June 26th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Billions of dollars are spent by automakers to build awareness about their cars and promote them. However, marketing is not the only thing that shapes a consumer’s perception of cars.
Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted an Auto Pulse survey, which found that Toyota and Honda automobiles came in first and second place over all the other car brands. In addition, those vehicles have performed well consistently, and usually rank in the top of their classes. Toyota and Honda have also been found to be the most reliable over the years.
In this survey, consumers had to rank vehicle brands in seven different areas. These included quality, safety, value, environmental friendliness, performance, technological innovation and design. The survey also showed the factors that consumers consider to be the most important when purchasing a car.
According to this survey, motorists that value reliability and want to avoid calling their road service program should look to Toyota and Honda. They have shown consistent reliability and consumer satisfaction.
June 24th, 2009 by Hal Moses
One of the family activities that are the most fun is going on road trips. Over the spring and summer, American families will go on over 320 trips. Although enjoyable, frustration can accompany families on the road. Take note of the following do’s and don’ts in order to ensure that your family has a great trip.
The most important thing that you can do is to get your family vehicle a tune-up. Your vehicle needs to be in top-notch condition. Nothing is worse than having your car breakdown, leaving you stranded. This is why a road service program is so important.
You should plan ahead so that your family knows what is happening during the trip. This will alleviate stressful situations and help things to go smoothly. In addition, you might want to purchase software to plan your trip and invest in a GPS. This advanced technology will act as your guide to your desired destination.
Of course, you never know when you will run into speed bumps throughout your trip. For example, road construction and traffic are inevitable. However, your trip doesn’t have to be ruined by these inconveniences. In addition, you can rest assured that you have emergency roadside assistance in case your car overheats.
June 24th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Modern cars provide safety for adults, but it is up to parents to provide the special protection needed for children. However, there are many different types of Child seats out there today, which can make it confusing for adults to know what to choose for their child. There are three different types of seats.
Infant car seats are designed to be rear facing. These seats are for infants that weigh less than 20 pounds and are less than one year old. One advantage to this seat is that you can unclip it from its base and carry your baby in it.
Convertible seats offer versatility. These seats can be used with infants that are rear facing, or children less than 40 pounds that are forward facing. You can purchase these seats in various configurations; so make sure you do your homework to secure your child correctly. These seats are cost effective because with this type of seat you don’t ever have to purchase an infant seat.
Booster seats are intermediate seats between the infant or convertible seat and a seat belt. These seats are designed for kids between 40-65 pounds and face forward. These seats come in low-back and high-back models. You don’t want to buy a low-back type if you have a child whose head is above the top of the back.
Don’t get overwhelmed with the child safety seat options. Do your homework so you know what to look at when you go to the store. It is important for you to be responsible for your child’s safety. This includes purchasing an appropriate car seat and having a road service program so that you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road with your child.
June 19th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Consumers will find that vehicles can withstand more and more demands. Now, there is a plentitude of cars out there that are tough and reliable. Which cars are going to prevent you from having to call for road service?
Honda is a good place to start. Honda puts out vehicles that are safe and reliable. In addition, they need minimal repairs and experience few problems. The Odyssey is a prime example. It is ranked first on the list of durable cars. Also making the list is the Honda CRV, Pilot, Accord and Civic.
Other cars that are known for durability are small SUVs, such as the Volvo XC90 and the Subaru Forester. The Acura RDX and Audi A4 are luxurious and durable.
These cars were put on the durable cars list according to safety, vehicle performance, and history of complaints. Anyone looking to buy a new car would feel peace of mind in these vehicles. Of course, it never hurts to have emergency roadside assistance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
June 17th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Most people would agree that shopping for tires is not one of the most fun things to shop for. Basically, we would just like to find a set of tires that will fit our car and keep us from calling for road service. Nevertheless, there are a few things that you should be aware of before going tire shopping.
First of all, you should buy new tires. Saving a few dollars is not worth sacrificing traction and performance. Your safety should be your first priority, so don’t buy used tires.
Next, you need to know what the factory size of your tires is. You can find this out by looking on the inside of the door hinge located on the driver’s side.
Do your homework and shop around for good tire deals. It is easy to make price comparisons online, just make sure you factor in shipping and installation costs. Tiretrack.com is a good website that has practically every tire and they offer good deals. Also, you can read reviews from other customers who have bought the tires you plan on buying.
Finally, do some research on different tires before you make a purchase. All tires aren’t created equal and the expensive ones aren’t necessarily the best.
Although tires aren’t most people’s favorite things to shop for, they are an important part of your car. Following these tips will allow you to get good tires at a low price. After all, nobody likes to be stuck with a flat tire calling for emergency roadside assistance.
