“We are increasing the coverage for our most popular contracts by a whole year, and providing additional options for others, to make our coverage an even better value in the current economy,” said Tara Williams, Executive Vice President of Warranty Direct in Charlotte. “We have had numerous customer requests for these options, and we are very pleased to make them available, effective Sept. 12.”

“With several comprehensive policy options, coverage for new cars has been increased by one year, to a maximum of eight years, and for used cars up to a maximum of 11 years of vehicle age,” Williams explained. “For one of our popular economical products, which just covers major components such as engine, transmission and drive train, we have expanded it to cover electronic components as well, for just about 10 percent more.”

Warranty Direct is also offering the extended warranty industry’s first “disappearing deductible.” It will waive its normal $100 deductible whenever customers have their cars repaired at two major approved suppliers, Firestone Complete Auto Care with 1,500 stores nationwide and AAMCO Transmission Repair with 750 locations.

Additional information on the coverage improvement options are available on the company website, www.warrantydirect.com.

For more than 30 years, Warranty Direct has been part of one of the largest and most established vehicle service contract companies in North America. Today Warranty Direct operates primarily on the Internet, providing full transparency for the consumer so they can see all options, prices and contracts online prior to purchase. The company respects consumers by never engaging in unsolicited phone calls (telemarketing). Warranty Direct is one of the few auto warranty companies rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.

Dear Tom,
In a recent column at AOL Autos you wrote about oil changes. In the feedback I noticed that there weren’t any questions about changing transmission fluid. I also noticed that a lot of automotive shops only want to change the fluid and not the filter. Is this a good thing?
Delilah from New Orleans

Delilah,
First of all, it is not a good thing to change the oil and leave the old filter. Always change the filter too, and use a high quality one. Scrimping is this area is penny wise and pound-foolish. As far as the transmission is concerned, the fluid is usually changed at 30-36K miles with a new filter. A lot of shops today use a flush machine. This device can suck old fluid out and pump new fluid in without taking the pan off. I do not recommend this procedure. As a matter of fact, flush machines reverse-flush the transmission fluid, sending dislodged dirt and wear particles back into the transmission. I recommend the standard method, and when you have it done, follow the maintenance schedule and change the filter along with the fluid.
Tom

Judy,
It could be due to a bad switch, a wiring problem, or a faulty heating element. There is a technical service bulletin from GM on this problem. It is TSB number 01-08-50-012B. They advise that you check the switch and wiring and if all is okay, then replace the heating element. TSBs are not covered under warranty.
Tom

Marcie,
All I can tell you is that the warranty you bought is probably an extended warranty on Powertrain/Drivetrain administered by a private company. I would closely check the warranty info and contact the warranty company. They should be able to answer any questions you have. I wish you success.
Tom

Pete,
First off, the carmaker doesn’t mention a light that you describe so you’re probably seeing the “Maintenance Reminder” light, which reminds you that it’s time for an oil change. I see nothing in my data that even remotely refers to a “check with dealer” indicator lamp. Read your owner’s manual on the topic “interior information system.” It should tell you what that light indicates. Best to you.
Tom

Randy,
The GM Oil Life Monitor is accurate to within five percent (5%) of oil life; the algorithm monitors engine crankcase temperature, moisture, and combustion chamber events. Monitoring of these areas accurately predicts oil life, so go ahead and follow its recommendation. Just make sure that you properly reset the system it after changing the oil. Success to you.
Tom

Ethel,
Sounds like the compressor is low on refrigerant and oil, or an idler pulley is going bad on the automatic belt tensioner. It shouldn’t cycle so frequently; you probably have a refrigerant leak that is causing the excessive cycling.
Tom

Milt
Power windows have an electric motor, a wiring harness that feeds the motor, and a switch that controls the motor. Either the motor is bad, or there are bad connections, or the wiring harness is broken to that door, or the switch is faulty. My guess? A faulty switch. Have it checked out by a pro to determine the cause.
Tom

Deb,
How ‘bout them Packers huh?! Cooling systems can be checked with a pressure test. During this process, the tech applies air pressure to the system, trying to force a leak at the weakest point. If it’s the radiator, a leak will spring as soon as the pressure gets beyond the radiator’s capacity to hold it. It’s a pretty simple process. Get a second opinion and have a shop perform the test to see what they come up with. Good luck.
Tom

Find Tom’s new book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever” in local Barnes & Nobel, Borders, and Walden booksellers. Find it online at Amazon.com.

