Take advantage of our April Sales 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.)

Call 800-632-4222 or visit Warranty Direct today for more details!

(promo now expired)

Take advantage of our March 8th Sales Promotion to save a lot on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

• $500 Off all plans we offer
• 5% Down (normally 10% down is required)
• 0% Financing

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

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

Dear Tom,
Should I buy the extended warranty for my 2003 Buick? I was just advised that I should have purchased the warranty when I bought the car. How important is it?
Pat from Johnstown, PA

Pat,
Extended warranties are well worth the money if you keep the car for longer than the factory warranty covers the vehicle. Why? Because auto repair gets quite expensive when you consider electrical component repair/replacement, transmission/engine repairs, etc. When buying an extended warranty, make sure you buy from a company that has a good track record when it comes to paying claims. Also, find out if they do business with a lot of car dealerships and if they have been in business for a lot of years OR that they have serious capital to back up their coverage/claims. I recommend Warranty Direct because they meet the criteria I outlined above.
Tom

Mannie,
Why do you ask this question? Are you going for the Guinness Book of World Records for time lapsed between oil changes? Seriously, if engine oil is left in the engine too long, viscosity breakdown occurs (the oil loses its ability to lubricate the engine). Sludging will also occur due to the increased engine temperatures from friction caused by decreased lubrication. Stick to the recommended maintenance drain interval or, if you want to go longer between oil changes, switch to synthetic motor oil and change the oil every 7,000 miles. Good luck.
Tom

GR,
First of all, your car has electronic fuel injection (carburetors are a thing of the past since the late eighties). If the fuel delivery system were leaking, you would smell gas, so let’s rule out a fuel leak. It could be an engine oil leak, trans fluid leak, coolant leak, power steering fluid leak, or (most likely) a leak in the heater core. Start the diagnosis with a cooling system pressure test to see if the heater core is leaking. If it’s okay, then get the car up on a lift and check for a transmission or engine oil leak. Best to you.
Tom

Sandi,
There is no specific tune up schedule for your car. As a matter of fact, if you check the maintenance schedule, it will probably suggest to change your sparkplugs at 100,000 miles. I do not subscribe to this suggestion. I would remove the plugs every 25,000 miles, inspect and clean them, and re-gap. Then re-install the plugs, applying never-seize compound to the threads (and torquing them according to manufacturer’s specs). Also, make sure to change the air filters and breather elements according to manufacturer’s specs. This regimen will keep your chariot in tiptop running condition. Success to you.
Tom

Abdul,
Yes, I would flush the radiator, replace the thermostat, and refill with a fresh 50/50 mix of coolant and water. I would also flush the trans and replace the filter with an OEM quality one. Brake fluid and power steering fluid flushing are subject to condition. Check for the presence of rust or sediment in the brake master cylinder. If it’s clean, leave it alone. Check the power steering fluid for color and smell. If it’s clear and there’s no burnt smell, leave it alone. Using a gasoline with high sulfur content can cause the rotten egg smell. Try switching brands. Run a couple of tanks through and see if the smell goes away. If it doesn’t, have a diagnostic done because the engine is dumping more fuel into the engine than the catalytic converter can process (resulting in the rotten egg smell).
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, Edmunds.Com, At Home Portals and many other websites. Torbjornsen is the auto expert of record for Channel 4 WIVB TV, Western New York’s CBS affiliate. 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. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com

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.

Dear Warranty Direct,

It is clear Warranty Direct is a cut above its’ competitors, and you’ll be proud to know Scott Richards embraces the company’s motto by the manner in which he delivers client services.  Therefore, I’d like to take a moment to share with you my appreciation of Scott’s quality of service and professionalism.

Scott and I negotiated my extended car warranty for approximately 2 months and we closed the deal officially on 9/21/09.  Through my 2 months of interaction with Scott, it became apparent he consciously strives to provide a collaborative and consultative relationship with his customers in a proactive manner.  Below are a few attributes he displayed, and all of which contribute to his “winning formula” in rendering top-notch client services.

Scott successfully embraces and renders the following invaluable competencies:

• Presents a professional first impression
• Discovers, defines, and understands his customers’ needs – demonstrating agility
• Listens and acknowledges customer opinions
• Sets expectations in a relationship building manner
• Deals with difficult clients – demonstrating agility and resilience
• Possesses a level of influence, leadership in thought, and people by going beyond transactional-based sales

Business Results:

• Differentiates through collaboration and relationship building
• Exercises good judgment and leadership
• Successfully close sales

Bottom Line: Scott’s quality of work and professionalism shines through and it is appreciated!

Sincerely,
D. Porter from McLean, VA

If you are a current customer and would like to let us know how we are doing please write us at feedback@warrantydirect.com or give us a call Toll Free at (800) 632-4222.

One thing we haven’t heard much about, however, is how Chrysler owners will be effected by the bankruptcy filing.  Being in the extended warranty business, we’re frequently fielding the following questions:

• How will my factory warranty coverage be effected by Chrysler’s bankruptcy?
• The President said that Chrysler purchasers would be protected even if Chrysler filed bankruptcy.  Are there any caveats?
• Does my extended warranty coverage immediately go into effect if Chrysler’s factory warranty is terminated?

At Warranty Direct, we’ve been examining the Chrysler bankruptcy issue and want to assure our customers that we can provide them with solid answers.  Starting next week we’ll be posting information on our blog to help Chrysler owners better understand what happens in a bankruptcy situation.

If you’re a Chrysler owner and you can’t wait, feel free to call us at (800) 632-4222 with any questions you might have.