June 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Why buy a sports car? Sports cars are not made to be practical, they are made to be fun. They are available in various models, such as two-seat roadsters and hatchbacks. Many models have relatively small cargo space, while others offer ample rear cargo room. Here are some things to consider when deciding which car model to purchase.
Even car models that fall in the same categories can vary greatly in fuel-efficiency. Make sure to do comparisons to see which models will save you money at the gas pump and also purchase a road service program.
A lot of sports cars have small doors and limited head room that make getting in and out difficult. If you’re looking for a little more ease, you might want to look for a four-door hatchback or sedan. They often have easier access.
A sports car can have from two to five seats; depending on what model you look at. Even cars with five seats often have a middle rear seat that is too tight for adults. Make sure to try out the seats for comfort. Also, consider a three-point seat belt instead of a lap belt for a seat in the center rear.
A sports car is a great choice for motorists who want an exciting ride, and aren’t concerned about cargo space. However, it is always important to purchase an auto warranty to protect your wallet in case of unforeseen repairs down the road.
June 13th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Billions of dollars are spent by automakers to build awareness about their cars and promote them. However, marketing is not the only thing that shapes a consumer’s perception of cars.
Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted an Auto Pulse survey, which found that Toyota and Honda automobiles came in first and second place over all the other car brands. In addition, those vehicles have performed well consistently, and usually rank in the top of their classes. Toyota and Honda have also been found to be the most reliable over the years.
In this survey, consumers had to rank vehicle brands in seven different areas. These included quality, safety, value, environmental friendliness, performance, technological innovation and design. The survey also showed the factors that consumers consider to be the most important when purchasing a car.
According to this survey, motorists that value reliability and want to avoid calling their road service program should look to Toyota and Honda. They have shown consistent reliability and consumer satisfaction.
June 10th, 2009 by Hal Moses
It’s familiar to us all. You’re 10 minutes late, driving to work, and you need to make up for lost time. So, suddenly you find yourself with a lead foot and you begin multi tasking by catching up on phone calls. Doesn’t sound very safe, huh? We all make common driving mistakes, but we need to be aware that these mistakes could leave us calling for road service.
Pushing buttons on your dashboard while driving can be very dangerous. In fact, car companies find themselves jumping through the hoops of lawyers when they develop consoles equipped with climate gauges, satellite navigation and stereos. Playing with these devices is the #1 cause of accidents.
In approximately 56% of fatal car crashes, aggressive driving is a factor. Aggressive driving includes tailgating, speeding, making improper lane changes, and running red lights and stop signs. Most motorists admit that they make the same mistakes that they hate to see other motorists make.
Mobile devices are a big temptation for everyone on the road, but especially teenagers. These include cell phones, Blackberries, and iPods. It is best to place phone calls, text, and set up your music before putting your gear in “driveâ€. These simple devices can prove fatal in a car.
We are all guilty of making common driving mistakes, but being aware of them will help us avoid calls for emergency auto assistance. Safety should be your first concern on the road.
June 4th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Automakers have been redesigning vehicles so that they are stronger than ever. They have achieved this by using lightweight materials, allowing cars to be more fuel-efficient. This technology makes vehicles more durable, cutting down on road service calls. Also, it is saving numerous lives.
The only disadvantage to these new, stronger materials is that rescue workers are having a difficult time cutting into vehicles that are mangled from wrecks.
According to experts and rescue officials around the nation, vehicles designed with safety measures, such as reinforced steel, are creating a challenge for rescue workers to get motorists out of cars.
One answer to this problem is investing in rescue equipment that is better. Heavy-duty cutters are necessary to release motorists. A cutter such as this from Hurst costs approximately $25,000.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is well worth the tradeoff of tougher cars because many lives are saved. In fact, the rate of fatalities for passenger cars is lower than it has ever been in history.
June 4th, 2009 by Hal Moses
Performing routine maintenance performs several functions; not only will it help your car look it’s best, it will keep you from having to call your road service program.
First, to help your vehicle look like new, give it a wash and wax in order to remove the grime and winter salt. This will help protect your finish in the summer heat.
Next, consult your owner’s manual to flush and refill your radiator. You should check the condition, level, and concentration of the coolant on a regular basis.
Get an oil change. Skipping oil changes can greatly reduce the life of your vehicle. Also, change the oil filter when you get your oil changed. Other filters also need replacing occasionally, such as air, fuel, and PCV.
Finally, check your tires. Let them cool down, and check your air pressure. Also, be aware that cupping, uneven wear, vibrations, and pulling to one side may indicate a problem with either your tires or your suspension system.
These simple tips will have your car driving safely and keep you from calling for emergency roadside assistance.
Billions of dollars are spent by automakers to build awareness about their cars and promote them. However, marketing is not the only thing that shapes a consumer’s perception of cars.
