The Used Car Blog

We want consumers everywhere to feel confident about their ability to engage in the used car process on their own terms. We’re going to be posting articles about every aspect of buying used cars, from giving you tips on how to judge the condition of a used car to knowing your way around financing options to what you should look for when test driving a vehicle.

The Difference between a Service Contract and a Warranty

Automotiveservice contractsare a staple in the used car business, but you may know them by another name, "extended warranty." You might even be familiar with these terms outside the automotive sphere, such as when buying electronic devices or appliances, but there is a bit of confusion, which leads some to financial pain of one kind or another. First, though, why do you want a warranty to begin with?

How to Maintain or Improve Fuel Economy

Look at every new car and many used cars, and you'll likely notice two things: the EPA Fuel Economy and Emissions label for new cars and "Fuel Sipper" or "Thrifty" for used cars. Even at home or on the job, fuel economy might be of some importance to you, whether refueling costs are sucking away at your paycheck or siphoning from your bottom line. Finally, anyone concerned about the environment might also be looking into fuel economy, because the less fuel you burn, the fewer emissions go into the atmosphere.

DIY Auto Repair: When Should You NOT?

If you have a little mechanical aptitude, can follow instructions, and have a good DIY auto repair toolbox, maintaining and repairing your own vehicle isn't all that difficult. Thanks to the internet, you don't even have to have a mechanic-buddy to help you: there are videos and blogs covering all kinds of DIY auto repair and maintenance topics. In fact, you may have foundthisarticle searching for DIY auto repair tips.

Driving Habits that Help Your Car Last Longer

Interestingly, many people know why cars break down, but never really think about what makes a car last longer. True, you could just turn the key and drive, change the oil occasionally, and get rid of the car when it gets too expensive to run, but there are ways you can help your car last longer without spending anything extra. Here is a list of driving habits that will help your car last longer:

The Importance of TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System)

Tires are literally your only connection to whatever road you travel, so it goes without saying that they are critically important to your vehicle's performance, fuel economy, ride quality, and safety. While tire wear represents a long-term concern, usually wearing out in 25,000 to 50,000 miles, tire pressure is a more immediate concern, fluctuating day by day. Because tire pressure is so critical to the operation of the tire and the safety of the vehicle it supports, theTREAD Act(Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act) was enacted to bring tire pressure front and center in the minds of drivers across the country.

When and How to Change Engine Oil

When you get into a new car or used car, one of the first things you likely will ask is how to maintain it or how well it has been maintained. In the case of a used car, knowing whether or not it's been maintained, such as by seeingoil change recordsand other service information, could make or break the deal. When it comes to engine oil, why does it need to be changed? How often does the average car need an oil change? Can you change engine oil yourself?

When and How to Rotate Tires

Most good unicycles have one, bicycles a pair, and all cars at least four. Of course, we're talking about tires, which serve several purposes on the modern automobile. Tires give vehicles the traction they need to get around on some of the most demanding terrain our State has to offer, from pothole-ridden city streets or rock-strewn trails, rain, mud, or shine. Additionally, air-filled tires provide a measure of shock absorption, smoothing out some of the lesser bumps in the road. Tire maintenance, such as tire rotations and wheel alignments, helps tires last longer. Here is why and how to rotate tires.

When and How to Change Engine Oil in Your Car

The True Cost of Putting Off Car Maintenance

We've mentioned the importance ofcar maintenancebefore. On the face of it, auto maintenance keeps vehicles running better and helps them last longer, but at what cost? Across the country, average annual maintenance costs run around $550, depending on year, make, model, and usage. This includes typical auto services, such as oil changes, brakes, tires, alignments, and shocks, to name a few. Car owners are encouraged to keep an auto repair savings amount, set aside for regular maintenance, yet a recent AAA (American Automobile Association) survey revealed that about a third of Americans don't have enough money set aside forunexpected auto repairs.Following the old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," we might say, "an oil change, every 5,000 miles, is worth an engine rebuild." In other words, regular car maintenance saves owners money over the life of their vehicles. What is the true cost of putting off car maintenance? Considering that the average owner pays around $550 per year in auto maintenance, here some of the consequences of putting it off.

How Important is Regular Vehicle Maintenance?

All new cars come with a vehicle maintenance log, and many new and used car dealers offer maintenance service plans, but what's the big deal? Is "regular vehicle maintenance" just another way for dealership service centers to get another dollar out of your wallet, or is there something more?