Extended warranty companies advertise “you will never have to pay for auto repair again”. I live on the claims side of extended warranties for auto repair. The picture looks a little different from our side. Recently I have seen extended warranty companies really tighten their belt on claims. This is understandable as the economy shows little partiality. I recently surveyed for a customer an extended warranty that was recommended by AAA Motor Club. Here are some things I found written into their contract:
An option to provide the part themselves instead of paying the shop for theirs - we like to say this is like getting your steak at Wal-mart, taking it to a fine steak house and ask them to cook it for you at a discount.
An option to provide used parts for the repair at their choice not yours
A breakdown has to occur - not because a trained technician sees the eminent failure
They do not pay for items that wear out even if they are listed as covered
A limit of what they will pay for parts and labor - leaving you to pay the balance
Maintenance must be followed and receipts kept
If you follow the maintenance recommendations that you should be doing anyway, the chance of you having a breakdown will always be in their favor. Their can be some positives to having an extended warranty on your car just don’t buy into the ads that say you will never pay for auto repair again. You will- even with an extended warranty. A wise friend once told me - remember “contracts are written in favor of those who write them”.
Here is the bottom line on regular oil change maintenance: If you have purchased a new car since 2002 then it does not require the traditional 3,000 mile oil change interval. Here in Little Rock at Parkway, we once surveyed twenty-five car makes and came up with an average service interval of 7,500 miles! It’s easy to see simple savings in your oil change costs here.
It really boils down to fuel management and quality of engine oil. The fuel systems are sealed, closely monitored and adjusted as you drive so the engine’s oil gets less contaminates. The air filter is also better than the old days. So when getting your oil changed a good rule of thumb is every 5,000 miles. Although some oils’ services can go farther, other items on your car need to have a mechanic look at them to be sure they are in proper working order; such as rotating tires and checking brakes.
Hope this saves you a buck and helps your car too!
If you want Parkway Automotive in Little Rock to manage your oil changes for the rest of your life then check out our offer for a Free Oil Changes for a Lifetime for a one time payment of $199.95.
You can now get 6 months to pay for services and repair at Parkway Automotive. Get all your fluids flushed and other services performed. Get your car in like new condition and have 6 months to pay with no interest charged. Just come in -we will fill out the application with you on-line. Call 821-6111 or www.parkwayautomotive.net to schedule an appointment.
as we watch carefully what Toyota is doing we want you to know. Be sure and watch the video on our blog that shows you what to do if your accelerator sticks on any car- you are still in control….
M. Anderson is the winner of Parkway Automotive’s Valentine give-a-way. She received dinner for two at Bruno’s Italian restaurant on Bowman Curve in Little Rock and two Chenal 9 movie tickets.
We will give gifts away every quarter just for signing up on our blog. You will also receive up to date car care information about oil changes and how to maintain your car to keep it in reliable condition.
One of blog subscribers wrote in with the question, “On a 2007 Nissan Armada how often should the chassis be lubed, shocks changed and transmission fluid be changed?”
Answer: There are not a lot of chassis lubrication points on today’s cars like there used to be. However if there are lubrication points then having it performed at each oil change interval, usually every 5,000 miles, should be enough. The transmisson fluid should be serviced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. The Motorist Assurance program recommends new shocks every 50,000 miles to maintain the best braking and ride control.
