Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy, Last Sunday my wife Bambi and I set out to do battle; armed with masks, gloves disinfectant and hand sanitizer; actually, we went grocery shopping for our home and her mother who lives alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything and now personal hygiene is more important than ever. Ok, let’s relate this to our cars since I’m the Hemet Car Guy It is now more than ever more important keeping our vehicles clean and helping prevent the spread of disease.

VIP Autos is taking every precaution while we keep our business running, and we want you to be safe, too. In past articles and on our web page hemetcarguy.info, we showed how to clean your car and even change the cabin filter, however, now we have taken it to the next level because we know it’s not just cleaning our cars but also protecting ourselves from infection, and protecting others.

The general guidelines for preventing the spread of any disease are the same around cars as anywhere else. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after touching any unknown surface that someone else might touch, whether you’re picking up a car from a repair shop or doing some socially-distant car shopping. You can get the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer works as a backup. Also, keep your distance. Don’t get in a car with someone from outside your household; at VIP Autos, we have made it a new policy to have our clients test-drive vehicles alone.

We are told Coronavirus isn’t classified as airborne, which is confusing because it definitely can be spread through sneezing and coughing, so wear that mask!! We know Coronavirus can spread through people who aren’t showing any symptoms, and we don’t want to risk exposure in the confined space of an automobile interior. With that said, we have taken additional safety measures in our Detail Department. VIP Auto’s detailer Kevin always wears a mask, eye protection, because as a professional detailer, he comes into contact with car-related germs on a daily basis.

Kevin had always focused on the six areas in the car most likely to host viruses, bacteria, and other infectious material: the steering wheel, cup holders, and seat belt, inside the door, handles, gearshift knob, and radio buttons, but now he needs to do more before because he knows there is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Cleaning is the act of physically removing dirt and other substances from a surface, usually with a detergent. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on a surface while disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs actively.

(car awareness)

This is very important to do without using bleach products inside the vehicle. Because of the additional steps with disinfectants, it takes twice as long to get a vehicle ready. Kevin deep cleans the whole interior with high-pH products that need to sit on the soft material for some time to work, and besides disinfecting the whole interior in addition to those six high touch areas, and sanitizing Kevin changes the cabin filter and then finishes off with an ozone generator. Ozone is a gas that has proven to be a powerful sterilant and weapon against bad smells and bacteria.

Because it is gas, it can permeate just about every crevice of your car, reaching those hard to locate and hard to reach odors. If there’s a foul smell in your car, chances are there is also bacteria floating around. Ozone will kill both, leaving your car smelling good and the interior climate healthy. The ozone generator uses UV light to generate ozone. And, once ozone comes into contact with other molecules, it will destroy them instantly through the process of oxidation. Yes, it’s all terribly scientific, but all you need to know is that ozone will destroy bacteria and odors on contact, removing them permanently from your car. Ok, we are not making claims, of ozone sterilization being used to kill the current strain of Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (technical name of the Coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease).

However, there are reasons to believe it would be effective: For example, during the SARS epidemic of 2003, ozone sterilization was successfully used to purify environments infected with the deadly Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-1, the virus, which causes the SARS disease. As SARS-Cov-1 is also a member of the Coronavirus family, it is highly likely that ozone sterilization would be effective at killing SARS-CoV-2, the Coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. Kevin does use cleaning, sanitizing and disinfectant products. Still, Kevin and I don’t pretend to be a disinfecting disease expert – we are doing our best to figuring this out as we go. And don’t forget to clean your keys.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: car awareness

The post COVID-19 and car awareness appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

You may be surprised to learn that, when asked to consider the items they can’t live without, Americans rank toothpaste and their toothbrush almost as important as the internet and cell phones, according to a recent study.

A new survey on reliability from Cooper Tires is based on data from a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults. The survey drills down into what Americans rely on most in their daily lives, with some interesting findings. In order to smoothly navigate your day-to-day, it’s likely there are a few key items, whether you really think about them or not, that we all count on to work in order to get things done.

