Feb
Why should you get an extended warranty or vehicle service contract for your used car? There are many reasons, but we are going to present the three big ones for you here:
- The car isn’t new anymore – New cars are usually covered by a manufacturer warranty. Without that, you are unprotected. Also, newer cars generally have fewer problems. The older your car gets, the more likely a repair bill increases.
- You can bundle your contract with roadside assistance – Whether you are worried about a dead battery or a flat tire, roadside assistance is always a good idea. Plus, it protects you from user error such as running out of gas or locking your keys in the car.
- Peace of mind – Having a vehicle service contract can give you peace of mind in regard to your vehicle. You know that if you need repairs, they won’t sink you into debt. And you can add on any additional features that will increase your peace of mind including the roadside assistance we mentioned above as well as things like trip interruption insurance in case you have a breakdown while traveling.
Get the Best Coverage Options for Your Used Vehicle
Vehicle Service Center is proud to offer all of the best coverage options that give our clients real peace of mind about vehicle ownership. To discuss the options that are best for you, call 1-800-280-6708 and speak with a vehicle protection specialist. You can also request your free quote online.
Feb
When you turn the key and the car won’t start, it can turn into a really bad day, even if the problem is something simple like the battery. Whether you have roadside assistance and know someone is on the way or you need to make a call to a friend, it can be embarrassing and a big waste of time to have a battery go bad. Here are a few things people get confused about when it comes to car batteries. Don’t fall for these false statements: (more…)
Feb
Any time a mechanic is working on your car, you expect the bill to be in the hundreds unless you have an extended auto warranty. However, you want to try and avoid the invoice climbing into the thousands. How can you make sure that you aren’t being taken for a ride by your repair shop? Here are a few tips: (more…)
Jan
Do you own or are in the process of buying a used car? Do you have an expiring warranty on a car you purchased new? You are a prime candidate to benefit from an extended auto care warranty. However, some wonder if it is really worth purchasing a continued warranty. We’re going to take a look at some important reasons to extend your auto warranty and how to make sure you get the maximum benefits. (more…)
Jan
If you are looking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle, then you need to be considering an extended auto warranty as well. What are the primary reasons for getting a warranty when you purchase a used car? (more…)
Dec
Are you planning to travel during the holidays, while you have time off from work and the kids have time off from school, or even in other parts of the winter when travel costs are down because most people just went back to work and school? If so, then here are three features you want to add on to your extended auto warranty to protect your trip. (more…)
Dec
One of the most expensive problems that you can have with your car is an issue with the suspension system. Of course, if you have an extended warranty that covers the suspension, it can give you real peace of mind. If not, here are some of the reasons you want to consider one. (more…)
Dec
When you are shopping for an extended auto warranty, one of the big things to consider is whether the A/C system is covered. This a component of a car that is about comfort and convenience rather than whether the car can function. And you see that reflected in how much garages charge to repair the A/C system. They know you want it, and that it is always going to break down at the most inconvenient time, so you get charged a premium. (more…)
Nov
Not only is it bad for your car to run out of gas but it can also leave you stranded for quite a while and feeling embarrassed. Even if you make the smart choice and pair roadside assistance with your extended auto warranty, you still want to avoid running out of fuel if at all possible. Here are a few helpful reminders to assist you. (more…)
Nov
Sure, you did the smart thing and paired roadside assistance with your extended auto warranty, but no one ever wants to have a tire blowout while driving. Here are a few tips to help you protect your tires and your passengers while driving. (more…)
Oct
Are you going to be taking a road trip this winter when the family has time off for the holidays? If so, now is the time to think about acquiring trip interruption benefits. Here are three things that can ruin a trip if you have a breakdown on the road. (more…)
Jul
When a driver buys a car from a dealer, the vehicle typically includes a manufacturer’s warranty. The salesperson may even convince you to add on an extended warranty. But what happens when the coverage is up. You’ve probably either had or heard of a number of “Murphy’s Law” type experiences wherein a vehicle breaks down just after the coverage expires.