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at noon and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday afternoons – 5PM EST, listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.

Dear Tom,
I own a 2004 Chevy Silverado extended cab pickup and the battery won’t keep a charge. I had it checked and charged twice this week and it did not start the following day. The shop said there was nothing wrong with the battery. I am selling the truck so I don’t want to spend a lot of money. I’m wondering if it would be all right to put in a rebuilt battery and let the person that buys it deal with the underlying problem.
Chris from Hanford, CT

Chris,
I would suspect a rogue parasitic electrical draw is sapping the life energy out of the battery when the key is off. To track this down, a tech will monitor the battery voltage while eliminating each electrical circuit one at a time until the draw is eliminated (at which point he will have identified the offending circuit). Then the tech will trace it out to find the malady and repair it. Otherwise, you will have to keep a full stock of batteries on hand! As for selling the truck with this problem without telling the buyer? Well that’s your call, Chris. Whatever you can sleep with … but I think you already know my answer.
Tom

Anthony,
Have the vehicle scanned with a hand-held scanner while driving it. That way the tech can see exactly what’s going on when the transmission downshifts prematurely. On this vehicle, the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) figures into shift strategy. If it is dropping out prematurely (either because it is faulty or because it needs an adjustment), then the transmission will respond as you described. Don’t change parts arbitrarily without first getting a diagnosis. It is an expensive way to go. Success to you.
Tom

Alex,
Hummm, raise the hood and find out where the engine noise is coming from. It could be a bad idler pulley, water pump, power steering pump, or alternator. Also, the engine could have a bad internal bearing in which case it will have to be torn down for inspection. At any rate, get it into a shop to be inspected before it breaks down and leaves you stranded! Good luck.
Tom

Shari,
Powertrain includes all components that power the car, IE: engine, turbo or super charger (if equipped), and all related engine parts. Drivetrain relates to the transmission, differential/s, axles, wheels, and anything that drives the car forward. Hope this helps.
Tom

Joseph,
According to the book, the labor for this job is 3.9 hours at the shop’s labor rate. The belt is $63.22. At a labor rate of $84 per hour, that calculates out to: $327.60. I would say that closer to $400 is more realistic (depending on the labor rate of the shop, of course).
Tom

John,
AMSOIL makes a good engine flush product that you can find at www.lubedepot.com. However, be careful! If the sludge buildup is significant then all of it will not be cleaned out and the problem will persist. If this is the case, then the engine must be torn down to remedy the problem. Toyota has an extended warranty on their cars for sludging (they call it “oil gelling”). You did not give the year, make, and model so I can’t be specific. However, if it is a Toyota product, there may be warranty coverage for this condition. Best to you.
Tom

Mary,
These cars are notorious for intake vacuum leaks. Typically, the lower portion of the intake plenum leaks due to a bad gasket. Have an engine vacuum test performed to confirm my suspicions. The reason for the lean readings on both banks O2 sensor? Because excessive oxygen is present in the exhaust flow from the vacuum leak. Success to you.
Tom

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. You can hear the live stream of the show at www.americascarshow.com Saturdays at Noon EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.