The reliability of these items – the fact that they consistently perform well – is critical to our day-to-day and impactful on our emotions (both positive and negative) and yet we don’t stop and think about, much less celebrate, the value these items bring to our everyday lives. Cooper is built on providing quality, reliable tires for drivers since 1914, and understands the value of being a reliable partner for everyday life, whether celebrated or not. And many of the items that Americans named as their top 10 aren’t lauded on a daily basis – but maybe they should be.

Items in the study were ranked according to rational and emotional responses, with these subscores combined to determine the overall reliability scores.

The survey found that Wi-Fi/the internet earned the top ranking for reliability followed by cell phones, but somewhat surprisingly, a toothbrush and toothpaste were third overall. Wi-Fi/the internet scored highest not only on regularity of use and quality, but also contributed highly to both happiness and anxiety – implying that this technological marvel causes a range of emotions, from giving users joy, while at times plummeting them into stress. This ranking also showcases how ubiquitous Wi-Fi/the internet and cell phones have become for people of all ages and backgrounds. The humble toothbrush actually scored higher on the happiness subscale than laptops, sunglasses or even makeup.

Also ranking high for rational responses are cars and their tires. Cars scored fourth overall, with tires sixth, but on the emotional subscore, personal vehicles were second highest, showing that Americans still love their cars, and value reliable tires to get where they need to go, as well as to keep them safe.

Even when the survey findings were divided into subgroups by age (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, baby boomers and the Greatest Generation), personal vehicles beat out ridesharing.

“While high-tech products and advancements are exciting and buzzworthy, it’s much more routine items that we look to and rely on to get through our day,” notes Jessica Egerton, director of brand development at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. “This shows a clear distinction between the things that are nice to have – such as fitness trackers and tablets – and things that are a critical necessity for most Americans in navigating their everyday – such as a personal vehicle.”

The remaining top 10 items are: shampoo, credit/debit cards, glasses or contacts, microwaves, and live TV.

While no food items made the top 10, coffee was the top consumable item, in 12th place, followed closely by chocolate in 14th place (laptops took the 13th spot). Interestingly, although both coffee and chocolate scored higher on the rational subscale than the emotional, chocolate not only scored significantly higher among women and Gen X, but chocolate had the largest gap of any item between anxiety and happiness on the emotional subscale. It would appear that chocolate brings consumers joy, but does not cause them stress. Enough said.

Visit cooperreliabilitystudy.com for the full survey results.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: What Americans Rely on Most

The post New Survey Reveals What Americans Rely on Most appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Nearly 70 percent of all car sales are used vehicles, thanks to the rising costs of new cars and the increasing quality of their used counterparts. While buying a previously owned vehicle makes the best financial sense in a lot of cases, experts say there are some things to keep in mind.

“To keep everyone on the road safe and protect your purchase, all drivers need to stay up-to-date on car maintenance,” says Doug Turner, director of service operations at Byrider, the nation’s largest used car and finance network of dealerships. “This is especially true for those with used cars.”

April is National Car Care Month and to help you extend the life of your used car, the automotive experts at Byrider are offering the following tips:

• Follow the maintenance recommendations of the manufacturer.

• Caring for a vehicle is similar to caring for oneself — take preventative steps to help keep your car healthy. Pay special attention to issues, noises or warning signs that could indicate your vehicle needs maintenance. Warning lights on your dashboard are illuminated for a reason. Understand what they mean and address them as-needed.

• Prevent rust and other issues by keeping the interior and exterior of your vehicle clean.

• Use a trusted repair service that hires Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified technicians. This certification can make a big difference when it comes to quality repairs and maintenance.

• Complete as-needed or at a minimum, an annual inspection, on the vehicle. Keep in mind that different seasons of the year require different inspections and repairs.

• Use quality parts.

• Fill your vehicle with the proper gas. Use premium if the vehicle manufacturer suggests it.

• Regular oil changes will keep your car running as smoothly as possible. Be sure to use the proper oil per the manufacturer recommendations.

• When buying a vehicle, stick to retail dealers that put cars through a detailed inspection process. This will help to ensure a given vehicle’s safety and reliability. At the same time, consider dealers with an attached service department. “Your relationship with the dealership shouldn’t end once you drive the car off the lot,” adds Turner. In the case of Byrider, every car sold comes with a warranty or optional service agreement, as well as discounted parts, labor and service. To learn more, visit byrider.com.

