And even though having a GPS in your vehicle can be both helpful and a major time and money saver if you use it correctly it also has some potential bad points that may bring it down a notch or two in your eyes.

One of the immediate concerns that people have is that the GPS tracks your every movement and can tell whomever is checking all about your habits. If you are speeding they have no need to clock you on radar, they can just send you a ticket; sounds like fantasy but it’s not too far from becoming fact.

The amount of information that is collected by these GPS units can be stored by whoever is gathering the data and saved, and can be used at a later time and for something that is completely not what the user had wanted or intended.

If the police get hold of your speed off of the GPS there is no way that you will be able to contest the ticket and the fine since it is your car and not the one behind you, as could be argued with radar gun tickets.

Also, as the quality of technology changes, the ability of someone to remotely do things to you inside the vehicle comes into play. How about the person on the other end of the GPS system, like On Star for example being able to lock or unlock you in a car? Or start or shut off your car should they deem it needed?

Every one of these seem like something from a science fiction novel and yet they are documented. A gentleman rented a car from Acme Rent a Car and added on the GPS package for convenience while traveling. The unit actually stored data as he drove and the next month, after returning home he found himself with a bill in the mail from the car company because the GPS calculated that he had been speeding. The amount of that bill was $450. Notice that this was not even a police ticket, merely a bill from the rental car place because he was going too fast. He fought it and did finally win the case but it certainly raises some well- founded concerns.

What is even more disturbing to me is that the courts in the case, while not making him pay the bill, also didn’t see anything wrong with the company doing that. They did not consider it an invasion of privacy or any type of violation of his rights as a renter.

There are a lot of positive advances in technology that actually help us and make our lives or the enjoyment of our lives more pronounced. However, we also have to be aware that anything can be used in a negative or bad way and it is up to us, as consumers, to help keep track of what is going on with and to us.

Although built-in car GPS units are not covered by extended auto warranties, there are many items that are, including airbag coverage. Visit the Warranty Direct web site – find out what is covered on your car, and get a free, instant quote for extended auto warranty coverage.

What are some of the other good points about having a GPS in your car?

How about saving gas? If you know where you are going and get there in the shortest and via the most efficient route you will save money and thus, fuel. Good for the wallet and good for the planet.

It makes it demonstrably easier to concentrate on the road since you won’t be reading the map, balancing a coke in one hand and talking on your cell phone with the other, and steering with your knees.

As the technology continues to evolve many other things can and will be incorporated into the GPS in your vehicle. Things like allowing the vehicle to be tracked and located in the event that someone who is not authorized should borrow the car, as in it is stolen. That will also help lower the insurance rates.

And speaking of insurance, the rates may drop even lower for you once the insurance company is able to track your driving habits like actual mileage driven, maximum speeds attained, and things along that line.

How about being able to locate your teenager at a moment’s notice? They can ignore the cell phone and the text messages and claim that they never got them. The GPS however will tell you not only where they are but where they have been.

Another absolute big problem that will become a thing of the past, as the GPS evolves as a major part of the vehicle system, is the incorporation of an ignition interlock system, so that should someone enter the vehicle and not be sober, the car will not start. There are many anti-drink and drive options that you will see becoming standard over the next few years that will help the police combat the impaired drivers on the highway.

Some of these things are now a reality in the GPS systems incorporated in the vehicles of today and others, as well as improvements not even on the board now, will make the use of your GPS more fun and functional, and make your life less expensive and safer.

As it moves along and technology becomes a more important part of your vehicle, there may be sensors incorporated that are capable of detecting when you are doing an excessive amount of swerving and weaving, which will help alert you to the fact that you have over indulged, or maybe that you are just too tired to be behind the wheel.

Each and every one of these improvements are designed to help make sure that the vehicle of tomorrow is safer than they are today and allow you to get the most out of your time behind the wheel.

Repairs to built-in car GPS units are not covered by extended auto warranties; however, there are many items that are, including airbag coverage. Visit the Warranty Direct web site – find out what is covered on your car, and get a free, instant quote for an extended auto warranty.

Yet, even with all the cool stuff that is currently available there are still even more high-tech gadgets to come.

In 2010 there will be sign recognition systems available in cars that will be able to read wrong-way signs and speed limits. Cameras may replace side view mirrors and the images would be displayed on the edges of the rear view mirror, or on the instrument panel.

Another cool advancement we may find in the future is “Chatty Cars.” Chatty Cars would communicate through a network that would monitor signals from car systems and warn other cars. For example, skidding due to icy roads could be transmitted to warn other drivers who are approaching.

Bumper bags are also being created and they could help SUVs be less destructive when hitting a low riding car.

High-tech gadgets are great for motorists and their technology allow for convenience, but it’s important to learn how to use these gadgets before getting on the road. With all this new equipment, drivers should have an extended auto warranty to protect themselves from technology and electrical system failures.

Anymore, getting the sexiest accessories in their rides, such as Bluetooth cell phone integration, is a big concern for a lot of buyers. 9 of the top 20 accessories people are most interested in are cool features such as backup assist, navigation, premium surround sound, satellite and HD-Radio.

One of the best perks of a brand-new car is the hottest technology and convenience options offered with a new vehicle. But you don’t have to purchase a new car or truck to get the coolest new toys. In fact, for the fee of a few loan payments, you can include just about any longed-for electronic feature to your current car.

Really big these days is the need to incorporate a portable music gadget such as an iPod or Zune. Fully half of all car owners listen to some type of digital music player in their cars, and more than 95% of new car buyers own a portable device, including a cell phone or navigation system.

Fortunately it doesn’t necessitate another 5 or 6 year-long car payment schedule to obtain the newest in-car gadgets. The most desired features (even HD-Radio and backup cameras) are all obtainable via the aftermarket.

You’ve got your ride pimped out just the way you want it – now make sure you protect yourself and your car by buying an extended car warranty. This way you won’t have to worry about car repairs down the road, and can enjoy the scenery and tunes as you cruise.

Please note: most extended car warranties do not cover factory installed luxury accessories like:

• GPS Navigation Systems
• DVD/Entertainment Systems
• Internet Access Systems
• Phone Systems