunk of the car. Driver’s-side door — Open the door and the number will be found where the door latches or inside the doorjamb where the car side mirror is located when the driver door is shut.  Wheel well — Go to the wheel well that surrounds the back tire on the driver’s side. If you check these possible locations and you still can’t find your vehicle’s VIN number, try calling the dealership directly and asking where your specific car 's VIN number is located. Simply tell them the make and model of your car, and they should be able to tell your where the VIN number is located. Other places to look for the VIN number include the vehicle’s title, registration card, and your insurance card.  2. Check the miles driven on your car To find the miles driven on your car check the odometer. The odometer is typically found behind the steering wheel.  3. Call the dealership Whether you bought your car directly from the dealership or you bought it used, you can call the corresponding dealership of your car to find out when the car was originally purchased. Any dealership, for your specific make of car, can lookup when your vehicle was purchased no matter which location it was purchased from. Make sure to have the VIN number and the mileage of your car handy. The dealership should be able to determine what the warranty is on your car and if it is valid according to the information you provide. Bryan Rodgers, owner of a dealer repair service stated, "Once you have your VIN, call your dealer and ask when your warranty expires, as they will have that information for you. If you really can't seem to find your VIN, simply drive your car to your dealer, and they'll help you find it and let you know then if you're under warranty or not." Note that the warranty is also found in your vehicle’s owner manual, but it is wise to find out directly from the dealership instead of relying on what the warranty in the manual says. Consumers can purchase cars up to a year before the designated model year, so it is difficult to know when the exact date of purchase was without calling the dealership. 4. If needed, get a Carfax report on your car If the dealership is not sure whether or not your car is still under a basic warranty then you can get a Carfax report on your car. Getting a Carfax is simple: go to Carfax and type in your VIN number or search by license plate and state. Aside from your warranty information a Carfax report will also check for major accidents, open recalls, total loss, airbag deployment, service history, estimated miles driven per year, multiple owners, registration history, rebuilt, mileage rollover, hail damage, last reported mileage, vehicle service, mileage rollback, not actual mileage, lemon status, length of ownership, structural damage, state ownership, flood damage, salvage titles, junked, and commercial or personal use. The price of obtaining a Carfax for a single vehicle is $39.99. What to do if your car warranty is expired  If you call and find out that your car is not still under a limited warranty, we advise thinking about getting a new extended warranty. However, there are a number of different options available to you: Follow your car maintenance schedule One of the most important things to do is to follow your car’s maintenance schedule and to ensure that genuine parts are being used. Make sure to go the manufacturer's website before getting a repair to ensure that your mechanic has the parts that you need. Defects in materials can cause major damage to your car. You can find your car’s specific maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual or google to find your vehicle's correct owner's manual. Here’s a nearly comprehensive list of different car owner’s manuals. Start a car repair fund Start to set aside money every week or month and put it in a fund specifically set aside for unforeseen car repairs and regular car maintenance. Do not touch this account unless you use it for car service. You will be more prepared for planned and unplanned maintenance requirements for your vehicle. Get a car warranty For extra protection you can get an extended warranty on your car. This typically constitutes of a monthly cost and the protection against car repairs varies with the different type of car warranty you get. With a car warranty, you will be able to tailor it to fit your specific needs. Most don't cover routine maintenance from normal vehicle wear and tear but they often a car warranty covers major problems with your engine, battery, etc. The company will take care of much of the paperwork, and many of your necessary repairs will be covered by your warranty. Many car warranty companies provide this service apart from your car’s dealership and they often include extra service such as roadside assistance. Typically the dealership will have high fees and you can obtain a car warranty from other sources for less. Learn how you can get the same protection from other car warranty companies for a fraction of the price. 

Whether you’ve had car problems on a road trip or in-town, these stories are relatable. If you’ve had the good fortune to never have encountered a car problem, you can still learn from the misfortunes of others. Here are some of the best ways to be prepared should problems arise. Tire trouble Unavoidable problems Lost without GPS Fuel mix-up Tire trouble Tires play an important role in a car’s ability to get us from point A to point B. If your tire blows out, comes off, or deflates while you’re driving, you could be in danger of an accident. Tire blow-out Becky Beach, Finance Blogger“Over the Labor Day weekend, I was driving to Galveston with my 3-year-old son, Bryan. We had a tire blow out so almost caused an accident. Luckily, I swerved to the right shoulder at the last minute, and we parked safely. I had a jack and donut tire in the car so proceeded to change the tire. We were in the middle of nowhere in West Texas at 4 p.m. on a Friday. I was almost finished changing the tire when a truck driver pulled up behind me to offer assistance. I'm wary of strangers so said I had everything under control. Drivers should always be cautious when others offer help on the side of the road. If you really need help, then call roadside assistance. Many insurance plans offer this for free. Strangers may be dangerous, especially to women who are traveling alone with small children. I have a kit in my car that comes with jumper cables, flares, a reflective vest and other safety equipment. It's a good idea to keep these kits in your car if you have an emergency. I then drove to Discount Tire Company and had to purchase a new tire. By having my jack and donut tire, I saved lots of money. Otherwise, I would have had to spend $100+ on a tow truck to get me to the tire place. After the car had the new tire, we proceeded to the hotel in Galveston with no more mishaps.” Flat tire Kelly Beasley, CampAddict.com co-owner“I was pulling my trailer to Banff, Canada on the Trans-Canada Highway. I realized I had a flat tire on a right-hand curve. (The worst) There really wasn’t a median so I was partly in the road. It was after dark, of course. I had NO idea how to get the tire down from under my truck. I started to read my manual, but thank goodness a Canadian police officer came by. He kept us safe. He also changed the tire for us! Knowing how to change your own tire is a very basic skill. It's also a skill that could save your life, depending on the situation. Make sure you know where it is, how to get it out, and how to get it on.” Tips Check your tires before you drive. Make sure you have the right pressure in your tire and good tires suitable for the road. Check to make sure that the tires are secure, just to be on the safe side. Have a spare tire kit and know how to change your tire. Unavoidable breakdowns Even with the best preparation and maintenance, your car can still give you trouble on the road. Shattered windshield Charles McCool, Travel Happiness Advocate, McCool Travel“On my last road trip with my car (a brand new Subaru Outback), the windshield shattered. That was heartbreaking and I tried to get it fixed in another state. They could have done it if I stayed an extra three days. Instead I set up an appointment to do it at home. My insurance covered it, except for $100 deductible.” Brake malfunctions Rhett