• It is a good idea to have an inexpensive vehicle inspection done by a professional before you hit the road as an inspection will cover the lights, brakes, tires, suspension, cooling system, and other basic drive train components

• An air conditioner inspection is also a great idea (especially if you have an older vehicle) because no one wants to be driving in the hot summer without air conditioning

• Always check your tire pressure (most tires require between 30-32 psi) before you leave on a road trip—and remember to check the spare!

• If you packed anything on the roof of the vehicle, double check the manufactures weight recommendations and make sure the majority of the weight is concentrated in the middle of the roof

• Pack an emergency kit, which should include a flashlight, a first aid kit, jumper cables, gloves, rope, and tire inflator

• Bring extra water–a flat tire or breakdown can occur miles from the nearest exit or service station and standing on the side of the highway on a hot afternoon can lead to dehydration

• If you haven’t already done so, take a few minutes to check your owner’s manual to ensure that you know how to change a tire on your vehicle—it’s much better to brush up on your tire changing skills in the comfort of your own driveway than it is to learn on the side of the road

• While driving try to take a 15-minute break every 2 hours as this will help keep you alert and fresh

• Pack plenty of entertainment for the kids—travel toys and games can help pass the time and reduce the chances of hearing “are we there yet?” every 10 minutes

• Always when you travel make sure that everyone has proper identification and required documentation (and this is especially important when traveling across state and national borders)

A road trip can be a fun experience (read more about How to Help Ensure a Relaxing Road Trip). Follow these tips to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable journey.

With all the stresses of purchasing a new vehicle, many people are not prepared to answer that question. However, it is extremely important to understand the terms and coverage provided in an extended warranty, so this article will try to address the most commonly used terms in an extended warranty contract.

What is an Extended Warranty?
An extended warranty is an optional coverage offered by many dealerships and/or loan providers. Many people purchase auto warranties to avoid the possibility of paying a potentially large amount resulting from mechanical breakdown and/or failure to their vehicle. An extended warranty is a contract between you and the service provider.

Bumper-to-Bumper
Bumper-to-bumper represents the highest level of coverage available. A quick definition will assume that this coverage protects everything with the exception of regular maintenance and wear and tear. A *true* bumper-to-bumper plan will not likely list out all the parts that it protects. Instead, it will simply state a much shorter exclusion list (which includes parts that fit into the category of regular maintenance and/or wear and tear).

Powertrain Protection
Powertrain coverage includes the engine, transmission, drive axles and drive shaft (or the line, or “train” of mechanics that produce the “power” for the vehicle. A powertrain warranty is more of a basic warranty that is typically the least expensive to purchase, but it can cover you for the more expensive repairs.

Wrap Coverage
A newer type of extended service plan, the wrap warranty, offers additional coverage for vehicles whose powertrain warranty runs longer than the original warranty. For example, if your vehicle comes with a 10yr/100,000 mile powertrain warranty then a wrap warranty plan will take your existing powertrain protection, and wrap all other components of your vehicle around it. Or, in other words, this gives you a bumper-to-bumper warranty for the full 10 years or 100,000 miles.

In Conclusion
Always remember to ask your salesperson about any questions regarding an extended warranty. A true professional will understand any concerns and will take the time to answer all questions.
Remember, an extended warranty can end up saving you quite a bit of money and can typically be financed into your loan’s monthly payments. Research and having a true professional help you with extended warranties will help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Questions? Contact MAC today

ACCA’s mission is to promote a lifetime of wellness through engagement, advocacy, education and support. MAC was able to raise $600 for ACCA.

Listed below are some of the most important and low cost vehicle maintenance tips.

• Regularly check your vehicle’s oil level
• Change your vehicle’s oil and filter approximately every 5,000 miles (based on regular driving conditions).
• Regularly check your vehicle’s tire pressure
• Follow a regular schedule to rotate and balance your tires

Regularly maintaining a vehicle is key to its longevity and may even increase its resale value.  A few dollars spent here and there, along with some TLC, can truly go a long way.

A credit score is a number that strongly indicates to lenders and creditors how likely you are to pay back the debt you owe, based on your past borrowing behavior. The higher your score, the more likely you are to pay back the money you borrow.

The credit bureaus that issue these scores have different evaluation systems with each based on different factors. The primary factors used to calculate an individual’s credit score are credit payment history, current debts, time length of credit history, credit type, and frequency of applications for new credit.

The three major credit bureaus in the U.S., which are Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian, may issue differing scores because their scoring systems are based on different criteria which are weighted differently. So this means that each credit bureau rates an individual differently, even though the scores are based on the same credit report information.