Purchase today and save $200 or receive a $0 deductible plan for the $100 deductible price. Visit Warranty Direct to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

This offer is available is available for a limited time. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

Call (877) 759-6861 or visit
www.warrantydirect.com for details

Purchase before July 1st and save before our rates go up. Visit Warranty Direct to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

This offer is available is available for a limited time. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

Call (877) 759-6861 or visit
www.warrantydirect.com for details

Take advantage of our Father’s Day Promotion to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

This offer is available is available for a limited time. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

Give Dad more than just a tie.
Cover his car from costly repair bills today!
Call (877) 759-6861 or visit
www.warrantydirect.com for details

NASHVILLE, TN., (April 28, 2010) – Baker Curb Racing announced today that Scott Lagasse Jr.’s No. 43 Ford Fusion will promote WarrantyDirect.com, one of the largest and most established extended vehicle warranty companies in North America in Friday night’s Bubba Burger 250 at Richmond International Raceway. Lagasse Jr. currently ranks 10th in the NASCAR Nationwide driver point standings after eight races, having gained 22 spots over the last seven races.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to promote WarrantyDirect.com through this partnership with Baker Curb Racing and Scott Lagasse Jr.,” said Tara Williams, Senior Vice President of Warranty Direct. “NASCAR fans are passionate about their sport and are very brand loyal to the companies that support their favorite teams. Scott is off to a great start to the 2010 season and we look forward to seeing the WarrantyDirect.com No. 43 Ford Fusion up front in Richmond on Friday night.”

About Warranty Direct
For nearly 30 years, Warranty Direct has been part of one of the largest and most established extended vehicle service companies in North America. We’ve also been the company that customer’s turn to when they want reliable, comprehensive coverage for their cars, trucks, and vans. Since the beginning, our goal has been to provide exceptional personal service, eliminate hassles, and develop the gold standard for extended vehicle service plans. How do we do it? It actually begins with you. We make it our point to put ourselves in our customers’ shoes and ask what we would want from an extended vehicle service company. Then, we go above and beyond to deliver precisely that experience to every person that has one of our plans. For more information visit: http://www.warrantydirect.com

About Baker Curb Racing
Combining speed and sound, Baker Curb Racing brings a unique tune to the Nashville and the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Owners Gary Baker and Mike Curb combine for over 100 years of experience in NASCAR and national marketing and branding. The team became a vision of Baker and Curb’s passions for racing and a desire to bring a new professional team to the landscape of Nashville and to help satiate the desires of local NASCAR fans. To keep up with all the happenings of the team, visit www.bakercurb.com

For more information:
Andy Gee
315-566-9034 or agee@bakercurb.com

Take advantage of our Daylight Savings Sales Promotion to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

• $100 Off all plans we offer
• Upgrade to a $0 Deductible from a $100 deductible for FREE

This offer is available  until March 15th, 2010 at 8:00 PM EST. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

Call 800-632-4222 or visit Warranty Direct today!

1. Rust-Proofing: Some dealers charge up to $800 for this service, which sometimes amounts to no more than spraying a coating from an aerosol can in the wheel wells.
2. Fabric Protection: For a couple of hundred dollars, some dealers will try to sell you fabric protection for your car’s interior that will repel stains. You know it as Scotchgard.
3. Paint Sealant: This is another instance where the dealership hopes the car buyer will be gullible enough to believe that it’s using some special technique and material that’ll keep your car’s paint looking factory fresh
4. Window Etching: Another easy-money markup for car dealers; they etch your vehicle’s VIN on a window so that your car can allegedly be tracked in case it’s stolen.
5. Alarm System: Many cars come with a basic form of security, such as coded keys, but many dealers will also try to sell you a full-featured alarm system.
6. Extended Warranty: Since vehicles come with longer and more comprehensive warranties these days, extended warranties are usually not worth the extra money. If you plan to hang onto the vehicle for a long time, an extended warranty can be a good investment if and when your car needs major repairs. But don’t buy it from the dealer, since you can often get a better deal through independent insurers, such as Warranty Direct.
7. CD Changer: The price of a CD changer at a dealership can be twice what it is at a car stereo shop or electronics store.
8. Rear-Seat Video: Whether to choose this dealer option is not as easy to decide as the ones above.