Here are the two things you need to do when the manufacturer’s warranty is about to expire to maintain your peace of mind. (more…)
Jul
It’s time for summer road trips, and while you may have an extended warranty, that doesn’t mean you want to have car trouble while you’re supposed to be enjoying fun in the sun. Here are three things you can do to reduce the potential for a breakdown. (more…)
Jun
Summer road trips can be fun for the whole family, and that can include a household pet. Here are three tips for taking a road trip safely with your favorite furry friend: (more…)
May
If you are a Ford driver, you want to have the best extended warranty possible. What are some of the features you should be looking for so that you can have complete peace of mind while enjoying your American-made vehicle? Here are some of the extended warranty coverage options our customers enjoy the most: (more…)
May
Most cars nowadays come with a minimum of a 12-month 36,000-mile warranty, but that may not keep you from getting a bill next time you’re at the shop. Here are 4 things that your manufacturer auto warranty probably doesn’t cover. (more…)
May
The same type of people who have the good sense to get an extended auto warranty often also like to keep their vehicle neat and organized. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the top 4 hacks for organizing your vehicle and to help make cleaning a cinch. (more…)
May
Road rage is a common problem on US roadways, and it can lead to vehicle damage or even loss of life. We want to help protect our clients and their vehicles from expensive repairs by means of the best vehicle service contracts as well as tips on how to drive safely. Here are a few ways to protect your vehicle by avoiding the dangerous habit of road rage. (more…)
Apr
If you are going to be taking a road trip this spring, one of the things that would be a good idea to invest in is trip interruption insurance. The other thing you need to do in order to help your trip go smoothly is to download a few apps for your smartphone that are perfect for travel. Here are some of the more popular apps for travelers. (more…)
Mar
There are a lot of different lights on the dashboard, and it can be unnerving when one lights up unexpectedly, especially if you don’t have an extended vehicle warranty. Here are some suggestions for what to do when common dashboard lights are illuminated. (more…)
Mar
Traffic jams are a common issue all across the US. In fact, one report showed that commuters lose 42 hours of their life each year sitting in traffic (and if you ask a commuter who lives in a major city, he or she will probably tell you that figure seems low).
But drivers are giving up more than just shy of two days of life each while sitting in traffic. It can also take a toll on your vehicle. Why is traffic hard on a car? What are the US cities with the worst traffic? How can you protect yourself? (more…)
Mar
Having an extended warranty is a great way to protect yourself from major repair bills, and it can provide peace of mind for car owners. However, there are some cars that are simply less reliable. If you own one of the cars on this list, it is even more important to have a vehicle service contract that can provide financial relief should a problem arise. (more…)
Feb
Car repairs can cost a driver thousands of dollars if you don’t have extended warranty coverage. Even if you are covered, being without your car is still inconvenient. Here are two ways you may be able to see a major repair coming and stop it while the bill is still affordable and the repairs can be performed quickly. (more…)
Dec
The winter brings with it additional driving hazards. That calls for drivers to be extra prepared for anything. Here’s a list of 9 items you should keep in the car if you are driving during the winter.
- Snow Shovel – You probably don’t have room for a full-size shovel in your trunk, but they do make compact shovels specifically for keeping in the car for emergencies.
- Ice Scraper – Even if you are only in a store for a few minutes, a quick change in weather can leave your car dusted in snow or your windshield icy. An ice scraper and snow brush combo is a must for winter driving.
- Jumper Cables – Winter drains batteries and having your own cables may make it easier to get a jump start in a pinch.
- Flashlight – You should always have a flashlight in your car regardless of the season, but winter makes it more important because it gets dark so early, so you probably spend more time on the road after dark.
- Spare Tire – If you get a flat that can’t be aired up, a spare tire will allow you to get to a repair shop without needing to be towed.
- Air Compressor – Portable air compressors are affordable and can often be used to air up a tire with a slow leak so you can make it to the shop to get a patch.
- First-Aid Kit – In case of an accident or injury, you can get started on caring for the wounded before the ambulance even arrives.
- Cat Litter – Litter absorbs moisture and can help your car to get traction on an icy road if you get stuck.
- Warm Blanket – If you are ever stranded and waiting for help on a cold winters day, a warm blanket will be your best friend.
Add Roadside Assistance to Your Extended Warranty
Don’t forget to add a roadside assistance plan to your extended warranty from Vehicle Service Center. Then, if you end up with a car issue this winter, you can make one phone call and then just wrap up in your blanket to wait for help to arrive. Call 1-800-280-6708 today to speak to one of our vehicle protection specialists and get a free quote.