Grametbauer, Author of 25,000 Miles to Glory“I had the dream of visiting every NFL stadium and to live that dream from the driver's seat of a 1967 VW Bus. The VW Bus had more tows than months on the road, left us stranded on the side of the road in rural locations across the country, and cost a small fortune to repair. Worst of all, the brakes went out on the VW Bus three different times. The unmistakable feeling of driving a vehicle that you may or may not be able to stop is a sensation that I will always remember. The most horrifying experience was outside of Atlanta when the brakes went out, and I found myself racing towards a cement wall. It's not often you know you are going to crash and it's just a matter of how bad it's going to be. At the end of the road, right before the cement wall, I turned left, avoided a tree and safely landed the VW Bus into some harmless shrubs.” Acceleration problems John Z. Wetmore, “Perils for Pedestrians” Producer “Years ago, my old Toyota Camry started having acceleration problems when I was in the Colorado Rockies. I looked under the hood, but could not spot anything that looked abnormal. I limped with my flashers on into the town where I spent the night. The next morning, I went to the one mechanic in town. He couldn't help, so I had a 50 mile tow into Denver. It turned out it was a worn distributor shaft. The dealer replaced it, and the car ran fine. I had had the car checked out before I started the trip, but the shaft hadn't reached the state where the wear was critical until I was half way through my trip. Sometimes breakdowns are unavoidable. If you have slack in your schedule, getting delayed a day or two won't ruin your trip.” Rising temperature gauge Debbie Wright, Auto Repair Shop Owner and Car Blogger“The temperature gauge was rising as I was heading up the hill on my drive home. I knew better than to continue driving, so I pulled over on the side of the highway. There I was, unprepared as I sat in the car. The sun was setting and the weather was getting cold. Because I had this car for sale, I had taken everything out of the car, including my phone charger, my sweater, and my phone charging cord. I was concerned about the low charge on my battery. I was prepared in that I did have numbers to tow companies stored in my phone. It took three calls to find a tow company that could tow my car sooner than later. I then called my daughter to come pick me up.” Tips  Have a charged phone with you. Keep an emergency kit in your car with snacks, water, food, first aid, etc. Be alert on the road. Lost without GPS We rely heavily on technology, especially as it’s gotten easier to use and is generally reliable. Be aware that technology doesn’t always work well everywhere, and be prepared with some not-so-technically advanced solutions. Matt Woodley, MoverFocus.com founder“My fiancé (now wife) and I were once on a road trip a few years back in a remote area when the GPS ceased to work, and we were out of cellphone reception too. It was at this time we realized we also didn't have a map book for the area we were in, and we had to drive without directions for several hours before we regained cell phone reception and could then use Google Maps and find out where we were and needed to go. We learned our lesson and now make sure we have a physical map book with us when we're traveling to an unfamiliar location. It's easy to take technology for granted, but there's really no substitute for a good ol’ fashioned map book.” Tips Download your map and directions on your phone. Print out directions in advance. Keep a map in your car. Wrong fuel The right fuel keeps your car running well. The wrong fuel, on the other hand, can cause some serious problems. Saurabh Jindal, Talk Travel Founder“Once, while driving in India, I had an issue while stopping at a fuel station to fill the tank. In India, fuel stations have people who fill the tank for you (rather than you doing it on your own). My car had a gasoline tank, and very recently the company had launched the diesel version of the car also. Now maybe because he got confused, but the fuel assistant who was filling my car tank started filling diesel in it even though I had asked specifically for gasoline. Fortunately, I noticed immediately and asked him to stop. Now the issue was how to get the diesel fuel out. Since my tank was almost empty, and very little diesel (less than a litre) had gone in, the fuel assistant, turned on the car and then turned it off — repeating the same thing multiple times. He did this without putting the car into any gear with the sole aim of completely burning the fuel. He was finally able to rid the tank completely of every drop of fuel and then filled it correctly with gasoline. He told me that this is a common error, and if the fuel quantity in the tank is small, it gets resolved by burning the fuel. This was a one time experience for me, and I have no idea how I could have resolved it without the fuel assistant. I mean, if by mistake I had done the same, I don't think I would have know then as to how to resolve it. Though now, I know how to go about it. I then put up a sticker on my car fuel tank cap with a capital G to show that it needs gasoline. I also started getting double confirmation with the fuel assistants before they filled my tank.” Tips Know what kind of fuel your car needs, especially if you’re driving a rental car or a friend’s. If you accidentally put in the wrong fuel, don’t drive the car. If you do, the whole fuel system will have to be cleaned. That’s expensive. Check out these other articles for more tips on avoiding car trouble: Expert Tips for Summer Road Trips8 Tips for Winter Road Trips

Buying a car is a big investment. Your car gets you everywhere you need to be. It's important to take steps to protect your investment to ensure reliable transportation. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your car's resale value. Car warranties, especially if they are transferable to a new owner, also help add value to your car. Many extended warranty companies offer additional benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance. These benefits offer peace of mind on the road. There are additional ways to keep your car safe from exterior damage, interior damage, and theft. Taking action to protect your car can help safeguard your car and its resale value. Exterior damage The exterior of your car is the most visible. Preventing damage to the car's exterior will keep your car looking nice and appealing. A nice looking car that has no damage is easier to sell than one that does have visible damage. Richard Reina, Product Training Director at CARiD.com“It's a fact of life that you can't control how others are on the road. With busier roads, city parking, or parking lots in general, it's crucial to protect the exterior of your car. Scratches, dents, and scrapes are very common and also negatively affect the car's resale value.” Protective coatings Protective coatings can protect your car from minor scratches, small rock chips, and sun damage. There are several kinds of protective coatings you can put on your car: paint protection film ceramic coating nanotechnology windshield coating Paint protection film Installing paint protection film on your car's exterior protects it from minor scratches. It's almost like permanently saran-wrapping your car to keep it looking good. The film is sticky, so installers use soap and gel so that they can place and stretch it smoothly over all of the car's surfaces. If you decide to install it yourself, you'll definitely want to invite friends and family to help. Expert insight Laura Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Audi Spokane“A clear protective film goes directly onto any part of the cars exterior body panels. There are many brands that offer the film including 3M and many dealerships offer this as an option that buyers can add to new cars. The only downside is that it can be costly if you pay someone to do it and it is not exactly easy to do at home. It will also need to be replaced every couple of years as the film itself will show signs of wear.” Ceramic coatings Ceramic coatings offer similar protection to film. However, the ceramic coating is applied to the car's exterior and bonds with the car's paint. It's slightly easier to manage because