A used vehicle can be a great investment. Extend the life of your car and stay safer on the roads by making smart purchasing decisions and taking a proactive approach to maintenance.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Life of Your Used Car

The post How to Extend the Life of Your Used Car appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

If you’re like many Americans, your car is your lifeline. When it’s in need of repair, being able to cough up the cash to keep it running is critical.

A new survey finds that U.S. consumers spent an average of nearly $2,000 on vehicle repairs and maintenance in the last five years, with millennials and generation Z being hardest hit by the costs. The 2019 Ally Financial survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll, found that while adults 55 and older spent $1,654 on average for vehicle maintenance and repairs in the past five years, millennials and generation Z paid an average of $2,334 during the same timeframe.

Ally’s survey results come on the heels of research from the Federal Reserve, which found that nearly four in 10 adults would not be able to cover unexpected expenses of $400 without selling something or going into debt.

If you’re concerned about the cost of a surprise car repair leaving you running on empty, consider these tips from Ally Financial.

Save

An emergency savings fund can prepare you for unexpected car repair bills. Another recent Ally survey found that two-thirds of 18- to 24-year-olds haven’t established any type of emergency savings fund, compared to approximately half of all other adults. Over time, setting aside even $10 each month can potentially protect you against having to borrow or incur debt.

Stay Protected

A vehicle service contract (VSC), similar to an extended warranty, is a protection plan that covers vehicle repairs costs outside of the manufacturer’s warranty, and may be easier to budget for than a large unexpected bill from the mechanic’s shop. Unfortunately, many people aren’t taking advantage of VSCs. The Ally survey found that only 21 percent of Americans have purchased one in the last five years.

Before committing to a particular service contract, shop around to ensure that you’re working with a reputable company that offers services at locations convenient for you. Also look into additional benefits. For example, Ally’s FlexCoverage includes 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption protection, (e.g. reimbursement for room and board if your car troubles require an overnight stay) or rental car reimbursement. While these reimbursements are usually capped at a certain dollar amount, they can alleviate some of the burden

Be Proactive

Maintenance issues that go unattended can lead to heftier repair bills down the road. Schedule timely oil changes, brake pad replacements and tire rotation, and mark your calendar to check fluid levels like coolant and windshield washer fluid. If flashing lights appear on your dashboard, check your owner’s manual and contact your dealer or mechanic to see what the problem could be.

“Unfortunately, too many Americans are just one repair bill away from being forced to make tough financial decisions,” says Mark Manzo, president of Insurance at Ally Financial. “But proactive strategies can offer peace of mind and protect your wallet.”

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Car Repair Bills

The post How to Navigate Expensive Car Repair Bills appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy,

As some of you know I’m the current Chair of the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of commerce, and last week I attended the ribbon cutting for City of the Heart Psychological Services. You may ask what does that have to do with cars?

Well I got to thinking about how many times in my automotive career people are at time very particular about their color choice.

What’s the meaning of your car color? Perhaps the color of your car says more about you and your personality than you think.

Looks into the possible reasons why you or someone else selected a particular car color.

Are you looking to be noticed, or are you more of a private person that’s just looking to blend in with the crowd? Are you an outgoing person, creative, conventional thinker? Perhaps the color of someones car can tell us this and more.

Black

It’s difficult to go wrong with a black car. It looks good, so a focus and pride on appearances is important. Despite appearances being important, it could suggest a reserved and private personality, perhaps introverted, often seeking their own company.

However it could also imply a strong desire to be respected and to gain social status. People who prioritize social status and respect from peers are usually more extroverted people that live in the moment.

Owning a black car may suggest strong primal survival instincts are motivating them. They wish to be unseen, to remain under the radar because they feel like they need to protect themselves. It may also suggest a motivation to feel powerful and strong as black is associated with these meanings.

Black is also a very respectable, sophisticated and professional color for a car. Being seen in this way could be important to them.

