Archive for the ‘used car warranties’ tag
Car Turbos and How They Work
How exactly does a car’s turbo work? What does it do, and why the all the fuss over turbochargers?
A Turbocharger is a forced induction system. Basically, as the name suggests, it is a power enhancement. Turbo’s are used to give a greater torque on a smaller engine. They can improve the fuel efficiency and reduce the exhaust emissions as well as performance.
Turbochargers compress the air flowing into the cylinders. The used air and fuel mixture from your cars engine is effectively recycled when it is returned to the cylinders from the exhaust manifold. From the manifold this mixture of gases, fuel and oxygen is forced through a turbine which in turn spins an air pump in the turbo housing. The turbine in the turbocharger can spin of speeds of up to 150,000 rotations per minute (rpm). This mixture of gases, fuel and oxygen are very hot as they are actually being returned to the engine from the exhaust system.
Compressing the air means that there is a larger amount of air being forced into the engine, therefore creating more power. The higher the volume of exhaust gases, the faster the gases drive the turbine, providing more air and producing more power. Once the preset limit is met, the boost pressure is achieved. At this point, the exhaust gas is redirected away from the turbine wheel, thus slowing it down and effectively limiting the maximum boost pressure. This redirection valve is known as the waste gate. This device therefore prevents any over boost from damaging the engine.
The bonus of adding all this compressed air, is that it lets the engine squeeze more air into a cylinder, meaning more fuel can be added. It is then possible to receive more power from each of the explosions in each cylinder. This is then where the power-to-weight ratio for the engine can be improved.
To help reduce the extremely high temperatures in the turbine, many manufacturers are now adding an inter cooler. This is a radiator for air, and is usually situated in front of the main radiator. Some turbo’s also use water-cooling. This is made possible by connecting the turbo to the coolant system, ensuring that the turbo operating temperature is limited by the temperature of the cooling system, which in turn protects the system from any excessive exhaust temperature.
Understanding how a turbo works makes it even more important for car owners to check their existing car warranty documents carefully in order to ensure maximum cover is provided in the event of turbo failure causing damage to your vehicle’s other components. Understanding the how a turbo charger works also helps you drivers understand why car insurance costs rise so dramatically when they try to insure turbo charged vehicles.
It is imperative that the oil supply entering the turbo is full and clean to ensure proper lubrication. If the oil supply becomes too low or contaminated, the turbo unit may become damaged. The most common cause of failure is the lack of lubrication, and as such will fall under neglect, potentially rendering a claim under your mechanical breakdown insurance policy invalid. Large particles can also enter the air stream from the intake, to help avoid this, regularly check the air filter and ducting to ensure that it is clean. It is also possible that engine parts can enter the exhaust system, so regular servicing is essential.
Many car owners may not be aware that when your manufacturer’s policy expires, it is possible to purchase an extended car warranty from a specialist insurer. A good policy will offer add-ons, such as cover for turbo failure. Investing in a comprehensive policy is a wise move, as it will give you peace of mind that you are covered against expensive repairs in the event of your power enhancer failing to give you that extra boost!
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Taking A Look At The Warrantech Auto Warranty Coverage
“I estimate that the WCPSOnline website has helped us to be over 40 percent more efficient over the last two years,” explains Warrantech VP Link Wiley. “But it is not just about cutting our costs. The cycle of authorization, repair and payment is shorter, so service centers save time as well. Essentially, the customer gets faster service, the service centers get paid quicker and we are able to keep the pricing of our warranty plans competitive.” By modernizing their operations, this highly esteemed warranty company is able to improve customer satisfaction through process efficiency. They work with dealerships to offer new car warranties, but they’re also marketing to people who are looking to extend their used car warranties as well.
The most popular plan offered by Warrantech is the Repairmaster. The “Powertrain Coverage” plan includes the engine, turbocharger, transmission, drive axle and transfer case components. Or you may choose the “Select Coverage,” which includes all powertrain components, as well as electrical, steering, air conditioning and brake components. The third plan offered is the “Deluxe Coverage,” giving you everything in the Select Plan, plus cooling, front/rear suspension, fuel delivery and enhanced electrical components.