it does not have to be stretched like film does. Expert insight Laura Gonzalez, Marketing Manager for Audi Spokane“A ceramic coating is essentially a superior alternative to wax. It hardens to a clear thick finish that can last a couple of years. It will protect your car's paint from sun damage, dirt, and other contaminants. The downside is that there are special steps that must be taken in order to properly prep the paint so the sealant will last. These steps can be out of many people's ability and having it professionally installed can be costly. One of the most popular is ceramic coatings is CQuartz.” Windshield coatings The more sensors your windshield has, the more expensive it is to replace it if it cracks due to rack chip damage. Fortunately, you can have protective coatings applied to your windshield that make it stronger, which decreases the risk of rock chip damage that can lead to windshield replacement. Retailer insight Charles Bonfiglio, Tint World Automotive Styling Centers President and CEO“If you've bought a new car and want to protect your investment, consider applying undetectable, impact and scratch resistant windshield nanotechnology. Just be sure to do your research on the installer and manufacturer, as the product is only as good as the installation, and some films don't have the longevity to create a decent return on your investment.” Aftermarket back-up cameras and sensors Many newer cars come with sensors and cameras that make it easier to drive safely and avoid exterior damage when backing up or pulling into a tight parking space. Even if you drive an older car, you can have these features installed in your car. If your car is under warranty, keep in mind that aftermarket installations are not usually covered. In some cases, they can also void the warranty. Be sure to talk to your warranty provider before installing any aftermarket additions. Retailer insight Richard Reina, Product Training Director at CARiD.com“Rearview cameras come standard in many new vehicles, but for older or used cars, aftermarket offerings can add an extra level of safety. An example is Rear View Safety® - Custom Rear View Mirror Camera System, which provides a clear view and additional security. There are also similar offerings available for blind-spot monitoring and 360-degree vision.” Interior damage The next part of your car you need to protect is the interior. This means keeping your car clean and keeping up with regular maintenance. Maintenance tracker Car maintenance, like oil changes, needs to happen regularly to help the mechanical parts of your car function smoothly. Having a maintenance tracker can help keep you on track. Retailer insight Jake McKenzie, Auto Accessories Garage Content Manager“The best way to retain your vehicle's resale value is to keep up to date on maintenance and take care of issues sooner rather than later. One of the best ways to do that is with a performance programmer such as the DiabloSport Trinity 2. This handy device will give you minute-by-minute diagnostics of the inner workings of your engine, allowing you to not only stay in the know about your engine, but fine tune your vehicle to reach peak efficiency.” Floor and cargo mats If you're an adventurer or live in snowy climates, you can track all kinds of dirt, snow, and ice into your car. If you don't protect your carpets, the water and dirt will be absorbed by your carpet. Your car's interior won't look new and the carpet can stain. Retailer insight Richard Reina, Product Training Director at CARiD.com“All-weather floor and cargo mats are extremely important and useful. In fact, many people don't realize the importance of cargo mats, but the trunk of a vehicle can gather debris just like your passenger mats, from transporting everything from outdoor gear to groceries. WeatherTech® - Cargo Liner provides complete protection against dirt, spills and grease.” Tossits garbage bags Another way to keep your car looking nice is to keep the trash out. Keeping a trash bag in your car and regularly cleaning out trash when you get gas will make the space in your car nice. You also won't find trash in odd places. Tossits are garbage bags that rest on the back of a headrest. These bags are leak-proof, which means you can throw away anything and not worry about it getting all over your car later. They're also great if you have passengers with you who get carsick. The bags tear off and seal, which makes it easy to throw them away. Founder insight Ben Riggan, Tossits Co-Founder and CEO“We all knew people with messy cars, even ourselves. We are parents and we were tired of driving a mobile landfill created by our children in the back seat. We were tired of always finding wrappers, juice boxes, tissues, and miscellaneous debris left behind by our kids and even us. We all live a busy life-style, spending a lot of time in our vehicles. We needed a simple solution to help keep our cars clean…and TOSSITS was born. We have found many more uses since the creation, most coming from our children. From car sickness, to dirty diapers, to wet shoes, Tossits quickly became a must have for our friends and family. Now we want to provide all parents, commuters, and vehicle enthusiasts with the same simple life hack for keeping a clean car." Theft If your car is stolen, you lose your transportation. If you can't get your car back, you won't have a car to sell or trade-in when you get a new one. Fortunately, there are security cameras and systems that you can install in your car. PureGear PureCam Connected Car Security System PureGear PureCam is one security camera systetm to consider. It allows car owners to record and view events inside and nearby the car in realtime. Car owners can sign up for a data plan through PureGear PureCam which allows them to store and view footage. Car owners can also use SIM cards to store data. PureCam also works like a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is an added convenience. Footage is also uploaded, so you can access it any time. Ease of access makes PureCam a nice option when looking for a good car security camera. Developer insight Arthur Chen, PureGear Senior Product Development Manager“PureGear developed PureCam because we saw a gap in the market for a 4G/LTE connected car system—not just a dash cam—but a system that would provide complete security and peace of mind for the driver. We also saw a growing demand for dash cams, a trend led by consumers. According to the CTA, U.S. wholesale shipments of dash cams are expected to hit 285,000 this year, up 20 percent from 2017. This follows market trends we're seeing as well. And Google's 2018 Automotive Trends Report noted that consumers want that "second set of eyes" while on the road. Dash cams offer protection and proof, in case of an incident.” Owlcam Owlcam records everything that happens to your car. It captures footage when your car is damaged while parked, records what happened during an accident and when a police officer pulls you over, and deters thieves because everything is recorded. Owlcam will even send footage to your phone instantly so that you can take quick action. Owlcam has a data plan that its users can purchase. The data plan allows instant communication when something happens to your car. If you don't have the data plan, Owlcam will still record, you just won't get instant updates. Owlcam also has a 911-assist feature which can be added for an additional cost. Developer insight Anthony Hodge, Owlcam CEO and Founder“Owlcam is the first smart dash cam. We invented Edge AI technology that no traditional dash cam has. We pack together a 4G LTE connection, a huge processor, and inside and outside HD cameras so you can get alerts and video from your car directly to your mobile phone quickly and easily. Everyone wants video security in cars and trucks because crashes and break-ins are far too frequent. Only Owlcam can make both a 911 Assist call when a possible injury crash is sensed and send the video automatically to your phone. In a break-in, only Owlcam sends you a notification if activity is sensed when the car is parked and lets you LIVE view to see exactly what is happening, even if your car or Owlcam is stolen. In both crashes and break-ins, Owlcam delivers critical video proof you need for police and insurers, so you can protect yourself.”