Consumer Reports says almost the same thing:

“Dealerships often try to sell you extras that boost their profit margin but are a waste of you money. They can include rustproofing, fabric protection, paint protectant, or VIN etching, in which the vehicle identification number is etched onto the windows to deter thieves. Don’t accept those unnecessary services and fees. If you see those items on the bill of sale and you haven’t agreed to them, simply cross them out and refuse to pay for them. Vehicle bodies are already coated to protect against rust. And recent CR reliability surveys show that rust is not a major problem with modern cars. You can treat upholstery and apply paint protectant yourself with good off-the-shelf products that cost only a few dollars. If you decide you want VIN etching, you can buy a kit to do it yourself for less than $25, instead of the $200 that some dealerships charge. Also think twice about an extended warranty. It can cost hundreds of dollars. But if you buy a model with good reliability or if you expect to have the vehicle only for five years or less, it often isn’t worth the cost.”

Regarding Car Warranties, US News & World Report says:

“The dealer’s extended warranty isn’t necessarily the best deal; in fact, it usually costs more. Plus, you’re in a high-pressure situation at the dealer and might not be able to read the fine print. Finally, if you buy the dealer’s extended warranty, you might be required to return to that dealership to get it honored – which could become a problem if you move.”

So save yourself some money:

• Skip the rust proofing
• Buy your own can of Scotchguard for your cloth upholstery as well as the carpeting and matting
• Say no to paint sealant which is often just a wax job that you can do yourself or pay the neighbor’s kids to do
• For your alarm upgraded stereo and video systems you can often find a better system cheaper at your local car stereo shop or a big box retailer like Best Buy
• Window Etching – check with your local police or sheriff department – a lot of them hold free etching days like the Amhearst Police Department
• Car Warranty or Vehicle Service Contract – contact Warranty Direct at 800-632-4222 for your best deal on an Auto Warranty

Friday and Saturday Only

For the 1st time Ever All Warranty Direct Coverages are Eligible for
$300 Off

Call Now: 877-882-7340

Also, all rates will be changing on Tuesday December 1st.
Lock in your rate at a discount,
while you still can!

Please contact a Certified Warranty Advisor at:
877-882-7340

Holiday Hours:
Friday 11/27 10am to 2pm EST
Saturday 11/28 10am to 2pm EST

When calling, please have your VIN Number
and current odometer reading available

According to US News & World Report, you don’t need to purchase a warranty the moment you buy the car. If you want one, you can easily buy it later from a reputable third-party company. “The dealer’s extended warranty isn’t necessarily the best deal; in fact, it usually costs more. Plus, you’re in a high-pressure situation at the dealer and might not be able to read the fine print. Finally, if you buy the dealer’s extended warranty, you might be required to return to that dealership to get it honored – which could become a problem if you move.” So contact Warranty Direct and buy direct from us and save.

If you need a vehicle service contract (generally known as an extended warranty), call Warranty Direct first and let us help you get protected  from unexpected repair bill costs when a break down occurs. You can reach us at (800) 632-4222 or visit www.warrantydirect.com to find out more.

What do you do now? The future of Saturn is bleak to say the least. A deal to sell the division of General Motors fell apart on September 30th and it was announced that production of the brand would come to an end.  The ability to go to your local dealership for repair work may not be possible and where does that leave your factory warranty?

“After months of negotiations aimed at saving the Saturn brand, General Motors said Wednesday it will stop making Saturn vehicles this year and wind down the brand by the end of 2010.” (see below for a link to the entire story at USA Today)

We understand your concerns and we have a solution for you. A vehicle service agreement provides protection against the ever increasing cost of repairs your vehicle will need. You work hard and deserve better than this and from Warranty Direct, you will get it!