Silver

Silver is probably the most popular color choice for a car. It’s a very practical color choice for a couple of reasons. It’s one of the safest colors due to its high visibility. Due to their popularity they also tend to hold their value better than other colors. Silver is definitely a wise and practical choice.

Choosing a silver car also suggests a desire for the conventional, they don’t want to stand out, they want to fit in, they have a strong priority to be normal.

So we have a conventional practical thinking person with a strong focus on fitting into society. They probably have a strong fear of being alienated which can cause them much anxiety.

Choosing a silver car for practical reasons could perhaps suggests that a car for that person is simply a tool or mode of transport. They perhaps have little pride or interest in cars, it could suggest a lack of interest in materialistic items.

Gray

Gray is similar to silver however it probably suggests very different reasons for choosing a gray car. It’s a darker color so the focus on safety/visibility is less likely to be a selection factor. The motivation for choosing a gray car could be a desire to be a little bit different and unique without looking to stand out.

Metallic gray looks very modern and stylish without looking for attention. Gray is less common and conventional than silver which may suggest a desire for individuality. Individuality takes priority over fitting into the norms of society.

White

White is the choice of car color of the perfectionist, they perhaps have an obsession for cleanliness. It’s also the choice of someone that doesn’t mind attention and being noticed. They’re very likely to be an extroverted outgoing personality type that gets their energy from group and social situations.

White is associated with simplistic, modern or futuristic devices, so it could suggest a love for technology and perhaps simplicity.

Dark Blue/Green

Choosing a dark blue or green car suggests seriousness, reserved and not looking for attention. Probably introverted in personality that enjoys their alone time. It shows conventional thinking and probably a traditionalist. Perhaps not a great deal of effort going into their color choice, functional, just a car, not interested in materialistic possessions. People who are not interested in the materialistic tend to focus more of their energies on friends and family and generally the simply things in life.

Red

Choosing red can be a sign that someone is confident when dealing with attention, probably socially confident that either likes or seeks attention. Red is probably their favorite color with a desire to express their likes and emotions.

Red is perhaps a practical yet conventional choice. Red colored cars are among the safest on the road. This may suggest a very sensible and practically minded person.

Dark Reds Maroon & Burgundy are reserved colors, however they have character, and they’re associated with luxury and wealth. Dark red may suggest a need for expression of the love for the color. Perhaps red is their favorite color however they’re not looking for attention. Perhaps it’s a subtle way of seeking approval, social status and to be seen as sophisticated.

Bright & Unconventional Colors

We are seeing some bright and unconventional colors hitting the roads in recent years. For example, bright or lime green, a few orange variants and brighter shades of blue.

Choosing one of these colors would almost certainly indicate a person that has strong desires for individuality, uniqueness and self expression. These desires will surpass the need to fit into the crowd. Probably very open minded, open to and often seeking new experiences.

Open minded people are also often intuitive, inward thinking and creative in some form with a need to express that creativity.

Personally, Even though I don’t feel that color choices don’t fully describe an individual I hope you found it interesting

This article is contributed from Matt Reacher colorpsychologymeaning.com

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Color Psychology Meaning

The post Color Psychology Meaning appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy, in past article we discussed people buying cars for their Uber business. And the difficulty getting the loan approved if Uber or Lyft driving is your only means of income at car dealerships usually their lenders only do personal car loans not commercial/business loans.

Fortunately for us at VIP Autos we have lenders that do auto loans that can be put in the business name as long as the business is established with credit or the business owner or CEO or shareholder can cosign.

Purchasing a car for the business has many tax advantages for the owner, whether that owner is the business or an employee. But before you buy that car, consider the pros and cons of having the company or the employee owning the car.

Only actual business use of the car is deductible as a business expense. Commuting expenses between home and business are not deductible business expenses and personal travel is not deductible. Whoever drives the car must keep good records on business travel expenses in order to have those miles allowed as a deduction.

Many banks do have seasoning requirements for small business loans, which means you can only finance a car if your firm has been in business for at least two years. Provide your lender with at least two years of business tax returns and cash flow statements. You need a positive cash flow to get a loan. Depending on the size of the loan, your lender may also ask for a business plan that details the purpose for buying the car.