Guest Post by Mike Jones Are you in the market for a new car? With low prices and no shortage of certified dealerships, there are plenty of reasons to consider turning a used car into your new car. However, when you start doing research on the used cars that are out there, including their make, model, color, and safety features, — there’s one important thing to pay attention to — their mileage. Purchasing a car with high mileage can cost you thousands of dollars in the long run and create maintenance problems for you down the road. Thankfully, technology has advanced greatly over the past decade or so, prolonging the lifespan of our vehicles. Some newer cars get as many as 200,000 miles. However, even while today’s cars no longer head to the scrapyard after 100,000 miles, there are still some issues to be aware of. The engine’s burning oil This is one of the most common issues with high-mileage cars. High mileage can wear out the piston rings that seal your engine’s combustion gases. If a car hasn’t been properly maintained or has used poor engine oil, it’s likely that the engine burns through oil more quickly than normal. If you’re looking to purchase a used car, don’t forget to check the oil. Is the oil level low? Slide the dip stick between your fingers to check the oil quality. Does it appear dirty or gritty? Is the color clear or dark? Does it smell burnt? These are signs that there may be an issue under the hood. Transmission fails Once your vehicle reaches 100,000 miles, transmission failure becomes much more likely. It’s important that you keep up to date on the transmission’s maintenance to prevent premature failure. Change the transmission fluid. Some cars only require this every 100,000 miles, while others may require it every 30,000. If you hear any bangs or groans coming from your transmission, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. These noises could foreshadow a more serious problem.Try to keep towing heavy loads, like trailers, to a minimum. Heavy pulling can shorten the life of your transmission. Sometimes, a transmission cannot be repaired. Instead, it has to be replaced — at a price tag of several thousand dollars. Timing belt breaks The timing belt is critical to your engine operating smoothly. If you hear a ticking noise as you drive, see leaking oil from the front of your motor, or experience engine misfires, it means your timing belt is failing. This usually happens between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. If you suspect that your timing belt is failing, get it replaced before it breaks and causes serious damage to your engine. Mechanics recommend being proactive and getting your timing belt changed at least every 100,000 miles. Water pump leaks Any car with 60,000 to 90,000 miles has a risk of water pump leaks. The water pump is perhaps the most important element of your car’s cooling system. It circulates the engine coolant, which helps prevent the engine from overheating. With high-mileage cars, it’s important to change your coolant and antifreeze regularly. Flushing your coolant system can also help prolong its life. Look for steam rising from your radiator and water or rust under your hood. These are tell-tale signs of a leaking water pump. Rust spreads Any car that is driven as lovingly as a car with over 100,000 miles on it is bound to have rust, especially if the car was driven frequently in rain or snow. The problem with rust is that it spreads. Surface rust in your vehicle’s paint is a relatively easy fix. You can sand off the rust, prime it, paint it, and buff it. However, issues arise if surface rust is left untreated. Rust bubbles form. They can eat away at your vehicle’s metal, leaving gaping holes that only welding can repair. Is a high-mileage vehicle safe to buy? These problems may leave you wary when it comes to buying a used car; however, a used car is still a popular, practical, and cost-efficient option. When looking at a car’s mileage, it’s important to note the difference between a high-mileage car that has been properly maintained and a high-mileage car that hasn’t. If the previous owner took their car to a mechanic for regular oil changes, inspections, and maintenance, you should have nothing to worry about, even if the vehicle has 100,000 miles on it. On the other hand, you probably shouldn’t buy a car that hasn’t been properly maintained, even if it only has 50,000 miles on it. If you’re in the market for a used car, be sure to do the following: Ask dealerships or sellers for background info on the vehicle, like its Carfax. This allows you to see whether the car’s been maintained or whether it has been in any accidents. See if the vehicle has an extended vehicle warranty or vehicle protection plan attached to it. These plans can help cover the costs of unexpected repairs. Take the car to a trusted mechanic before you purchase it. They can see whether there are any maintenance issues you should worry about. Today’s high-mileage cars have a surprising amount of life left in them. They may just need a little extra care, consideration, and maintenance. Mike Jones is the president and CEO of autopom!, a BBB Accredited A+ rated provider of vehicle protection plans for both new and used cars. Click here to learn more about autopom!  

Guest Post By Lawrence Dorman Similar to the way that maintaining your home or lawn can improve your property's market value, maintaining your vehicle can increase its resale value once you choose to sell. Like any asset, your car's value depreciates over time. But that doesn't mean your used car has to sell for the same price as a tired clunker. Here are six ways that you can increase your used car's valuation, including the importance of an extended car warranty for reassuring potential buyers. 1. Consider your new car carefully before purchasing Yes, you should be thinking about resale value even before you purchase a new car. This factor is often overlooked because buyers are concerned about style, price, safety, fuel efficiency, and other features. A manufacturer's reputation for reliability and longevity should also be taken into account. Certain vehicle models may hold up better over time. A study by iSeeCars.com found that consumers are most likely to reach 200,000 miles with a full-size SUV. Toyota, more specifically, was reported as the most reliable manufacturer, with its Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, and Avalon models ranking in the Top 14. Honda, Chevrolet, and Ford also ranked. So, whether you buy foreign or American, a long-lasting car will be easier to sell. 2. Make a good first impression with a clean exterior and interior First impressions matter. Scratches, dents, and dirty carpets will immediately catch the eye of potential buyers and dissuade their decision. Wash your car regularly, especially during the winter months when roads are salted, to prevent rust buildup and corrosion. Some manufacturer warranties will cover specific types of corrosion, but you may need to pay for repairs out-of-pocket. Next, don't forget the interior. Clean and vacuum the carpet, wash all windows, and check for any off-putting smells or stains caused by kids and pets. Check under the seats for forgotten or fallen items, as well. 3. Monitor your mileage A researcher from the University of Michigan found a steady rise in both vehicle ownership and miles driven per year. The average American drives nearly 9,000 miles annually, according to the report. That means you may be putting more mileage on your car than ever before. It's not always possible, but limiting the miles you put on your car can make it more attractive for buyers. Keep this average in mind as you drive your vehicle, so you can gauge where your car falls compared to other used cars on the market. Your mileage will also dictate your qualification for an extended car warranty, which protects older vehicles up to a certain number of miles or years. Compare extended car warranty plans to see if your car is eligible under the requirements. 4. Reduce unnecessary wear and tear If you want your car to remain in mint―or even good―condition, then you'll need to kick those bad maintenance and driving habits. Maybe you change your oil infrequently or wait to get gas at the very last minute. Perhaps you ride your brakes down hills. Do you live in a cold climate? Cold starts can put undue stress on your engine. These are all examples of common, yet damaging, habits that can affect the longevity and efficiency of your vehicle. Another reason to avoid unnecessary wear and tear is because warranties don't cover repairs caused by everyday use and poor habits. If you leave your car out in hail storms or put excessive weight on the drivetrain, that makes it more costly for a new owner to repair. 5. Take care of maintenance that warranties don't cover Most extended car warranties, whether provided by a manufacturer or third-party, don't cover routine maintenance, such as oil changes, new tires, brake pads, and wiper blades. While you own the vehicle, you should keep up with preventative maintenance so that the car works well while you're the owner, as well as runs properly on a test drive. 6. Get an extended warranty An extended car warranty is a valuable tool for covering costly repairs on an older car, and its benefits become more apparent when your car is properly maintained. Purchasing an extended warranty also reassures buyers that they have a guaranteed level of protection when they purchase a car that's no longer under its factory warranty. You can find different levels of coverage, from basic powertrain (transmission, engine, and drivetrain) to comprehensive bumper-to-bumper plans, using a third-party provider, such as CARCHEX. A CARCHEX used car extended warranty is useful for an older car after its manufacturer warranty has expired, and it's also transferable to a new owner. Though the warranty may not increase the actual price of the car, your used car's value will still improve with regard to peace of mind. In addition to repair coverage, an extended warranty provides 24-hour roadside assistance, trip interruption coverage, and a host of other bonus reimbursements. For buyers evaluating a used car's value, the fear of a breakdown is a major concern. However, repair coverage and roadside assistance can be comforting selling points and set you apart from other sellers. In a nutshell, increasing your used car's value is not about tricking the seller into buying an old car. It's about keeping a new car feeling and looking good-as-new over time. Lawrence Dorman is the Executive Vice President of Marketing & Operations for CARCHEX.