Warranty Direct is the direct to consumer division of Interstate National Dealer Services, one of the oldest and largest independent automobile vehicle service agreement providers in the US. Our expertise is unmatched with nearly 30 years of experience, nearly 2 million vehicle service contracts sold and over 1 billion dollars paid in claims. In addition to offering our vehicle service contracts direct to consumers, over 2,200 manufacturers, dealers, banks and credit unions choose to market our coverage. Here are just a few of the many benefits that we offer:

• Coverage available for every budget and every car
• Insured by an A-Excellent AM Best insurer
• A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau
• Use of the repair facility of your choice
• Claims paid directly to your repair facility
• Complimentary roadside assistance and travel interruption protection provided with every plan
• Car rental reimbursement
• Satisfaction guarantee

We are confident in our financial strength and automobile knowledge to service your vehicle. You can still protect the investment in your Saturn, it’s not too late.

Warranty Direct and the family of Interstate National Dealer Services have been providing services to automobile owners for 30 years.  You will be protected and you will be taken care of. We are sincere in our approach to offer you the best value, while ensuring you the stability and strength of a leader in this industry. Don’t put your trust in just any company. Let us earn your business today!

Read more about Saturn at USA today: GM to shut down Saturn after deal with Penske falls apart

In order to circumvent these special licensing requirements set forth, there has been a recent influx of product warranties being offered on the internet by a variety of extended warranty brokers. Product Warranties are not licensed, are not closely regulated, and do not have to be guaranteed by an insurance company. Even if a product warranty purports to be backed by an insurance company, the insurance company may not be licensed, financially strong, or actually back the warranty.

Warranty Direct has been licensed as a warranty provider in all states. In addition all of our plans are insured by an A- Excellent AM Best rated insurance company. For further information, please call one of our Certified Advisors at 1-800-632-4222. Click here to update and view your quote.

Some questionable terms found in product warranties are as follows:

• Vehicle Protection Kit ? The administrator will ship the Vehicle Protection Kit to the purchaser of this product warranty upon remittance of this agreement from the seller. The kit contains products for vehicle protection with instructions and other important information pertaining to this product warranty.
• The total of claims paid shall not exceed the wholesale value of the vehicle at the time of claim initiation.
• Purchasers may not perform their own maintenance for product warranty requirements.
• Pre-Existing ? A condition to a covered component of the vehicle, whether known or unknown to the purchaser, that existed prior to the product warranty purchase date or which may reasonable be assumed to have existed prior to the product warranty purchase date.

Sadly, unlicensed warranty sellers have become epidemic. Buying from an unlicensed warranty seller is risky as they do not meet the high standards required by your state. In order to be licensed, a warranty firm must be financially viable, operate within the laws and file their rates with the state. Unlicensed firms may offer no protection to you should the company go out of business. A licensed seller will be audited annually to make sure their finances are in order.

Many of the unregulated companies offering these plans are referring to them as bumper to bumper coverage, even though they only cover a short list of items. A lot of this misinformation is causing consumers a lot of confusion about the coverage they actually have. Sadly, most people won’t realize that they bought a worthless plan until they have a major claim denied.

Read more about product warranties at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Check out your car warranty booklet. It will probably look similar to your owner’s manual, only smaller.

Step 2

Figure that for the duration of your basic warranty, pretty much everything will be covered. Exceptions typically include your wipers, fluids, belts, tires, battery, accessories, windows, emissions system and oil filter.

Step 3

Take a good look at your owner’s manual for warranty information on your tires and battery. Some car manufacturers carry separate warranties for accessories.

Step 4

Think of drivetrain (or powertrain) warranties as ones that cover the things that make cars go, i.e. the engine, driveline and transmission.

Step 5

Make sure to take a look at the emissions control warranty and emissions performance warranty for coverage of any emissions control systems in your vehicle. This coverage is regulated federally. California and Massachusetts have somewhat different coverages.

Step 6

Don’t put too much reliance into corrosion or rust perforation warranty. Claims are often turned down unless the rust has actually eaten a hole through the body – and most people usually detain the rust before this ever occurs.