Scores range between 350 (extremely high risk) and 850 (extremely low risk). Basically, if you have a poor credit score then lenders generally will not turn bad credit away; instead, they’ll lend money at a higher rate than the one paid by someone with a better credit score.

The importance of credit today is significant; overlooking this fact can be very detrimental to your financial health. Federal law mandates a consumer’s right to a free credit report annually from all three agencies, but not the score. In order to get the exact number, you have to purchase it from a provider. However, it is well worth it because it gives you a chance to keep a watchful eye on your credit score.

Members AutoChoice Team members know a lot about the credit system. If you’re in the market for a car, do not hesitate to call us with any questions regarding your credit.

The study was overseen by the Governors Highway Safety Association, a nonprofit organization that represents highway safety offices in every state and territory, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Here are a few highlights from the study:

1)      There are four basic types of distractions: visual (e.g. looking away from the road), auditory (e.g. listening to something that’s unrelated to driving), manual (e.g. fiddling with something other than the steering wheel or gear shift, like the radio or a mobile phone), and cognitive (e.g. thinking about something other than driving).

2)      Most major distractions involve at least two of the above factors.

3)      Shockingly, the majority of drivers admit to being distracted between 25% and 50% of the time they are behind the wheel.

4)      Roughly 1/3 of all drivers regularly use a mobile phone while driving.

5)      Roughly 1 in 8 drivers have said that they text and drive.

6)      Between 15% and 30% of drivers involved in auto accidents have admitted to being distracted (and the figure may actually be higher due to reporting inconsistencies).

7)      While texting is almost certainly more dangerous than talking on a cell phone, the GHSA study insists that “there is no conclusive evidence on whether hands-free cell phone use is less risky than hand held use.”

8)      Laws prohibiting talking and texting on mobile phones result in reductions of those activities immediately after the law goes into effect, but there’s no sign that they have any long-term impact or that they reduce the total number of crashes.

Despite point #8, the GHSA recommends that states continue to implement anti-talk/text laws, but stress that unless those laws are regularly enforced, they’ll do no good.

As technologies in telematics and collision-avoidance become more common place, hopefully we’ll see distracted driving become a more manageable problem. For now the problem lies with us, the drivers. We have to take responsibility for our actions and put away the phones while driving and encourage our kids, co-workers, and spouses to do the same.

*Portions of this taken from GHSA study

There are various types of extended warranties, each differing by the type of coverage provided as listed below:

• Full Coverage (Bumper-to-Bumper)
• Modified Full Coverage
• Basic Coverage (Power Train)

The cost can vary based on the coverage type and the length of time covered (i.e.: 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 Months). This is where customizing an extended warranty for your pre-owned vehicle is important. When choosing an extended warranty you may want to consider your driving and maintenance habits (number of miles you drive annually, unexpected repairs you are willing to cover should they occur, and the frequency of normal vehicle maintenance).  These factors are all important in coming up with a cost-effective extended warranty product for your pre-owned vehicle.

For example, you purchase a 2009 Dodge Charger with 60,000 miles on September 1, 2011. All original manufactures warranty has expired (both original Bumper-to-bumper and Power train) on the related vehicle and your past driving habits indicate that you normally drive 20,000 miles per year.  As such, look to see which of the following terms would be most cost effective and meet your driving needs:

A)

A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty that expires after 40,000 miles or 48 months (4 years) after the date of purchase,

whichever comes first (miles or time)
B)

A bumper-to-bumper extended warranty that expires after 40,000 miles or 36 months (3 years) after the date of purchase,

whichever comes first (miles or time)
C)

A bumper to bumper extended warranty that expires after 40,000 miles or 24 months (2 years) after the date of purchase,

whichever comes first (miles or time)

Have you determined your answer? If you thought option C would be the best extended warranty product for the related customers driving needs, then you are right because of the 20,000 mile annual driving habits. Both options A & B would cause the customer to pay more for the longer coverage periods (36 and 48 months), however, due to the customers driving habits (20,000 miles per year) the extended warranty would expire after 2 years because, based on their driving habits, the customer would have reached the addition 40,000 miles first.

Choosing the right extended warranty product should take some careful thought and planning in order to get the best results and protection at the most effective price.  For more guidance on this issue, contact your local MAC car buying consultants.

(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.

(b) The operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary towing or recovery vehicle or a stationary highway maintenance vehicle that is displaying flashing yellow, amber, or red lights shall approach the vehicle with due caution and shall, absent any other direction by a peace officer, proceed as follows:

(1) Make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the towing, recovery, or highway maintenance vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
(2) If a lane change under paragraph (1) of this subsection would be impossible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a reasonable and proper speed for the existing road and traffic conditions, which speed shall be less than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop.