Purchasing an extended warranty has three steps:1. Evaluate whether or not an extended warranty is right for you.2. Decide what kind of extended warranty to buy.3. Choose an extended warranty provider.We’ll focus on steps two and three in this article. Choosing an extended warranty Extended warranties fall into three main categories: powertrain, stated-component, and exclusionary. Each kind of extended warranty or service contract has different eligibility requirements and a different level of coverage. If you are unsure of what a car warranty or extended warranty is in general, check out our complete guide to car warranties for a simple run-down.There may be some slight variability company to company in eligibility requirements and specific coverage. However, the general coverage offered by each kind of warranty will be about the same. While most companies make general coverage information easily accessible online, some companies don’t. Instead, potential clients must input their car information to see options tailored to their situation. autopom! includes general coverage and some eligibility information on its website and offers a wide selection of extended vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX also offers general coverage information on its website in addition to sample service contracts. The information from both companies is a helpful reference. Powertrain extended warranty Coverage Powertrain warranties typically cover the car’s engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axle. Some companies include additional coverage for things like the supercharger, differential assembly, and air conditioning in their powertrain warranty plans. Powertrain warranties cover the most essential parts of a car, which offers peace of mind and can save car owners money on expensive repairs. Because the powertrain warranties only cover the essentials, they tend to be less expensive than warranties that offer more coverage. Eligibility Eligibility requirements are trickier to pin-down for powertrain warranties. However, this kind of coverage can be purchased for low-mileage and higher-mileage vehicles. Most car warranty companies have a maximum mileage that they will service, so it’s important to check with each company directly to see what’s available for your car.autopom!’s powertrain warranties offer coverage for an additional 36,000 to 100,000 miles (three to six years).CARCHEX’s extended powertrain warranties can last as long as five to seven years. "The powertrain usually becomes an issue in older and higher mileage vehicles. So if a powertrain warranty is offered, it is only with considering if you are buying an older car that has racked up plenty of mileage," says Jake McKenzie, Auto Accessories Garage Content Manager. Stated-component extended warranty Coverage Stated-component warranties cover the car’s powertrain and other parts specifically listed in the service agreement. These plans offer more coverage than a powertrain warranty and less coverage than the car’s factory warranty, so it’s a nice middle level of coverage. There is also more variety available with these named-component plans, which makes it easier for car owners to find affordable coverage to meet their needs. Eligibility Stated-component warranties are available for newer cars with lower mileage. For example, autopom!’s stated-component warranties end coverage at 100,000 or 125,000 miles (five to seven years). CARCHEX’s stated-component warranties are recommended for cars with over 60,000 miles and can last as long as five, seven, or ten years, depending on the plan and client’s situation.If your car has fewer than 100,000 or 125,000 miles, a stated-component extended warranty could be a good option, especially if you want more coverage than a powertrain warranty. "While most extended warranties do not cover general wear and tear, some stated-component coverage options do. If insuring your vehicle against standard wear and tear is important to you, a stated-component plan could be the best for you," says McKenzie Exclusionary extended warranty Coverage Exclusionary coverage is the most comprehensive coverage available once the original warranty expires. It covers most car parts, except for the parts listed in the contract. Parts not covered include things like lights, paint, and bumpers. Eligibility Exclusionary coverage is only available to newer cars with low mileage. For example, autopom!’s exclusionary warranty plans end after 100,000 or 150,000 miles (six to eight years). CARCHEX’s exclusionary warranties can last up to seven or ten years.If you want comprehensive coverage and your car has under 100,000 or 150,000 miles, an exclusionary warranty is a nice option. "Exclusionary coverage is best if you spend a lot of time driving or commuting and any interruption in your vehicle’s reliability would be detrimental to your life or business," says McKenzie. Choosing an extended warranty provider Once you know the kind of warranty you want, compare plans from several companies, including our number one ranked car warranty company, autopom!. Most plans will be similar, but some companies have more variety. For example, some companies offer very basic powertrain warranty plans while others offer more comprehensive powertrain warranty plans. The more comprehensive plans will cover more parts and will usually be more expensive. Evaluating plans from multiple companies can help you find the best plan for what you want.As you’re researching companies, consider the benefits included with many extended service contracts. 24/7 roadside assistance has become standard in the industry. Many companies also offer rental car and trip interruption reimbursement. The reimbursement is only available if the car needs covered repairs.In addition to comparing plans and benefits, read customer reviews to be sure that you’re purchasing an extended warranty from a reliable and trusted provider. Reviews will give you insight to the level of customer service and quality of the extended warranty. "Before purchasing insurance through a third-party be sure to know if they have a deductible and what the process would look like if damage occurred. Many third-party warranties will have you pay out of pocket and then file a reimbursement claim, this process can take months to complete. If you don’t have the funds on hand for this, consider the dealership warranty as a better option," says Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc. CEO and Founder. An extended warranty is a financial commitment. It can protect your finances if your car needs a covered repair. Car repairs can be expensive, so an extended vehicle service contract can be an investment in your car’s continued function.Purchasing a car warranty from a trusted warranty provider is also important. If you make a claim, you’ll want to be confident that your warranty company will pay.Understanding your coverage needs, what your budget is, and finding a good extended warranty company will ensure that you purchase the right extended warranty for your car.View Best Company’s Top-ranked Extended Warranty Companies

