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How To Select An Extended Warranty

When you purchase a new car, it comes with a warranty that covers service, parts, and repairs in the event a problem occurs. For example, if the transmission fails 12 months after driving it off the dealership lot, you’ll be able to take it back to the dealer in order to have the problem corrected. And it won’t cost you a dime.

Eventually, warranties expire and your recourse options become limited. This is the gap into which extended warranties fit. In effect, they’re service contracts – or, insurance policies – that cover the cost of parts and repairs when your original warranty expires. In today’s article, I’ll explain how to select the right service coverage for your vehicle, given your needs.

Identifying Your Coverage Needs

First, you need to determine what your current warranty already covers. For example, if you purchased a new car during the past 12 months, it’s probably already covered under a comprehensive 3-year, 36,000-mile policy from the factory. If you only drive 12,000 miles a year, you don’t need an extension for awhile; the original factory policy will cover any problems. However, if you drive 20,000 miles each year, or you plan to keep your vehicle for several years, an extended policy may come in handy.

Also, if you’re buying a used car that’s only a couple of years old, ask the owner about the current warranty and any extended policies that he’s invested in. And keep in mind the miles on the odometer; a 2-year old vehicle with 40,000 miles on it may have already outlived the original factory policy.

Choosing The Underwriter

Extended warranties are similar to life insurance policies: your recourse depends on the financial stability of the issuer. Most warranties that are underwritten by automakers are financially solid. Toyota isn’t going out of business anytime soon. Policies that are underwritten by independents are comparatively less-expensive, but may not be as reliable several years down the road. Bottom line: choose a stable underwriter, even if that means spending a little extra money.

What Coverage Is Included?

Reading coverage contracts is as exciting as watching a weed grow, but you need to find out what is covered and what isn’t. All extended warranties are different. Some only cover car parts that fail while others cover components that wear down under normal driving conditions. Some won’t cover anti-locking braking systems (odd, but it happens). Don’t assume something is covered in the policy. Check the contract and ask if you have questions.

Sometimes, They’re Valuable

Extended warranties can add value, depending upon how you use your car. People who seldom drive probably won’t need one (at least, during the first few years of ownership). However, others who drive more miles than covered on the factory warranty should consider investing in one. It’s basically an insurance policy that provides recourse if something goes wrong with your vehicle. Examine your needs, choose a stable underwriter, and carefully review the items that are covered. Long-term peace of mind may be worth the extra expense.

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Bluetooth Technology In Your Car

Bluetooth-enabled electronic devices have been available to the public for years. The technology continues to develop, making these tools more powerful and providing their users with expanding flexibility. When the technology was first introduced, it was primarily focused upon relieving workspaces of the multiple cables used to connect computer components. Today, the standard is used to create wireless connections between PDAs, cell phones, car stereos, and a host of other gadgets. Below, we’ll explore how Bluetooth is integrated within cars. Plus, I’ll explain how the technology will likely become more widespread due to driver safety legislation.

Compatibility Standards

In 1998, Ericsson led a group of companies (including IBM, Nokia, and Intel) to develop standards for the technology. Today, over 4,000 companies are members of that group. As long as each company’s electronic components support Bluetooth compatibility standards, those components will be able to communicate with each other without requiring a wired connection. There’s no monthly service charge or subscription premiums to pay for the service. Each component simply needs the appropriate chip.

Driver Safety Laws

Due to an increasing number of traffic accidents related to cell phone usage, new driver safety laws are emerging. State and federal governments have been aggressively pursuing legislation to limit the use of cell phones on the road. Bluetooth-enabled phones and vehicles are perfectly positioned to provide drivers with the convenience of taking calls while complying with the law.

Incoming and outgoing calls can be routed through vehicles’ stereo systems. The driver doesn’t have to handle a cell phone at all; instead, they can talk freely without using their hands. New vehicles are often equipped with Bluetooth capabilities at the factory. If you’re thinking of buying a new car, the option will only cost a few extra hundred dollars.

Aftermarket Installation

A lot of car manufacturers have been slow to incorporate the technology within their vehicles. And many of the automakers who do include the option at the factory don’t do so for their entire inventory. If you’ve purchased a new or used vehicle that isn’t equipped with this feature, you can have an aftermarket installation done. Companies such as Motorola sell kits that can be installed for less than $300. Also, ask your wireless provider whether your cell phone has Bluetooth capabilities. If it doesn’t, buying an in-car aftermarket kit won’t do much good.

As more states adopt laws that prohibit motorists from using their cell phones while driving, having the ability to talk hands-free will become more important. The key thing to remember is that it’s easy to have your car equipped with this functionality, even if you’re driving an older model. It may cost a few hundred dollars, but the convenience is worth the price.

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