Dec
It’s that time of the year again, and your car needs you more than ever. The winter can be particularly rough on vehicles, so we’ve compiled this quick checklist to help you get ready for the coldest months of the year.
- Get your battery checked – One of the biggest problems people run into during winter is a dead battery. If you get yours checked and it is borderline, you may be better off replacing it a little early than having to worry about it when you get stuck somewhere.
- Buy a portable air compressor – Your tires will drop about a pound of pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature dips. So some mornings you make wake up to find that all of your tires are 5-10 pounds low. Rather than driving on low tires to the gas station, a compressor will allow you to air up the tires at home.
- Check your wiper blades – Most wiper blades are really only meant to last a year. And that lifespan can quickly be shortened if you try to turn the wipers on before you defrost the windshield. Change old wiper blades and always turn them off before shutting your car, so they don’t kick on automatically when you start your car on an icy morning.
- Replace or clean lights – Any head or tail lights that are out on the car need to be replaced. Also, you will want to consider cleaning the headlights if they have grown cloudy, which happens over time. It is dark during the evening commute in the winter, so clean and working headlights are most important during this season.
Add Roadside Assistance to Your Service Contract
Another thing you can do to prepare for winter is to add roadside assistance to your service contract. Vehicle Service Center offers coverage options that can protect you from a dead battery, a flat tire, or many other hazards you may run into in winter. Request your free warranty quote online, or call us today at 1-800-280-6708.
Oct
We’re mere weeks away from Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the true kickoff of the holiday season. If you are going to be traveling, especially if you plan to drive for your vacation or to visit friends and family, here are three reasons to add trip interruption benefits to your service contract:
- Hotel Costs Are at an All-Time High. Every year the cost of hotel rooms goes up. If you get stuck during your travels and need to spend the night in an unfamiliar area while your car is repaired, you want trip interruption benefits to help cover the costs of accommodations.
- Car Rental Rates Are Skyrocketing. Sometimes spending the night while waiting for your car to be repaired is not an option. You either have to rent a vehicle or miss the holiday celebration. Since car rentals can easily cost $45 day just for an economy car (and you probably need something with a little more room for bags if you are traveling), rental reimbursement is another important addition to your car’s service contract.
- Auto Repairs Can Cost a Small Fortune. You don’t want to spend your entire holiday worrying about how big the bill is going to be when you go back to pick up your car from the shop. That means having the right service contract so that when you get work done you know won’t be footing the entire bill yourself.
Protect Yourself and Your Wallet During the Holiday Season
If you’re going to break the bank this holiday season, it should be on getting gifts for loved ones and having a great time with friends and family. Emergency car stuff should be covered under a service contract so that you have peace of mind. To get a quote on an extended warranty and add-ons like trip interruption insurance and car rental reimbursement, give our vehicle protection specialists a call at 1-800-280-6708.
Oct
When it comes to buying a service contract from a third-party warranty service like Vehicle Service Center, you want to be sure that you are getting the most benefit for your dollar. Our vehicle protection specialists are the best at helping clients to determine which add-ons they will get the most benefit from. Let’s look at three of these add-ons now.
#1 Roadside Assistance
Getting stuck on the side of the road can be a nightmare without some type of roadside assistance. What are some of the things that roadside assistance can help you with? Here are some of the most popular features:
- Towing
- Lock-out assistance
- Battery boost/jump assistance
- Tire assistance
- Fuel delivery
#2 Trip Interruption Benefits
What’s worse than breaking down on the side of the road? Breaking down on the side of the road when you’re a hundred miles or more away from home. That’s what trip interruption benefits are for. If you get stranded overnight due to a breakdown, you may be eligible to have some of your expenses reimbursed, besides the repairs that are covered by your service contract.
#3 Rental Reimbursements
You can’t be stuck without a car. How will you get to work or even the grocery store? That’s why rental reimbursement exists. If you have to go without your car for a few days while repairs are being done, you can stay mobile without having to spend a fortune.
Call One of Our Auto Services Today
We offer free quotes on our service contracts and add-ons, so you know exactly what you are getting and how much it will cost before you commit to anything. To learn more, call Vehicle Service Center today at 1-800-280-6708, or you can request your free quote online.