Guest Post by Azhar Mirza It is no longer enough that teenagers take driving lessons from their parents. Nowadays, teens who intend to legally drive are required to enroll in a driving school and take formal driver education classes. Taking driver education is mandatory in 32 states in the United States. This requirement is one of the solutions of state governments to the worrisome number of car crashes involving teen drivers. As supported by several studies, requiring teens to take formal classes enables them to observe safe driving practices, thereby reducing their chances of getting in auto accidents. If your child intends to get a license and driver education is mandatory in your state, then you need to research driving schools. Keep in mind, not all driver education providers are top-caliber institutions. Hence, you have to be meticulous in your selection process if you want your child to obtain the needed knowledge and skills to pass a licensing test and, more importantly, to become a responsible and safe driver. So, how do you determine if a driver education provider is worth your money and your teen’s time and effort? Make sure that the driving school satisfies all the three criteria listed below: DMV-approved or state-approved This is one of the most important things you should look for in a driver ed provider. First, a DMV or state recognition signifies that the school is a legitimate company that offers driving lessons. Just as it has made it simpler for businesses to widen their reach, the internet has also made it easier for unscrupulous people to set up bogus companies. In your search for a driving school, you may come across some of them. These enterprises masquerade as driver education providers but are actually just out there to get your money. Your child won’t get quality education from them or worse, won’t get any driving lessons at all. Steer clear of these fake driving schools. Always check if the company you are eyeing is a legitimate business. More importantly, verify if it is a state-recognized or DMV-recognized driving school. Furthermore, when a school is DMV-approved, you are guaranteed that its driver education course covers all the topics the DMV or state deems essential for one to become a licensed driver. Hence, you can be certain that, after finishing his lessons, your teenager is going to pass the licensing exam. Comprehensive driver education course It is also imperative that the school offers a comprehensive driver education course. Remember, as a parent, your concern should not just be for your child to get a driver’s license. You should also ensure that he or she becomes a safe driver. Do not settle for a driver education course that only covers the basics — handling a vehicle, knowing signs and road markings, driving on highways, parking, etc. Make sure that you pick one that inculcates the importance of observing safe driving practices and avoiding risky behaviors like texting while driving. Studies have shown that texting while behind the wheel is the riskiest type of distracted driving behavior. A driver’s crash risk increases up to nine times when texting and driving. This shouldn’t be surprising since using a cellphone when one is behind the wheel occupies almost 40 percent of brain activity from driving. Aside from the cognitive disruption, this act also causes visual and manual distractions. Yet, despite the dangers of texting while driving, many teenagers engage in this risky behavior. In a 2015 study, over 40 percent of teenagers admitted to using cellphones to text or send an email while they were behind the wheel. Creating awareness about the hazards of texting while driving and other risky driving behaviors is essential in reducing accidents due to distracted teenage drivers. It is important that the driver education course your child will be taking tackles this topic. Make sure you check the curriculum of the driving school you are considering. Track record of excellent service A good driving school is one that is known for delivering high quality education and first-rate customer service. It is recognized for consistently helping students pass their licensing exams the first time. Furthermore, it has a reputation for providing exceptional assistance to its customers. This is very important especially if you are going for an online driving school. One of the primary reasons why parents choose online driving schools is to make things more convenient for their children. This can be impossible to achieve if your child encounters problems with the website and the school does not provide immediate support. Instead of making the entire learning experience hassle-free, poor customer service can make things more stressful for your child. Check the driving school’s reputation. However, do not just solely rely on what’s stated on the company’s website description or what its sales specialist says. Look for feedback from previous students or clients. Remember, a truly good driving school won’t have a shortage of good reviews online and offline. Finding the right driving school for your child can be challenging, but it’s not impossible to successfully accomplish this task. All you need to do is to research and use the above mentioned criteria and you are certain to find a driver education provider that’s going to help your child get a license and become a responsible driver.Azhar Mirza is the General Manager of DMVEdu, an online driving school offering top-notch drivers education in California, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.

The last shreds of winter have faded. Spring is here. Summer is just around the corner. For many, summer means hitting the road for a break and vacation time.Road trips can be both adventurous and exhausting. To ensure the success of your trip, it’s important to plan, prepare, and pack well. Here are some expert tips to help you make this summer’s road trip one to remember: Planning your trip Grainne Kelly, Inventor of BubbleBum “Although a fun summer car trip sounds like it should be a last minute, “wing it” kind of outing, it requires almost the same level of planning and forethought as any other trip — especially during the busy summer travel times. A carefully planned summer car trip is a plan for success. Do your research on the destination of choice, try to choose less hectic times, and make sure lodging is available at the destination and on the way if the trip is longer. Also confirm that you don’t need tickets in advance. Mapping out your journey is important and you'll want to avoid congested roadways around busy holiday travel days and investigate what events are taking place at each stop along the way so you can allow some extra time.” Oliver Browne, Credit Industry Analyst for Credit Card Insider “For any type of trip, budgeting is a necessity. Unless you drive an electric car, gas is likely to be one of your more significant expenses on a summer road trip.There are several credit cards that have rewards specifically catering to purchases at gas stations, giving you cash back or points every time you’re at the gas pump or stocking up on supplies. There are several gas cards without annual fees, allowing you to earn rewards at no cost, as long as you pay your balance in full and on time.Rewards are either a cash percentage of your overall purchase or a specific number of points for every dollar you spend on gas. This means if gas prices increase, your rewards will increase.” Jose Bone, from The Passport Office “For those planning summer road trips that may leave the states, we'd recommend checking their passports. While sometimes lax border conditions allow this, if someone's passport is within three months of expiring they cannot use it for international travel anywhere. Some attempting to return with a soon to be expiring passport may not be able to reenter the country if the border is strict on that day.” Preparing your car Jake McKenzie, Content Manager for Auto Accessories Garage “Before you leave on your road trip, it’s a great idea to check all of the standard maintenance points of your vehicle. Check that your tires have ample tread on them. Check to see if your air filter, oil filter, and fuel filters need replacing. And possibly most importantly, make sure your tires are properly inflated. Properly inflated tires will save you tons of gas money throughout the course of your road trip.” Laura Gonzales, Marketing Manager for Mercedes-Benz of Pembroke Pines “The best way to prevent a break down on a road trip is by taking off in a car that is in good condition. This means you've taken your car in to get checked and get any serious repairs done before you leave. You should also bring an emergency kit in case something does happen. This includes jumper cables, spare tire, fire extinguisher, a tire-pressure gauge, cell phone charger, water, and food.” Lauren Fix, Automotive analyst “When the engine is cool, check some of the fluids — engine oil, radiator coolant and windshield washer fluid — and refill or replace them as needed. A certified technician can do this if you don’t want to do it yourself. Follow the service manual if you are unsure about service intervals, don’t just do a change because you are being upsold.Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed and loose, or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering, and the cooling system.     Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.” Packing for your trip Sam Maizlech, Outdoors and Travel Expert for Glacier Wellness “Before you head out on your big summer road trip, be sure you're prepared for any emergencies. The first thing to pack is a first-aid kit. Be it a prepackaged kit or a DIY one, make sure you have enough supplies to handle basic first-aid needs, such as gauze, bandages, antibiotic cream, cotton swabs, disposable gloves, and alcohol pads.Next, be sure to pack an emergency supply of water. Besides for drinking, this water can come in handy if your car overheats. You'll also want to pack a blanket, flashlight, basic tire changing tool kit, jumper cables, and a spare tire. Additionally, it's worth bringing reflectors, reflective rainwear, emergency flares, backup fluids, and some snacks too.” Mallory Mercer, Lifestyle and Travel Expert at Grapevine Gossip “You don't want to cram the car with luggage, so if you are going to be on the road for a week take one large suitcase.  Make sure to check the weather of your destination, if you are going somewhere like San Francisco, it can get as low as 40 degrees in the summer.  Make sure you have enough snacks and road trip games to keep you occupied. And don't forget a garbage bag! Nobody wants to sit in garbage for hours.” Grainne Kelly, Inventor of BubbleBum “Make sure you’ve got your car registration and insurance information, car manual, and an extra car key (not on the same ring). Also pack a car charger for your cell phone, maps, first aid kit, extra bottled water, Swiss Army Knife, jumper cables, flashlight, matches/lighter, necessary tools to change a flat tire, and emergency flares. It’s also smart to include travel blankets and plenty of snacks, especially if traveling to remote areas. It's better to be safe than sorry.” Enjoying the trip Laura Gonzales, Marketing Manager for Mercedes-Benz of Pembroke Pines “The first thing you should do when a breakdown occurs is turn your hazard lights on and pull onto the side of the road safely. Call roadside assistance and keep in mind you need to know exactly where your car is located, take a look at the nearest cross street or the exit number if you're on the freeway or interstate. If you're on a road trip, it's a good idea to ask for the estimated time of arrival. If you're feeling unsafe you can let the operator know or even call 911. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can always look up the nearest towing company or contact the non-emergency number of the local police department.” Grainne Kelly, Inventor of BubbleBum “Excitement and anticipation makes heroes of us all sometimes. Acknowledge it, and plan for it. There is nothing worse than arriving at your dream vacation exhausted and grumpy. Include breaks in your plan and arrive ready to enjoy the trip you’ve worked hard for. Rest stops are a good option for a picnic break, but so are smaller towns along the way that are easy to get in and out of, but usually have a local park with a playground for the kids. Pack a frisbee or ball for the family to work off any potential wiggles. Stopping every three or so hours is a good rule of thumb.  If you have a child (or parent) that suffers from motion sickness, you might want to consider a stop every two hours to get some fresh air.” Mallory Mercer, Lifestyle and Travel Expert at Grapevine Gossip “Use a portable essential oil diffuser that plugs into the USB to keep the air smelling amazing and your mood uplifted. Essential oils are proven to have therapeutic benefits. Diffuse citrus oils to keep you energized for your long drive. Create a killer playlist. You'll need hours upon hours of good tunes so everyone should get to create their own playlists and you can take turns controlling the music.” Playing it safe Roadside assistance can be helpful, especially if you’re traveling through more remote areas. If you have an extended warranty, check to see if your policy includes 24/7 roadside assistance. Before your road trip, make sure to educate your self on the laws and overall road safety of the state that you will be driving in. For more road trip advice, check out Your Parking Space's article about road trips. 

Car salespeople and car warranty companies always talk about the value brought by purchasing an extended car warranty. Are they trying to make a sale or are car warranties really worth it?Before you purchase a car warranty for your new car or new-to-you car, you should ask yourself the following questions: What is your car’s service and repair history? What is the year, make, model, and mileage of your car? Do you have savings? How frequently do you roadtrip? What kind of coverage do you actually need? If you are unsure of what a car warranty or extended warranty is in general, check out our complete guide to car warranties for a simple run-down.   What is your car’s service and repair history? If you bought a new car, then your car should have a clean slate and be reliable.If you bought a used car, it’s a good idea to review the CarFax to learn about any difficulties experienced by previous owners. In addition to accidents and damage reports, look for notes about systems malfunctioning or not working properly. These notes can indicate the potential for future problems.If you’re considering purchasing a car warranty, be sure to understand if any modifications have been made and if the car has been well-maintained. If there have been modifications or if the car has not had regular oil changes, it may not qualify for an extended warranty.It’s also a good idea to have a trusted mechanic take a look at your car. Your mechanic can tell you if the car is in good shape and what repairs to anticipate in the future. Car warranties only provide coverage for some car parts when they fail. If your car is pretty reliable, an extended warranty may not be worth the expense. What’s the year, make, model, and mileage of your car? "If you are shopping for an extended warranty, look into the reliability of the car make and model purchased to know what the likely damage will be and how long into the car life they tend to break," says Jared Weitz, United Capital Source Inc. CEO and Founder. Car warranty companies have certain requirements associated with each of their plans. For example, some car warranty companies do not offer warranties for foreign cars. It’s also fairly common for car warranty companies to offer several vehicle protection plans with different levels of coverage at different price points.Most plans have mileage restrictions. The plans with the most comprehensive coverage often have the lowest maximum mileage covered. The plans with the least coverage are cheaper and have more flexible mileage restrictions.View autopom!’s plans and mileage requirements. How frequently do you roadtrip? Many car warranty companies include additional benefits in their plans, like roadside assistance, trip interruption, and car rental reimbursement.These benefits add value to a car warranty. Roadside assistance is very useful for emergencies like running out of gas, local towing, and jumpstarts.If you live in a rural area or away from family and friends, roadside assistance is valuable because you have someone you can call for help.If you’re on the road a lot and roadtrip through remote areas, trip interruption benefits are great. Trip interruption benefits