American Auto Shield Blog

10 Easy Ways to Drive Green

If you really want to “Go Green” and lower your environmental impact, you can start by making some greener choices. What and how we drive AND how we maintain our vehicles can all affect our surroundings. Many of us aren’t able to buy a new hybrid vehicle, but by following a few of the easy green choices listed below, you can lessen your ecological impact.

1. Buy small

Your choice of vehicle makes a difference for the environment, and buying a small car is one of the best ways to reduce your car’s ecological impact. Additionally, options like third-row seats add weight to your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Most of today’s subcompacts aren’t the uncomfortable and claustrophobic rides they used to be. For example, the Nissan Versa Hatchback is one of the most fuel-efficient small cars on the road and affords more than ample room in the front and back seats for family, groceries or camping gear.

2. Avoid larger engines

By passing on the engine upgrade, you can save money upfront, as well as on fuel down the road. Options like 4-wheel drive add weight to your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Skip these options if you don’t need them. Test drive smaller engines and you may find that there is more than enough power.

Although many of us require a larger vehicle, you may be surprised to find that you still have cleaner choices. The better the fuel economy the more money you’ll save at the pump, while also reducing our dependence on oil.

3. Consider a more fuel efficient vehicle

The better gas mileage a vehicle gets, the less fuel it burns. Less fuel burned means less carbon dioxide, fewer natural resources used, and less pollution from the extraction and processing of fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy publish an annual Fuel Economy Guide, available at www.fueleconomy.gov, to assist you in selecting a more fuel efficient vehicle. Manual transmissions also have been found to yield better gas mileage, averaging a savings of about 10% in fuel economy.

4. Consider a Hybrid or Clean Diesel

You can lower your fuel expense and reduce emissions with hybrids such as the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius, which the EPA expects to return 51/48 mpg. New technology has also enabled diesel-fueled vehicles to get better gas mileage and be just as clean as ordinary vehicles.

5. Maintain your vehicle

Be responsible about using and caring for your vehicle and it will reward you with better fuel efficiency, less pollution, and a longer lifespan. For instance, a clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy significantly. Additionally, ignoring your check-engine light is not only unsafe, you can cause further damage to your vehicle and/or void any warranty or service contract covering your vehicle. The check-engine light is your car’s early warning system that something is not right with your vehicle. It could be something simple like a loose gas cap or spark plug wire, or it can be something more serious. Don’t put it off, take your car in immediately and have it checked out by a technician.

6. Check your tires

You can choose tires that provide less rolling resistance than standard tires, equating to approximately 4% better fuel economy. No matter what tire you choose, underinflated tires can result in increased tire wear and reduced fuel economy. They also adversely affect handling, increase stopping distances and amplify the chance of tire failure, increasing your risk of an accident.

7. Drive fewer miles

According to the EPA, vehicles make up almost 1/3 of smog-forming emissions nationally, and because Americans are driving more every year, vehicles continue to be a significant contributor to air pollution. To minimize your environmental impact, combine activities into one trip, carpool, take public transportation, bicycle, walk, or find a better route to work, school, or the places you frequent most – heavy traffic will eat up your fuel – and your time.

8. Drive wisely

• Be aware of your speed – obeying speed limits can save fuel, as well as prevent pollution.
• Avoid rapid accelerations and braking, which burn more fuel.
• Use cruise control and overdrive gears.
• Remove excess weight from your trunk, and roof or bicycle racks if you aren’t using them.

9. Emit less

According to the EPA, tailpipe emissions from vehicles account for almost 1/3 of the air pollution in the U.S. You can visit the EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide to see air pollution and greenhouse gas scores for any vehicle.

10. Be careful when filling up at the tank

Topping off your tank beyond the automatic shut-off point causes fuel spills and emits more toxic fumes into the air, harmful to both you and the environment. In sweltering weather it’s best to refuel early in the morning or late in the evening when less fumes evaporate.