Oct
Getting stuck on the road can be a miserable experience. Towing costs are often expensive, and that’s just the start of the expense if repairs are necessary. We’re going to take a look at the five most common reasons a person would be in need of a tow truck and then we will discuss how to protect yourself from these expenses.
- Car accidents – Unfortunately, no matter how carefully you drive, another driver may be negligent and cause an accident. As a result, you may find your car is no longer drivable without servicing. The tow truck will bring your car to the body shop where you want to have the work done.
- Overheating – When a car’s engine gets too hot, it could quickly cause major damage. That means shutting down the engine and having it towed to a place where it can be fixed. Driving those few miles to the shop may be enough to do serious engine damage, so it is better not to take a chance.
- Dead battery – Fortunately, the towing service doesn’t usually have to bring your car anywhere for this one. A simple jumpstart often does the trick. But if the battery is dead because of an electrical problem in the car such as a bad alternator, you may need to get some work done at a shop before charging or replacing the battery will help.
- Flat tire – If you have a spare, the tow truck driver will likely just help you replace the tire so you can drive yourself to a tire shop. If you don’t have a spare, your car will have to be towed to the shop.
- Out of gas – Rather than towing your car to a gas station, the tow truck driver is more likely to pick up gas and bring it to you. That is usually the faster and less expensive option.
Towing Coverage and Service Contracts
Vehicle Service Center offers towing and other roadside assistance options that you can pair with your vehicle’s service contract. To learn more and to get a free quote, call 1-800-280-6708 today.
Sep
If you’ve ever been driving and felt the wobble of a low tire, you know the main reason you want to check your tires regularly. It’s no fun to get stuck on the side of the road with a flat. However, even if the tire doesn’t deflate to the point of leaving you stuck, there are still other reasons to keep tires fully inflated. Here are 3:
- You get your best gas mileage with properly inflated tires
- Driving on a low tire creates faster wear
- Driving on a low tire can lead to catastrophic damage to the side walls and tire failure
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
You can do a visual inspection of your tires before driving and get a good idea if any are low. But the only way to know if they are fully inflated is to use a tire pressure gauge. They are available at most automotive and convenience stores. You simply remove the tire stem cap and insert the gauge. The pressure reading should match the specified tire pressure in your owner’s manual. If it does not, you can add air at most gas stations.
Modern cars may be equipped with TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). In this case, a dashboard light with an exclamation point inside a circle will indicate that one or more tires need air. Pull off as soon as you safely can to inflate the tires.
When a Tire Leaves You Stuck on the Road
If despite your best efforts, you still end up stuck, roadside assistance can be of great benefit. All you have to do is sit tight and wait for the service to arrive and take care of you. Vehicle Service Center offers roadside assistance package that you can combine with our extended warranty coverage. To learn more and get a free quote, call 1-800-280-6708.
Sep
When you are on the road, especially for a vacation, a breakdown can seem like a nightmare. But if you are prepared for this possibility in advance, things can go a little better. While the smart thing to do is prep your car in advance for the long drive, you can’t account for everything that could possibly go wrong. Here’s a 3-step plan for dealing with a breakdown when you’re more than 100 miles from home.
Step 1 – Get to Safety
You’re going to want to get your car off the road in a safe location as fast as possible. Unfortunately, you can’t control where your car decides to quit, so sometimes that means giving it a push off the road and onto the shoulder. Be sure to put your hazard lights on to warn other drivers. Hopefully, you also have a road hazard kit with reflective triangles or road flares.
If it’s not too dangerous, stay with the vehicle. However, if the car is on fire, get to a safe distance and call the emergency services.
Step 2 – Call Roadside Assistance
Making sure you have roadside assistance is an important part of taking a long trip. Be sure to give the assistance provider all the information they need such as your location, a description of the vehicle you’re in, and what is wrong with the car (if you know).
Try to get a specific amount of time that it will take for help to arrive, so you aren’t waiting hours on end thinking help is coming when the tow truck driver is lost. You may also need to ask for suggestions on where to have the vehicle repairs performed if you don’t know the area well.