reimburse hotel and meal expenses while your car is having covered repairs.For people who have long commutes or rely heavily on their car for daily tasks, the rental car benefit is great. You won’t have to bother with public transportation, figure out rides, or change your routine. Do you have savings? It’s good practice to have savings set aside for unexpected expenses. If you don’t have a lot of savings set aside and aren’t actively saving, it’s a good idea to start making that a priority in your budget.The major benefit that a car warranty offers is reducing repair costs and other associated costs for covered parts that stop functioning properly. Be cautious when choosing between savings and an extended warranty. "Extended car warranties are often costlier than the typical repairs themselves tend to cost. Instead of a car warranty, consider dedicating the money that would go to the warranty into an emergency fund for any potential damages that may come up," says Weitz. While car repairs can be quite expensive, but how likely is your car going to need these repairs? Is your money better spent on an extended warranty or put in your savings? What kind of coverage do you actually need? The three main kinds of extended car warranty include the following: Exclusionary Stated-component Powertrain Exclusionary extended warranties are typically for newer cars whose factory warranties have expired. Exclusionary coverage is very similar to factory warranty coverage. It covers everything in the car except those listed in the service agreement. They are also known as bumper-to-bumper warranties. These are ideal for people looking for coverage to replace the factory warranty.Stated-component warranties offer a mid-level of coverage. These service agreements only cover the parts listed in the agreement. These extended service agreements are ideal for car owners looking for comprehensive coverage but not the same kind of coverage as a bumper-to-bumper warranty.Powertrain warranties cover a car’s powertrain. These parts typically include the engine, drivetrain, and transmission. These are the most essential components of a car. "Before making the purchase, look at your standard car insurance to see if it covers any mechanical damages prior to investing in additional warranties," says Weitz. To buy or not to buy "An extended warranty is always a gamble and, in most cases, what you’re actually paying for is peace of mind. A 2013 survey from Consumer Reports showed that 55 percent of extended warranty holders never ended up using the warranty at all. Of the 45 percent that did take advantage of extended warranty coverage, most survey takers still saw a net loss when comparing the cost of repairs versus the cost of the warranty," says Jake McKenzie, Auto Accessories Garage Content Manager. If you found a great car that’s reliable, purchasing an extended service agreement may not be the best investment.If you’re on the road a lot or would benefit from a car warranty’s included features like roadside assistance, car rental reimbursement, or trip interruption, an extended service agreement may also be worthwhile. However, it’s worth comparing pricing of an auto warranty with the pricing of roadside assistance service subscriptions. You may be able to find a better deal.An extended auto warranty may be a worthwhile investment if you’re worried about your car’s reliability.View Best Car Warranty Companies

Guest Post by Mike Jones There's nothing more exciting than visiting a car dealership and seeing your dream car on the lot. However, before you make the vehicle yours, you want to take it for a test drive. You wouldn't buy a house without getting it inspected. And you wouldn't buy a bed without trying it out. You shouldn't buy a car without taking it for a quick drive. When you're making such a large purchase, there's no turning back, so it's important to make the right decision. A vehicle's appearance is important but it takes a backseat when it comes to a vehicle's driving capabilities, its comfort, and its safety. 1. Look for a vehicle's drivability When you're out on the road, pay special attention to the way the vehicle feels. Listen for strange noises. Feel for any vibrations or bumps. Take a look at the buttons and gears. Can you get used to them? Ask yourself a few questions: Does the transmission shift smoothly? How does the vehicle respond to bumpy or unpaved roads? Does the steering respond properly? Does it vibrate? Do you feel the car being pulled to the left or right? How does it accelerate? How do the brakes feel? Do they respond quickly? Chances are, you'll be driving this car for tens of thousands of miles, so make sure it drives how you want it to. Moving from a small car to a large SUV or vice versa brings quite a noticeable difference. Make sure you're comfortable with this change. 2. Consider your comfort Long road trips. Commuting to work during rush hour. Visits to your family. You'll be spending a lot of time in your car. Research estimates that you'll spend just under 300 hours in your vehicle each year. You want to make sure you're comfortable. As you drive, ask yourself the following questions: Is there enough head or leg room? Can seats be adjusted? Is the driver's seat comfortable? How is the quality of the material? Are there controls for warming the seats, cooling the back, etc.? Can the steering wheel be adjusted? If you have a family, is there enough room for passengers? 3. Take safety features for a spin More so than appearance, more so than comfort, and more so than cost, safety should be the most important consideration during your test drive. Today's vehicles feature more safety measures than ever before. Consider the following basic safety features: Do seatbelts work properly? Are the windshield wipers in good condition? Is there a back wiper? Can you easily adjust the mirrors? How is visibility? Do you have large blind spots? Do the dashboard warning lights illuminate properly? Do locks work properly? Do turn signals work? Is there four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for the snow? Over the years, there have been considerable improvements in the safety features available in vehicles. Therefore, there are also some more advanced safety features you'll want to consider: Is there a backup camera or blind spot detection? Is there crash detection or emergency braking? Does the vehicle come equipped with emergency services, like OnStar? Is there a GPS? Are there childproof locks or Safety Exist Assist? You may end up paying extra for some advanced safety features. Carefully evaluate the safety features you prioritize. If you have children, you may require drastically different safety features than someone who's not a parent. If you drive highways, you may want different safety features than someone who frequently drives backroads. 4. Get a mechanic's advice Sometimes it's best to take a test drive straight to your mechanic, especially if you're buying a used car. Ask the dealership or seller if your mechanic can inspect the car. They may ask to go with you, but them being there during the inspection may give you some added bargaining leverage. Mechanics may be able to spot things that you didn't notice during your test drive. They may also be able to explain any weird noises, check engine lights, or bumps/vibrations you experienced. You should also request a vehicle history report to make sure the car poses no hidden dangers or vulnerabilities.  Make sure the vehicle has a clean title, no odometer irregularities, no major accidents, and has received regular maintenance.Before purchasing your vehicle, ask questions. Do research. If you need to, go for a second test drive. Do what you need to do in order to guarantee automotive peace of mind with your new car. Mike Jones is the president and CEO of autopom!, a BBB Accredited A+ rated provider of vehicle protection plans for both new and used cars. Click here to learn more about autopom!