There are also optional surcharged plans to accommodate vehicles that get a lot of wear and tear. For example, the Commercial Use plan, the Seals and Gaskets plan (for vehicles with over 80,000 miles), the Enhanced Electrical plan and the Conversion coverage plan (for recreational vehicles). With all plans, you’ll receive travel/towing bonuses.
Warrantech plans are available from 1 year to 7 years and from 12,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Deductibles range from $0 – $200 and all plans are backed by a reliable AM Best-rated insurance company. “By creating an affordable program that is administered by Warrantech and is fully insured, dealers can provide the Sterling Auto Warranty on their pre-owned vehicles with confidence, knowing that their customers will be taken care of now and in the future,” said Chris Ford, president of Warrantech Automotive. “We are offering dealers new car service contract security at a level of coverage and price they are seeking for their used vehicles.”
In addition to new and used car warranties, Warrantech also has an extended warranty program for automotive components, appliances, consumer electronics, computers, office equipment, and residential HVAC systems as well. The best way to go about buying a warranty is to research, request a quote, look over all the details and call a representative. Be sure you ask if there is a 30-60 day money back guarantee in case you find you’ve made a mistake. Generally warranties cost very little to save you a lot!
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Useful Considerations When Selecting An Extended Warranty Service
Generally, when people buy “certified, pre-owned vehicles,” they are offered the remainder of the original warranty, with extended warranty service tacked on for an extra fee as well. Before shoppers visit their local car dealerships, it’s a good idea to check for an extended warranty quote online because it can be used as a good bargaining chip and a gauge of how much the extra coverage should cost. Some people feel comfortable with the word “certified” affixed to their purchase, but this term isn’t a fail-safe guarantee, especially if the vehicle has a history of longstanding manufacturer defects, such as with a Jeep or Land Rover.
First, consumers should check to find out who is backing the extended warranty service. Is it an independent company or the vehicle manufacturer? Generally, manufacturer-based used car warranties are ideal, known for the easy-to-use guarantee. With an after-market extended car warranty, the owner will need to read the stipulations to ensure that everything is covered.
For example, some companies require that owners call before the work is done. Some companies require regular oil changes and fluid top-ups for work to be covered. Depending on the arrangement, sometimes the company pays the auto mechanic directly, whereas other times the warranty company pays the car owner back later. Reading and understanding the agreement is crucial in preventing unpaid claims.
Secondly, find out exactly what is covered and what is not covered. The things for consumers to look out for here are “breakdown coverage” versus “wear and tear” extended warranty service. While a breakdown automotive warranty may cost a little less, it could be costly over time. Many parts fail due to wearing down and not outright “breaking.” Not all contracts cover instances like anti-lock break system failure or engine overheating. At the end of the day, these seemingly inconsequential distinctions can mean the difference between a reasonable plan and a waste of money.
Lastly, some extended warranty service covers bonus travel expenses, which is a good perk for heavy drivers or those who frequently use their car for out-of-town or out-of-state trips. If customers pop a tire, lock their keys in the car or have a dead battery, then a mechanic will come out and fix the problem at no extra cost. In some cases, hotel rooms, meal expenses, towing fees and rental cars may also be covered. AAA-style trip routing is also available under some extended warranty plans. While it may not “make or break” the deal, per say, it’s still a good feature to be aware of, if the need ever arises. After all, peace of mind is what drives most people to purchase extended warranty service in the first place.
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Extended Warranty Essentials For Automobile To Consider
If you’re buying a brand new Lexus or Toyota, then chances are you won’t need an extended warranty. If you’re buying a Pontiac or a Jeep, then it’s a toss-up and you may end up breaking even with the purchase of an automotive warranty. If you’re buying a flashier-but-less-reliable Mercedes-Benz, then you should consider a warranty, according to Consumer Reports. You can buy these warranties online or at a dealership, but there are many things to look for prior to purchasing. The most important thing is that you relax, research and not allow yourself to be pressured into anything.