Buying a car can benefit the company or the employee who owns a business car with the cost savings from tax deductions. This deduction comes in two parts: the deduction for ownership of the car, and deductions for costs of driving the car for business purposes.

• The company can deduct depreciation expenses at the rate in effect at the time the asset is put into service (begins to be used)
• The company can also deduct general auto expenses for business use of the vehicle, like maintenance, gasoline, and tires.
• If the business owns the car, personal use of the car by the employee must be documented and the company must report personal use as taxable compensation on the employee’s W-2.
• Interest on a car loan is deductible to a business as an ordinary and necessary business expense.
• Insurance for a company-owned car may be cheaper than for an employee-owned vehicle since businesses can get leased-car and multiple-car rates and other discounts.
• If a company-owned car is involved in an accident, the driver’s personal insurance rates and liability are minimized.

My tax guy says “For the owner, the cost of the car as a business asset and the costs for business use of the car are both fully deductible from business taxes. For the employee, the cost of the car as an asset is not deductible (even for interest expenses on a car loan). The cost of business driving expenses is reported on Schedule A of Form 1040, but these costs are only deductible if they are greater than 2% of adjusted gross income

No doubt, having the business own the car allows more deductions, such as depreciation. Most of these deductions are not available to individual employees on their personal tax returns.

Here is another example our dealership decided to lease a car for business use. And then have the option to resell it at the end of the lease term. However when you think it through, for some businesses you may not have control over how much mileage the employee puts on that car. For example our car lease term has a 12,000 mileage restriction. If you (as the owner) drives a leased car, you may be able to control personal use and keep costs down. Every situation is different, but consider looking at the leasing option but also know it’s not for everyone.

Besides being the Hemet Car guy, I volunteer by serving on the Board of Directors for the Hemet San Jacinto Chamber of Commerce, I see business owners driving to the chamber events promoting their business and this comes to mind. Are you are using your car for business, it does have its advantages.

Disclaimer: I am not a Tax Guy nor do I play one on TV The information in this article is intended to be for general purposes, and is not intended to be used as tax or legal advice. Every business situation is different and federal and state laws are constantly changing. Please consult your tax or legal advisor before taking any action that could affect your business.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Purchasing a car

The post Purchasing a car for the business has many tax advantages! appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy,

There are so many ways people buy vehicles. They buy from new car dealers, used car dealers, buying services from banks credit unions, off the street and even get them from family members.

But did you know there is another way?

Many Celebrities, Dignitaries, and Large Businesses use an Auto Broker Service.

Why do you ask? Can you picture your favorite Celebrity negotiating back and forth on the showroom floor of a dealership?

Here are some things to consider for yourself

Hiring a broker to represent you in the buying process can save money, but will mainly save you time and hassle.If you are in the market for a new home, would you set out and represent yourself? Would you face a judge and jury without the proper attorney to represent you? Probably not. The reason we hire these professionals to represent us is because they are trained professionals and possess the skills in those areas to get you the best deal or negotiate your way through a legal matter.

Auto brokers bring knowledge and negotiating skills to the table on your behalf. They know the intricacies of dealerships, financing and buying in a way that the typical car buyer will probably never learn. Usually, these brokers have years or decades of experience in the industry, often on the other side of the desk. Many of them are former salespeople and dealership managers.

A professional car broker service can help you save a lot of time and money when shopping for a used or new vehicle. The job of car brokers is to simply help you find the vehicle of your choice and to help you find the best price. If you don’t have a lot of time, and don’t want to search for vehicles and prices yourself, then using a car broker will make purchasing a new or used vehicle a lot easier and less expensive.

We’re On Your Side.

The concept behind hiring an auto broker is relatively simple: you’re not a professional car buyer, so why go up against a professional car seller alone? With the confusion of financing, fees, add-ons, taxes and the hurried, jargon-filled nature of the dealership, it only makes sense to leave the bargaining to someone who won’t be fazed by the wheeling and dealing.

Why Should You Use A Car Broker?

Because car brokers are professionals at what they do, most of the time they will usually be able to get you a better price than you can get on your own.