10 Car Buying Tips that will Lower your Monthly Payments

Readying themselves for price slashing battle with the car salesman for the coveted “best deal” still finds some unsure and ill-equipped for battle.

Whether you are buying a new or used vehicle, most consumers only buy either approximately every 2-5 years. On the other hand, most car dealerships sell about 3-6 cars a week. Although the dealerships have skilled salesmen and the obvious advantage, you can arm yourself with education and skillfully make your next vehicle purchase smart and stress-free!

1.  Narrow your choices – Decide if you want to buy a new or used vehicle, and what your budget will allow. Take advantage of the free tools available to help determine the value of the used car you’re interested in or the dealer invoice price if new. There are many websites and online calculators that can help determine what others are paying for the vehicle you’re interested in, available interest rates, and your approximate monthly payments with money down or a trade in. Most often budgets and car payments are what ultimately determine the final decision for a new or used vehicle.

2.  Only buy the features you need – If you’re on a fixed budget like most of us, only buying the features that you must have can literally save you thousands of dollars and lower your monthly payments.  For example, air conditioning is something most of us can’t live without, but climate control air conditioning is a luxury that most are willing to live without if the small sacrifice allows more money each month for more important family expenses.  Remember that features such as power windows, power seats, audio systems, and tire packages are all add-ons that are nice, but not essential.

3.  Avoid larger engines – By passing on the engine upgrade, you can save money upfront, as well as on fuel down the road.  Test drive smaller engines and you may find that there is more than enough power.

4.  Automatic vs. Manual transmission – There is usually a significant difference in price between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. In fact, purchasing a manual transmission can often yield a $1000 savings or more. Additionally, manual transmissions also yield better gas mileage, averaging a savings of about 10% in fuel economy. Lastly, when it comes to repair and maintenance costs, manual transmissions appear to be superior, and cost much less to repair. However, if you prefer ease of use and like to minimize your movements while you’re driving, especially in heavy traffic, the extra money spent for an automatic transmission will prove worth it.

5.  Give your trade-in some love – Gather the maintenance records, check the fluids and tire pressure, clean the inside and outside of the vehicle, and freshen it up with a new car smell. Used car managers are typically the ones who appraise your trade-in, so if it appears the car has been taken care of and includes maintenance records, you are more likely to get a better price for your trade, which ultimately means lowering your monthly payment for your new purchase.

6.   Know the price range – Now that you’ve determined the type of vehicle you need, it’s important to know the realistic price you’ll most likely pay for the purchase. If it is a new car, verify the invoice price and research what others in your area are actually paying for the same vehicle. If it is a used car (and if you have a trade-in), verify the average retail price of the vehicle(s) through sources such as Kelley Blue Book or Black Book. You can also check local classifieds for used cars in your market to find out the average asking price. Keep in mind that whether new or used, they all expect to negotiate to a lower price.

7.  Know your credit score – If you’re going to finance your purchase, it’s important to know your credit score. Your score determines the interest rates available to you for any loan. Take advantage of the free resources available online to obtain your credit report and score.

8.  Get pre-approved for your auto loan – Getting pre-approved for your auto loan online or through another source can save time and eliminate the stress of financing through the dealer. If you’ve had credit issues or currently have bad credit, there are many free online auto loan applications offered by various loan providers. These lenders provide a quick and easy way for the consumer to shop for the best auto loan rates regardless of their credit situation.

9.  Don’t lose your head – Once at the dealership, remember your research and purchase a car that you need, not necessarily one that is on the lot. Often, cars on the lot have more features than you need and are more expensive. If you didn’t include these extra features in your calculations, your monthly payments will be higher than anticipated.

10.  Take your time – Reflect on car buying battles past and mistakes that may have left you feeling beaten – and don’t make them twice!  It’s easy to be swayed by the more expensive features and models on the lot, and hard to remember the tight budget you face once home when the thrill of a new car purchase is over. Consider making a list of your needs and the vehicle or vehicles you can afford before you visit the dealer – then stick to your list. Because this is the second most expensive purchase most people ever make it’s important to be informed and stay focused so that you can be in control of the situation.