Step 3 – Rent a Car or Book a Room
If you need to continue on your way (perhaps for a business trip or to get to a reservation that can’t be canceled), then it is time to find a place to rent a car. If you can stay local until your car is repaired, you will have to find nearby accommodations.
The good news is that if you have trip interruption benefits paired with your service contract from Vehicle Service Center, your breakdown may not cost you much. To find out more about the coverage options we offer, call 1-800-280-6708 and request your free quote.
Aug
Have you ever been stuck in a parking lot or even in your own driveway because your car battery is out of juice? Whether you need jump assistance or a battery boost, it can be frustrating to have to wait for help to arrive, especially if you don’t have a roadside assistance plan. Here are 3 common misconceptions about battery problems.
Myth #1 – I Should Let My Battery Run Out Completely Before Charging It
Actually, letting your car battery run out completely will shorten its overall lifespan. In fact, you may not be able to bring a completely discharged battery back.
Myth #2 – I Can Use Any Battery Charger to Recharge My Battery
Some high output battery chargers give off too high of a voltage for your car battery. Don’t use a charger that is unregulated. Giving a battery a boost is best left to a professional unless you know what you are doing.
Myth #3 – If My Battery Is Low on Water, I Can Refill It from the Tap
Tap water contains minerals that can actually reduce your battery’s functionality. If you do add water to a battery on your own, make sure it has been distilled and no minerals have been added back into it.
The Best Way to Deal with Battery Problems
The best way to cope with a battery issue is to have a service plan and roadside assistance through Vehicle Service Center. That will allow you to get immediate assistance through a battery boost or via jump assistance, and it may help defray the cost of any needed repairs to keep the problem from happening again depending on the service package you select. To learn more, call one of our vehicle protection specialists at 1-800-280-6708 and get your free quote today.
Aug
A car costs a lot more than just the sticker price. You also have to factor in depreciation, keeping the tank gassed up, interest on a loan, insurance premiums, and repair costs. What you may not realize is that the longer you intend to keep a car, the larger percentage of that overall ownership cost will end up being spent on repairs. According to Consumer Reports, it could be as much as 8% of your total cost of ownership.
No one can argue with the fact that auto repair costs are continuing to rise. This is usually blamed on the fact that cars are becoming more complicated as technology enters into every part of the vehicle. Modern mechanics need to be electricians and computer repairmen just as much as they need to be mechanically inclined. As a result, labor costs are often in the $80-125 per hour range.
Of course, repair costs also seem to vary wildly from state to state. According to CBS News, Connecticut is the most expensive state to have repair work done in, and Michigan is the cheapest. The information came from a study that looked at more 11.5 million auto repairs in the US.
Reducing the Lifetime Cost of Vehicle Ownership
One way to reduce the lifetime cost of vehicle ownership, regardless of the state you live in or the hourly rate of your local garage, is to purchase a service contract that protects you against major repair bills. Vehicle Service Center is proud to offer the best third-party warranty options to our customers. To learn more, speak to one of our vehicle service specialists by calling 1-800-280-6708.
Aug
If you’ve ever been driving and felt the wobble of a low tire, you know the main reason you want to check your tires regularly. It’s no fun to get stuck on the side of the road with a flat. However, even if the tire doesn’t deflate to the point of leaving you stuck, there are still other reasons to keep tires fully inflated. Here are 3:
- You get your best gas mileage with properly inflated tires
- Driving on a low tire creates faster wear
- Driving on a low tire can lead to catastrophic damage to the side walls and tire failure
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
You can do a visual inspection of your tires before driving and get a good idea if any are low. But the only way to know if they are fully inflated is to use a tire pressure gauge. They are available at most automotive and convenience stores. You simply remove the tire stem cap and insert the gauge. The pressure reading should match the specified tire pressure in your owner’s manual. If it does not, you can add air at most gas stations.
Modern cars may be equipped with TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). In this case, a dashboard light with an exclamation point inside a circle will indicate that one or more tires need air. Pull off as soon as you safely can to inflate the tires.
When a Tire Leaves You Stuck on the Road
If despite your best efforts, you still end up stuck, roadside assistance can be of great benefit. All you have to do is sit tight and wait for the service to arrive and take care of you. Vehicle Service Center offers roadside assistance package that you can combine with our extended warranty coverage. To learn more and get a free quote, call 1-800-280-6708.