However, One of the great advantages of new car brokering services is that they can usually get you the specific color, upholstery and factory-installed features you want on the model you like. Dealerships often charge extra for these services or claim that the automobile you want is impossible to find in the color or specifications you have in mind, simply because they don’t carry it themselves.

But much of what a broker provides is convenience and peace of mind.

For more information visit vipautobrokers.net.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Using a broker

The post USING A BROKER TO BUY YOUR NEXT VEHICLE appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy,

In past articles the topic was the cost of gas, that is, ways to save money at the pump. We even shared the idea of going electric.

When I spoke with my son Benjamin Perry, at the Ramona Tire store he tells me there is another way to go.  He said, “Do you really need to buy a new fuel-efficient car or hybrid to improve your miles per gallon?”

He said “One easier and less expensive way to maximize your current vehicle’s fuel efficiency is to change your tires. The some tire industry innovators like Goodyear “Fuel Max and Firestone Champion Fuel Fighter” are tires that can improve your mileage, and can offer well-rounded performance in a product for passenger cars, SUVs and CUVs. These tires are designed not only to maximize your fuel mileage, but also to offer excellent all-season traction and a long tread-life limited warranty.

So “how,” you say?  They use specialized Fuel Saving Tread Compounds that help reduce energy loss as the tire rolls. This lower rolling resistance means that it takes less energy to get the wheels moving, which in-turn makes your car more fuel-efficient in the process. That’s not to mention that these tires will potentially help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the amount of fuel you’ll consume as part of your “carbon footprint.”

So how much fuel will you save over the life of four tires? According to Goodyear, with the Assurance Fuel Max tire, there is an average 4 percent improvement in fuel economy. That means that over the course of a 65,000-mile tire lifecycle, you can save about 2,600 miles worth of gas.* This adds up to quite a few trips back and forth to work, in our San Jacinto Valley.

Your own tire wear will differ of course, depending on how well you maintain your vehicle. When it comes to maintenance, Goodyear recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended intervals. Plus, it helps to watch out for potential road hazards, and pay close attention to your own driving habits.

You can save up to 2,600 miles based on a 4% fuel economy improvement, on 65,000 Mile Tread Life Limited Warranty, as compared to the standard Goodyear Assurance tire tested on P195/65R15 size-2008 Honda Civic. Actual results may vary based on when tires are replaced, driving habits, road conditions, and proper tire maintenance. Ok! Thanks Ben, that’s good advice.

Actually this is true: I have proof that tires do make a difference. I remember putting low-priced tires on your grandmother’s Toyota Prius. She complained that she lost the gas mileage that she was used to.

Actually I should have installed directional tires designed for hybrid vehicles! Oops, sorry Mom.

Good job son.

Tires do make a difference

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Tires Do Make a Difference

The post Tires Do Make a Difference appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The pro and cons….should you buy it?

Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy,

You ask, “Should I buy an extended warranty on a car purchase”?

Actually only the manufacture can offer a warranty, however, there are many choices to purchase an “Extended Service Agreement” aka SVC.

Pros:

With an extended SVC, that provides the proper coverage, you are basically insured against all sorts of nasties that could wrack up thousands of dollars in repairs. In the long term, this can save you more money than if you pay out of pocket for those repairs.

The peace of mind you get from knowing that you are guarded against that rainy day should not be underestimated. It is human nature to believe that the long shot of bad luck will never happen. Unfortunately, it is almost inevitable that it eventually does happen down the road. An extended SVC covers that long shot for an additional period of time, hopefully until you are done with the car. No one likes nasty surprises.

Extended SVC’s make very decent bargaining chips at the table if you decide to sell the car. Of course, the SVC has to be transferable; it is something you should take into consideration when you purchase the extended SVC in the first place.

The perks that come along with some SVC’s are icing on the cake like covered rental car, towing and discounted maintenance.

Cons:

If your car does not break down during the period or duration of the extended SVC, your money is wasted. Extended SVC’s are a lucrative business for companies selling them.

This suggests that ultimately they pay out a lot less in repairs than they take in. Extended SVC’s cover additional time/miles where breakdowns are more likely to occur, and are proportionately more expensive because of it.