Congratulations! – By being informed, you braved the car buying battle and found a vehicle you can enjoy AND afford! Here are a few more tips to follow once you’re home:

• Contact your insurance company to advise of your new purchase, remove the vehicle traded from your policy if applicable, and review your coverage with your agent to be sure it meets your new needs.
• Place proof of insurance and registration in your new vehicle.
• Keep your copy of the loan documents and buyers order in a safe place.
• Maintain your vehicle according to manufacturer’s instructions; keep records of any maintenance performed on your vehicle and save all of your receipts.
• Purchase a service contract – Although many dealerships offer extended service contracts, you can often find a better price and more coverage to meet your needs if you shop independently online. Just as researching before you purchase a vehicle is important, researching companies and coverage before buying a vehicle service contract is equally important. Visit our website and blog to learn more about American Auto Shield’s services and tips for finding the best company and coverage for you.

American Auto Shield BBB Rating Increased to A+

As an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), American Auto Shield (AAS) adheres to a strict code of ethics, and we set high standards of excellence that we strive to meet or exceed each day. In keeping with these standards, American Auto Shield has recently achieved BBB’s esteemed “A+ Rating“.

Consumers and clients can feel secure knowing American Auto Shield meets BBB Accreditation standards and the additional standards required to advertise affiliation with the BBB, including but not limited to the following:

1. Establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace.
2. Honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms.
3. Abide by all written agreements and verbal representations.
4. Approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and
   commitments with integrity.
5. Address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally, and in
   good faith.

American Auto Shield’s Executive Team and our dedicated team of agents, vendors and employees appreciate the opportunity to offer professional and friendly service when our clients need it the most. We are committed to providing the highest level of service to meet our client’s needs, and encourage consumers and clients to contact us with any suggestions they feel may improve our services.

In addition to being an “A+ Rated” BBB Accredited Member, American Auto Shield is also Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) verified and a member of the Automotive Warranty Service Contract Association (AWSCA) and WebAssured.com. To learn more about American Auto Shield, our professional claims administration services, and our superior vehicle protection programs, click here.

Tags: News / General Information

5 Tips for Finding a Professional Mechanic

Today’s challenging economy is forcing many to keep their vehicle long after their manufacturer warranty coverage ends. Uncertain times have forced many changes on the American consumer, persuading most to become more informed and shop wisely on a much tighter budget. Just as key as researching consumer reports, shopping sales and cutting coupons is the need to pick the right mechanic. Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments and tough times make it even more important to protect that investment.

To keep the family car working, even if you’re not, finding a good and fair mechanic is crucial. Ideally, it’s best to find a mechanic before you need one. Trying to find a reputable repair shop when your vehicle breaks down is stressful and an unexpected repair may force you to choose a shop that doesn’t suit you needs. The following are five tips to help you find a professional mechanic that suits your needs, fits your budget and gets you back on the road.

1.  Dealership vs. independent repair shop

Many consumer advocates say that parts and labor cost more at dealerships. However, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) can argue that dealership service departments are often better equipped to handle repairs on new, computer-laden vehicles.

If your vehicle is still under manufacturer’s warranty, verify that you will not void the warranty by going to an independent repair shop. If you do not have a warranty and/or are free to choose your repair facility, here are some things to consider when choosing a dealership or an independent:

• Dealerships use original manufacturer parts – new parts approved by Ford, GM, Toyota or other large car makers – which will increase the cost of the repair. There are, however, generic new parts that typically cost less.
• Dealerships may have expertise in particular vehicle makes.
• Dealership labor and parts prices are often more than independents.
• Consumers that go with independents can lower the cost of their repair by purchasing generic new or like kind and quality parts or, if they are willing to pay the extra cost, they can of course request original manufacturer parts.