Jun
Fuel economy is important to most modern drivers. Whether you want to save money at the pump or you just don’t want to be responsible for adding to climate change, keeping your car’s fuel delivery system in good working order is a must. Unfortunately, repairs can be expensive, so it’s better to keep your car well-maintained. Here are a few tips.
Don’t Get Sucked in by Maintenance You Don’t Need
There are a lot of maintenance options offered by garages that don’t really do much to improve your fuel economy. For example:
Gas Savers – These additives and services rarely do anything.
Oil Additives – Motor oil already has everything it needs in
Injection Cleaning – Unless fuel injectors are clogged and affecting your ability to drive, there’s no reason to have this done (Hint: This is the kind of problem that should cause your check engine light to come on).
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A clogged air filter can cause your gas mileage to plunge by as much as 10%. It should be changed annually or as needed if you drive more than 15,000 miles per year. A shop will charge you $20 or more to change this part out. You can get one for just a few dollars and change it yourself in a few minutes even if you’re not car savvy.
Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Right PSI
Most modern cars will alert you if tire pressure drops by even a few PSI. If not, check your tires regularly. You can lose up to 3% of your gas mileage by driving on tires that are just a few PSI low. Plus, you run the risk of damaging a tire and having a blowout.
Get Costly Fuel System Repairs Covered
If you do end up having a problem with your car’s fuel system, get ready for a big bill. That is unless you’ve got a service plan for your vehicle. At Vehicle Service Center, we offer service plan options that cover fuel delivery systems and just about everything else on your vehicle. For a free quote, call 1-800-280-6708.
May
One of our favorite compliments is when our vehicle protection specialists are praised for providing great customer service. The fact of the matter is, we believe that when you are dealing with a vehicle emergency – whether stuck on the side of the road with a flat or at a shop getting a new transmission put in – you simply don’t have time to deal with poor customer service.
Unfortunately, customer service is lacking in many businesses today, so we wanted to discuss some of the principles that put Vehicle Service Center ahead of the competition.
One of the Worst Customer Service Practices
If you haven’t noticed the inability of companies to provide good customer service, an indicator of the state of modern businesses is that the Australian government felt the need to put up an article about how to provide customer service on the national business website.
Recently, Forbes magazine commented on some of the worst customer service practices. The biggest culprit – hiring the wrong people for the job. You would think companies would want to put their friendliest and most patient people forward when it comes to dealing with the public. Sadly, some businesses just hire anyone who will work for low pay and make that person the customer’s lifeline during a crisis.
Customer Service – Why Our Customers Stay with Us
Providing you with good customer service is also a smart business move for us. It’s cheaper to hang onto existing customers than scour the globe for new ones. Treating people right creates loyal customers who recommend us to others. There’s no better form of advertising.
So next time you’re staring at an expensive repair bill or you’re stuck in a hotel overnight because of a breakdown on a road trip, we hope you’re covered by one of our comprehensive warranty or trip interruption plans. You can rest assured that your customer service experience will help soften the blow rather than making matters worse.
To get help in finding the right plan to meet your needs, call 1-800-280-6708. Our vehicle protection specialists are standing by to provide free quotes at any time.
May
Running out of gas is never good for your vehicle. Plus, it can really ruin a road trip and turn fun into fear. After all, no one wants to hitchhike – it’s often viewed as unsafe. Of course, modern vehicles have lights that warn a driver when gas is low and gauges that usually tell you how far you can go on your current tank. Despite these safety measures, however, running out of fuel is still a problem. Here are 3 tips to help protect yourself and your vehicle.
Ways to Avoid Running Out of Gas
By implementing these four suggestions, you shouldn’t ever find yourself stuck:
- Always fill up when your car hits 1/4 of a tank.
- Fill up before any drive that could involve getting stuck in traffic.
- Don’t trust the gauges to be able to tell you how far you can go down to the mile. It may say 30 miles one minute and be blinking zeroes the next.
- Use mobile apps to find nearby gas stations.
If you do realize you’re running low and it will be a stretch to the closest station, here are a few ways to maximize your mileage:
- Slow down – Your car will probably get its best gas mileage at under 45 mph. Be sure to put on your hazard lights if you are on the Interstate.
