We’ve been asked the question both ways – Are extended warranties good? Are they bad? In reality, they’re a bit of both. One thing for certain, we’d never recommend buying one from a phone solicitation. Here are some things to know before you consider buying an extended car warranty for your vehicle.

Understand Your Vehicle’s Current Warranty

Although most people think that their car comes with a three year or 36,000 mile (or something similar) new vehicle warranty, there’s a lot more to it than that. Your new car actually came with several types of warranties. The comprehensive one is the one we referred to above which is usually the three year/36,000 mile warranty. However, most vehicles also include a powertrain warranty and restraint system warranty. Both average five years or 60,000 miles. Some manufacturers offer corrosion and emissions warranties. Hybrids and electric vehicles may have a battery warranty. Remember, there are lots of things you can do that could void your warranty and regular maintenance isn’t included.

Extended Car Warranties Are Also Limited

They don’t cover regular maintenance. Their may be other exclusions. They also come with a monthly or annual fee. We recommend you do your research before purchasing an extended car warranty. Look at the following:

• How long they’ve been in business (a new company is likely one who operated under a different name and then closed only to reopen under a new name.)
• Their Better Business Bureau rating
• What they cover and if you have a deductible
• How much it will cost
• Exclusion period
• Which repair shops you can (or must) use and their proximity to your home and work

Once you evaluate the cost and coverage, look at the option of simply opening a savings account and having the same amount direct deposited into the account each month. How many months of the premiums will it cost to get to $600? Why that number? That is the average cost of a car repair according to AAA. You may be better off starting a savings account that you can use for repairs, maintenance, and, if you don’t need the money for repairs, eventually a down payment on a new car.

Oldsmar Automotive is Your Local Trusted Mechanic

Although we don’t file claims for you, we will provide you with the documentation required by extended car warranties to file your claim. And, of course, we perform vehicle services for non-warranty related items too. If you have an issue with your car, or it’s time for regular maintenance, come by our convenient location at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule an appointment.

Here we are just more than a week before the holiday season gets underway. If your holiday plans include trips out of town or just lots of trips around town, you should make sure to take care of any car maintenance. Not only can proper maintenance keep your car running efficiently, but it also keeps you safe and helps you reach your destination on time. Here are a few things you shouldn’t overlook.

Your Tires

Although you may not need new tires, when was the last time yours were checked? Proper air pressure contributes to a smooth ride and better gas mileage. Rotating them about every 7,500 miles helps them last longer and keeps you safer on the road.

The Brakes

Few components that require regular maintenance keep you safer than your brakes. It’s also one that people tend to overlook in their car maintenance. They assume that if they’re not hearing any squealing or grinding when they stop that their brakes are just fine. However, other signs that your brakes need attention include a steering wheel shaking when you apply the brakes and when your brakes begin to feel different when you depress the pedal.

Fluid Levels and Color

Because you don’t often need to replace your vehicle fluids, you may not think much about them or the car maintenance they require. We recommend that you check all fluid levels prior to setting out on a road trip of any duration. You should also know what color they should be and what may indicate it’s time for a system flush. Of course, you can also consult your vehicle manual for your specific vehicle’s recommendations.

Lights & Wipers

It only takes a moment to walk around your car and make sure all your lights are working. They keep you safe on the road and you can be ticketed for a brake, headlight or turn signal that isn’t operational, which could ruin your road trip. Replace your wipers if they’re cracked or don’t clear your windows well. You want to see clearly in all weather conditions, day or night.

Need Car Maintenance or New Tires? Call Oldsmar Automotive

We offer vehicle maintenance, repair and new tires. Call (727) 784-3501 or come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar for your car maintenance, whether it’s before a road trip or just a regular maintenance need. Of course, we can handle repairs, check your fluids, rotate your tires or provide you with a competitive price for your new tires. We want to help you have a safe and happy holiday season!

When everything in your car is working as it should be, it’s easy to drive. The car stays in its lane with little effort from you. However, if you’re driving and your car feels like it’s pulling to one side, you may have an issue. Although the most common thought is that there’s an issue with your car’s alignment, that’s not always the case. However, that can only be confirmed by a mechanic in Oldsmar. However, there are many reasons that a car pulls to one side, here are a few common ones.

Your Tires

You actually don’t need an affordable mechanic to help you with this one. Improper tire pressure is something you can check yourself. Don’t just look at your tires, use a tire gauge to ensure that your tires have the proper air pressure. Not sure what the proper air pressure is for your vehicle? Look at the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. Properly inflated tires do more than aid in your fuel efficiency and keep you safe, they help your car drive easily.

Wheel Bearing

If your car not only pulls to one side, but the steering wheel also shakes, you need to see a mechanic in Oldsmar for repair immediately. Your car is actually unsafe to drive. The wheel bearing greatly impacts tire rotation and if it were to fail while you were driving, the wheel could seize up leading to a serious accident.

Brake Problem

When your car pulls to one side only when you’re braking, it’s likely one of your braking components. However, a grinding noise often accompanies stuck calipers which are a common brake issue that leads to a car pulling.

Come to Oldsmar Automotive – Your Affordable Mechanic in Oldsmar

If your car is pulling and you’ve properly inflated your tires, you need an affordable mechanic in Oldsmar you can trust with your vehicle maintenance. We’re conveniently located at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar and ready to help you with all your automotive needs from regular maintenance to repair and new tires. You can also call to schedule an appointment – (727) 784-3501.