2.  References and questions

• Ask your friends, coworkers, neighbors and explore the Internet for repair shop references. Ask the shop questions as well – how long have they been in business? What are their labor fees? How do they source parts? How do they handle complaints, if any? A good mechanic will also be happy to answer these and any questions you have regarding your vehicle. A really good mechanic will offer tips on how to get peak performance from your vehicle whether you choose to do business with them or not.
• Be sure the repair shop has the right equipment to diagnose your vehicle’s problem. Today’s vehicles contain complex computer systems. Mechanics need to know how to find and address these issues and some shops may not have the knowledge or the necessary equipment to properly diagnose your vehicle.
• Visit the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org to view a company profile if available and to find out how the repair shop resolves consumer complaints.

3.  Certification

Certifications are usually displayed near the customer service desk. Because today’s vehicles are much more complex, good mechanics continue their education to sharpen their skills.

• Technicians certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have passed a voluntary competency test and can stay astute by participating in additional programs, training and social networking sites.
• Repair businesses can qualify for the Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program which requires that at least 75% of the technicians performing diagnosis and repairs must be ASE certified, and each area of service offered in the shop must be covered by at least one ASE-certified technician.
• Auto body and paint experts upgrade their skills through the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
• Repair shops that are members of the Automotive Service Association have agreed to uphold a professional code of ethics, which includes furnishing the customer with an itemized bill of all parts and services. The invoice should list whether parts are new, used, or refurbished. The mechanic should also allow the customer to inspect these parts. To find members of the Automotive Service Association, visit their site at www.asashop.org.

4.  Inspecting the repair facility

Is the shop clean, organized and professional looking? There’s no doubt that vehicle repair is dirty work, but waiting rooms and customer areas should be orderly and clean. Is the staff friendly and knowledgeable? Disorder or complacent staff may be a sign that the shop is poorly managed.

5.  Finding a vehicle specialist

If you have a custom-built or high performance vehicle, or constant problems with certain components of your vehicle, finding a mechanic that has expertise dealing with a particular make of car or a specific problems is key. Taking your vehicle to a repair shop that does not have the knowledge or necessary equipment to diagnose your vehicle will only cost you more time and money in the long run.

Top 5 Tips for Maintaining your Vehicle

Maintaining your vehicle is one of the most important parts of owning one. Proper maintenance will keep your car running smoother longer and keep you away from lengthy stays in repair facility waiting rooms. Additionally, many warranties and vehicle service contracts are void if regular maintenance of the vehicle is not performed.

We highly recommend keeping maintenance records and receipts organized, not only for yourself and per the terms of your contract (if applicable), but for providing a future buyer with documentation showing your attentiveness to their new investment.

The following is a brief list of some of the basic regular maintenance recommendations to follow:

1. Battery

Ask your technician to make sure the battery cover is in place and the battery is properly anchored. Also ask them to clean it of any corrosion, especially the electrical posts. This maintenance will keep your battery operating longer.

2. Brakes

A good rule of thumb is to have your brakes checked every 6,000 to 7,500 miles, which is the same time tire rotation is recommended.

3. Check-Engine Light

The check-engine light is your car’s early warning system that something is not right with your vehicle. It could be something simple like a loose gas cap or spark plug wire, or it can be something more serious. Don’t put it off, take your car in immediately and have it checked out by a technician. Continuing to operate a vehicle experiencing problems is not only unsafe, it can cause further damage to your vehicle and/or void any coverage protection you may have invested in.

4. Coolant System

To avoid metal corrosion, you should thoroughly flush your coolant system and replace with appropriate antifreeze at least every two years. Make sure to use the proper coolant mix, check the coolant reservoir monthly, and top it off as needed.

5. Oil Change

Oil changes keep your engine clean and running smoothly. Many vehicles can go as many as 7,000 miles before an oil change is necessary, depending on the type of vehicle. Generally, an oil change should be done every three months or 3,000 miles, or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.