- Turn off the A/C and roll up the windows – The A/C decreases fuel economy and so does wind resistance. It may get uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as running out of gas.
- Conserve power – Conserve every tiny amount of gas by shutting down anything drawing power like the radio or a charging phone.
Protecting Yourself in Emergency Situations
Despite precautions, emergency situations can still occur on occasion. Running out of gas can be a frightening situation, especially if you are a long way from home when it happens. In this type of situation, having roadside assistance and an extended warranty can bring peace of mind. You know help is just a phone call away, and that at least some of the repair costs may be covered depending on your warranty plan. To get a free quote on extended warranty and roadside services, call Vehicle Service Center at 1-800-280-6708.
Apr
Having a tire blowout at 70 miles per hour on the Interstate can be one of the most harrowing experiences a person ever goes through. We’re going to share 3 tips to help you avoid a tire blowout, a few suggestions for getting off the road safely should a blowout occur, and then discuss the importance of having tire assistance during an emergency.
3 Ways to Avoid Tire Blowouts
Unless there is a defect in the tire or the valve stem kit was installed wrong by the tire shop, a blowout shouldn’t occur without any kind of warning. Here are 3 ways to avoid tire blowouts.
1. Keep Tires Properly Inflated – If tire pressure gets too low, the weight of the car riding on the wrong parts of the tire will eventually tear it to shreds. If your car has pressure sensors, always pull off the road right away to check a warning light. If not, invest a few dollars in a decent pressure gauge and check your tires regularly.
2. Avoid Potholes – Sometimes road damage may slowly destroy a tire. At other times, a bad enough hit at just the right weak point on a tire can trigger an immediate blowout. It’s always safest to avoid any major potholes in the road if you can do so without hitting another vehicle.
3. Overloading the Vehicle – Know how much weight your car and tires can carry. Loading down the vehicle beyond what the tires can handle may result in sudden tire failure.
What to Do if a Tire Blows While You Are Driving
This is easier said than done, but don’t panic. If a front tire blows, you should still have decent control. Rear tires cause more difficulties. Remember not to stomp on the brake as braking too quickly will cause the car to spin, especially if the blowout is on a rear tire. Try to pull off the road to the side of the car where the tire has been damaged (although this may not always be possible with multiple lanes of traffic).
The Importance of Tire Assistance
If you haven’t hit another car or damaged your vehicle, all you really need to do is put on the spare. But after a harrowing experience, you may not be in shape to work on your car. Having tire assistance can give you peace of mind. All you have to do is dial the number of your assistance company, and you can recover for a few minutes while you wait for the tire to get changed for you.
Vehicle Service Center offers roadside assistance packages that include tire assistance. Just call 1-800-280-6708 to get your free quote started now.
Apr
Even a basic warranty package should cover transmission repair. Why is this so important? How much does it cost to repair the average transmission? How long should your transmission last? Read on to learn the facts about transmissions.
How Long Does a Transmission Last?
According to one transmission remanufacturer, even when a transmission receives the minimal care it should last 100,000 miles. There are a few factors that can affect this figure:
- Manufacturer Defect – If a defect exists in the transmission, it may last significantly less time.
- Proper Care – Minimal care of a transmission includes things such as transmission servicing, fluid flushing, and the like. The number of miles between services depends on the manufacturer and should be included in your car’s manual.
- Pre-Owned Vehicles – When you buy a pre-owned vehicle, you may not know how well the previous owner cared for the transmission. You may not even know if the transmission in the vehicle is the original or if it has been rebuilt. This can make the life of the transmission difficult to estimate.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Transmission?
The cost of transmission repair depends on many factors. If you have a manual transmission and you just have to do basic repairs to the clutch or solenoid, the price range could be as little as $500 to $1,500. However, if the entire transmission needs to be replaced, average costs range from $1,800 to $3,500. What accounts for such a wide range?
A transmission replacement costs between $2,500 and $3,500. Some may opt to save a little money by going with a rebuilt transmission. This can reduce costs to $1,500 to $2,500. While the primary advantage is about $1,000 in savings, there are also disadvantages to a rebuilt transmission.