(c) Violation of subsection (a) or (b) of this Code section shall be punished by a fine of $500.00.

This new law in Georgia says drivers must move over for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the highway. This law is meant to keep officers and traffic violators safe from crashes with passing cars. We have seen these incidents on the local news many times.

This law passed after a growing number of police, emergency technicians, and DOT workers were being killed during routine traffic stops, crash responses, and highway construction projects around the nation. Right now more than thirty states have move-over laws on the books, with fines that range as high as one thousand dollars or more in some jurisdictions. The move-over fine in Georgia is an “attention getting” five hundred dollars.

Failure to obey this law can lead to consequences far more serious than fines. According to FBI statistics, traffic crashes claim the lives of more police personnel than any other cause of death in the line of duty, including shootings. According to the FBI last year, forty nine officers died in crashes across the country. Thirteen of those were struck and killed by passing vehicles while they worked outside their patrol cars.

This law was meant to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to police officers, paramedics, and firefighters, tow truck drivers and highway maintenance workers according to the office of highway safety. Reports show emergency vehicles of all kinds have been struck while parked on Georgia highways—even with emergency lights flashing.

The Georgia MOVE-OVER law requires drivers to move over one lane when possible. Don’t worry about those people who are flying past you, think about yourself. SLOW DOWN below the posted speed. Think SAFETY FIRST.

At first glance, a pre-owned vehicle of this caliber may appear to have excessive usage for its age, due to the number of miles accumulated over such a short period of time. But one thing to consider is that these vehicles are initially owned by large publically traded companies who maintain rigorous maintenance routines on their vehicles. So, these vehicles are typically serviced every 3,000 to 4,000 miles according to the vehicles manufacturers recommendations, which may suggested that the vehicles mechanical systems are functioning without any problems. Keep in mind that with most vehicles original manufactures’ warranty now extending out as far as 60,000 miles that these pre-owned vehicles still have a good portion of its original warranty remaining. Additionally, with the emergence of extended warranty products, someone can now purchase extended warranty coverage that can extend a pre-owned vehicles total warranty coverage beyond 100,000 miles.

Nonetheless, to get the right pre-owned vehicle at the best price you need to do your research by obtaining the vehicles history report (Auto Check or Car Fax) as well as other due diligence procedures. For further guidance on collecting information on a vehicles history and analyzing the related results consult with one of our Members Auto Choice (MAC) sales consultants.

Generally speaking, you want to negotiate the price of the vehicle you are looking to buy prior to allowing a dealer to even know anything about your trade-in. Sales people at dealerships are trained to get the keys to your trade prior to taking you on a test drive so that their used car manager can be appraising your trade while you are falling in love with their vehicle. They like to make it seem as though they are getting two things done at once to cut down on the amount of time it takes you to complete the purchase, but that is not the real reason for this process.

The real reason is that while you are test driving their vehicle then the salesperson is getting details and asking you questions about your trade in. He asks things like how much you owe on the trade, how much you think your car is worth, and what amount will it take to get this deal done today.

When you answer the salespersons questions you are arming him with valuable information.

When you arrive back to the dealer’s lot after the test drive, the salesperson goes to get your keys from the used car manager and it is at that point he fills the used car manager in on exactly what it will take to complete the deal.

So let’s say you have told the salesperson that you need $10,000 for your trade-in and the black book used car guide states your trade in is worth $8,000, which in no way means that a deal can’t be put together for you. All that means is that they have $2,000 less negotiating room on the price of the vehicle that you are looking to purchase. The salesperson will come back to you and give you the trade in allowance (the amount that you have already told him you wanted to hear) and you will never know the true ACV (Actual Cash Value) of your trade-in.

The more efficient way to handle this is to not even discuss a trade-in until after you have negotiated the price down on the dealer’s vehicle. This will give the dealer less of an opportunity to make additional profit on your purchase.

A lot of people refer to this process as flipping the numbers. Most consumers know that it happens but do not really know how to prevent it from happening.

Consumers these days turn to the internet to obtain values on their trade-ins but the reality is that the dealer is the one who has access to the true value of your trade-in. No dealer will pay you more for a car than he would pay if he went down to the auction to buy a similar vehicle.

So if you are out car shopping and one dealer tells you a trade-in figure several thousand dollars different than other dealers, rest assured he is flipping the numbers. In the end you will need to look at the bottom line (the amount financed) to determine if your purchase is a good deal. It doesn’t hurt to get the information that the internet offers you regarding the value of your trade in but the true test is when a dealer offers you a fair trade in amount after you have already agreed on a price for the car you are trying to buy.

Contact MAC today to learn more about the car buying process.