Did you know that an auto salesman can make more money from selling you an extended warranty than selling you the car? The most profitable part of the retail auto business is, in fact, the extended automobile warranty, where anything over the dealer’s cost is profit. Generally speaking, salesmen get a flat fee for each warranty sold, plus the balance of the profit. The fees can range from 0 to 50, and when compared to third party warranties, dealership plans cost, on average, 40% to 100% more.
Another factor to consider is auto warranty for “wear and tear.” This type of warranty can be hard to find, since many only cover mechanical failure. However, you can definitely find extended warranty coverage that includes “wear and tear,” thereby covering parts like the idler arm, piston rings, U joints, CV joints, wheel bearings, motor mounts, suspension bushings, tie rod ends, seals, gaskets and other engine parts that gradually wear down and may or may not cause a mechanical breakdown.
If you have an anti-lock braking system, then you’ll want to make sure your coverage extends to ABS and instances of overheating. The comprehensive website, carbuyingtips.com recommends Warranty Direct and Nation Warranty Corporation, which both include “wear and tear” in their plans.
The most important thing is that you don’t feel rushed or hassled into securing the extended warranty for your car immediately. Most auto warranties allow you the option of buying later; yet of course, you should only delay as you research, rather than allowing enough time to elapse so your car is a liability. Like with health insurance, it’s much harder to get coverage once problems arise. As with anything, the extended auto warranty is a “buyer beware” scenario, but if you do some homework and understand your auto habits, then the couple of thousand you pay today can save you a small fortune tomorrow.
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What To Expect From The Powershield 2 Year Extended Warranty
“I told my wife she was nuts for buying a warranty on the internet,” as told to Warranty Direct James Prendergast. “We had the opportunity to use your warranty coverage for the first time. The repair cost was 70% of what we paid for the warranty and we still have 45,000 miles of coverage. Now she’ll never let me live it down.” While it may seem outrageous to look for warranty deals and impeccable customer service on the internet, thousands of customers have purchased the PowerShield 2 year extended warranty from Warranty Direct with rave reviews.
The first question consumers should ask is, “What parts are covered with my 2 year extended warranty?” With PowerShield, all the traditional “powertrain” components are included: engine, transmission, computer modules and drive axles. Unlike other warranties, Warranty Direct customers will also be covered for timing belts, water pumps, oil pumps, mechanical fuel pumps, CV joints, universal joints, crankshafts, cam shafts, bearings, bushings and more.
Consumers will NOT be covered for “wear and tear” damaged components like: seals, gaskets, valves, batteries, light bulbs, tires, GPS, trim, molding, handles, spark plugs, rotors, brake pads, hoses, drive belts or wheel alignments. At WarrantyDirect.com, there are other <a href=”http://extendedwarranty.akainfotips.info/2-Year-Extended-Warranty.php”>new car warranties</a> and used car warranties (up to 7 years/100,000 miles) that cover “wear and tear” damage and all of these parts.
It can be difficult to find added protection for older vehicles. It seems that many cars depreciate the moment they are driven off the lot, but Warranty Direct offers to insure vehicles for as much as 150,000 miles! The PowerShield 2 year extended warranty offers 25,000 additional miles of coverage, with the choice of a 0 PER VISIT deductible or Warranty Direct offers a wide variety of coverage options, so consumers should investigate which ones apply to their vehicles. For example, LuxuryCare+ and XtraCare+ coverage is the most comprehensive, which include wear and tear damage, interior/exterior features, rear suspension, anti-lock brakes, cooling and fuel delivery systems. LuxuryCare even includes GPS, DVD video, bluetooth/phone and internet access systems. MajorCare, SecureCare and PowerWrap also cover most of the problems one could run into. Any car 7 years old with mileage 100,000 or less is eligible for these new and used car warranties offered at WarrantyDirect.com. For higher mileage vehicles, consumers must visit Warranty Direct’s other site CarWarranty.com. deductible. No matter how many parts car owners need worked on, they will only pay that one-time 0 deductible, if they choose to pay a small deductible at all, that is! In addition to the 2 year extended warranty coverage, there is also 3 year, 4 year and 5 year used car warranties available, covering up to 100,000 additional miles!
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