Avoiding the Headache of Transmission Repair Costs
Rather than guessing how long your transmission will last and potentially ending up with a huge repair bill, protect yourself in advance with a warranty that covers your engine, transmission, drive axle, and differential assembly. Vehicle Service Center will be happy to help you select the extended warranty that meets your needs and budget. Call 1-800-280-6708 for a free quote.
Apr
If you are planning on taking your vehicle on a long road trip with family or friends, getting trip interruption benefits needs to be on your checklist of things to do before putting that key in the ignition. Here are three reasons why breakdowns on long trips can be a nightmare.
#1: Hotel Rates Go Up Annually
Most road trips take place during the summer when people can get time off from work or school to head to the beach or other popular locations. Unfortunately, this is also when hotel rates spike. If your car had broken down while on a road trip in the summer of 2016, you would have had to shell out an average of $128 night for a hotel room while waiting for repairs. That average increases by about $5-10 a year. Trip interruption benefits may help you cover hotel costs in emergency situations.
#2: Car Rental Rates Are Exorbitant
Owning a car isn’t cheap, but renting one costs a fortune. If you break down on a road trip, you are probably on the way to a non-refundable hotel or condo rental. That means you lose part of what you paid for if you stay behind while your car gets worked on. But if you rent a car to continue your journey, it can cost you over $45 a day just to get an economy car. Let’s face it – most people road trip in far larger vehicles. Renting an SUV can easily run you more than $100 a day. You definitely want to have coverage that offers rental reimbursement.
#3: Auto Repairs Are Expensive All Across the Country
Getting work done on your vehicle can cost a lot of money, even if you know someone at your local garage and get a good deal. Those rates go through the rough if you end up in some faraway town, don’t know which garages are reputable, and end up getting hustled by someone who knows you’re really in a bind. This makes pairing trip interruption insurance with an extended auto warranty vital.
Vehicle Service Center offers everything you need to take off on the road anytime you want with complete peace of mind. From an extended warranty to combat high repair costs to roadside assistance and trip interruption, you are covered no matter what the universe throws your way. Think of it as your way of saying, “Nothing’s going to stop me from enjoying my hard-earned vacation.” Just call 1-800-280-6708 today to discuss the plan that is best for you and get a free quote.
Mar
Do you own or are in the process of buying a used car? Do you have an expiring warranty on a car you purchased new? You are a prime candidate to benefit from an extended auto care warranty. However, some wonder if it is really worth purchasing a continued warranty. We’re going to take a look at some important reasons to extend your auto warranty and how to make sure you get the maximum benefits.
Auto Repair Costs Are on the Rise Nationwide
If you’ve ever had to pay the bill for a major auto repair, you know just how big of an expense it can be, and those costs are continuing to rise. Between extreme markups in price on parts and labor costs that approach or even exceed $100 per hour, the bill can quickly surpass $1,000.
U.S. News & World Report revealed the results of a study that showed a 10% increase in the average repair costs. Add to that a report from WPRI Eyewitness News in Providence, RI about the average cost of car repairs, and the value of an extended warranty becomes even more clear. For example, the average repair cost of a car in California was reported at $2,289.11.
The fact is that most consumers who drive used vehicles don’t have the money for expensive repairs. If a person has thousands of dollars to spare, he or she would probably be driving something new and under warranty. By purchasing a vehicle service contract, you protect yourself from exorbitant repair bills. That can give you some real peace of mind. If your car just doesn’t start one morning, you won’t be out a month’s worth of salary just to be able to repair the vehicle that gets you back and forth to work.
Purchasing Your Extended Warranty from the Right Company Is a Must
Unfortunately, the whole reason the question about whether or not to purchase an extended warranty exists is because of a few bad apples out there who have given the industry a bad name. But Consumer Reports revealed that by and large, the extended warranty industry does exactly what it says. According to one recent report, 84% of extended warranty buyers who tried to make a claim received the requested money. Additionally, 82% of buyers said they would make the purchase again.
The key then is to find a reputable extended warranty seller who has experience in the business. Who can you turn to when you are in need of an extended warranty?
Vehicle Protection for Your Peace of Mind
When you purchase your extended warranty from Vehicle Protection, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that your car is covered and that coverage is backed up by a company with years of experience in the industry.
So instead of gambling with your savings by driving around without a warranty, it’s time to remove the risk. Call 1-800-881-0804 to get your free quote today!