That said, companies still feel extended SVC’s are a profitable business or they would not keep offering them. This tells you something about the odds.

There’s also a bit more hassle at the contract table, trying to figure out what every last word in the contract means and just how deep your coverage will be and how much you will have to pay if you sign the dotted line. No doubt, there are plenty of warranty companies who deliberately word contracts to leave loopholes the size of barnyards for them to wriggle through. Be sure to double check a company’s reputation at the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Reports for comments and ratings from other consumers.

Also, keep in mind not only who backs the Extended warranty,  but also the dealership selling them. The dealership is the customer of the extended SVC: the dealer can at times call the SVC to get an exception for their customer when there is a shade of gray.

Here is a big tip. In many cases the longer the policy the lower the cost per year. For example, they may offer a 2 year/24,000 mile SVC for $1995.00 and a 5 year 100,000 for $2,300.00.  The second is a much better deal, especially if it can be cancelled at any time and prorated for a refund.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and also keep in mind that, by law, you have a right to a full refund within 30 days after you buy it.

Hope this helps.

Good Driving,

The Hemet Car Guy

For more information go to www.hemetcarguy.info

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Extended Service Agreement

The post Extended Service Agreement/Warranty appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Greetings From The Hemet Car Guy!

At some point we’ve all been tasked with the thankless Thanksgiving job of holding a hot casserole dish on our laps while the family drives to Grandmother’s house. And how about getting all those leftovers home after Thanksgiving dinner? While Auntie May’s pumpkin pie may seem perfectly pleasant perched atop a lace doily on the dining-room table, it can become a dangerous projectile if not secured properly in the car.

A study of children involved in car crashes conducted by Intel Corp. and the University of California-Irvine revealed some alarming statistics:

• Of the more than 12,500 children injured by an item inside the car during a crash, at least 3,000 collided with unrestrained objects, a passenger or both.

• “Unrestrained cargo may even cause death in a frontal crash by striking an occupant’s seatback.”

• “Loose objects [in the car] can become lethal … even in emergency braking.”

• To help out you and your family this Thanksgiving, I selflessly volunteered to indulge in some early holiday grub and experiment to find the best techniques to safely and cleanly transport your holiday feast favorites in the car.  You can thank me later.

Casserole Dishes:

Piping-hot casserole dishes can literally be a pain to the person in the car holding them in their lap. The heat from the dish itself can burn your spouse’s lap—not to mention the damage that could occur if it spills and your hubby is left with 350-degree green-bean casserole drippings on his, well, lap. Placing the casserole dish on the floor rather than on someone’s lap isn’t much better. Do you really want to be cleaning oyster stuffing out of your car’s carpet and floormats for the next three months?

Instead, invest in a travel casserole dish. I purchased one from Target recently for just $14. It comes with a Pyrex casserole dish, a rubber lid, a microwaveable gel pouch to help keep the goodies hot on the road, and an insulated carrying case. If you’re doing double duty and bringing the sweet potatoes as well as the stuffing, this double-decker expandable casserole hauler from Rachael Ray might work wonders for you.

You don’t, however, want your travel casserole dish to be sitting loose on the car’s floor. If you have to brake quickly to avoid another holiday road warrior, the casserole dish could become a danger to your passengers.

Instead, try securing your travel casserole dish in your car’s trunk, safely away from the passenger compartment. You can borrow a grippy drawer liner from your silverware drawer to help keep the travel casserole dish from sliding around.

If you don’t have a travel casserole dish and don’t want to invest in one, you can use a casserole dish with a lid and secure the lid with two rubber bands. This can then be secured inside a tote basket or laundry basket lined with towels. The basket can be stashed snugly on the floor behind the driver’s seat or better yet, secured in your car’s cargo space using a few bungee cords and the tie-down anchor points in the cargo floor. If the dish happens to leak during transport, the towels will soak up any messes. If you don’t have a leak, your kids can roll the towels up after dinner and use them as pillows on the drive home to sleep off that turkey-induced fog.

Slow Cookers:

By some estimates, something weighing just 20 pounds (read: a fully loaded slow cooker) can hit a person with 600 pounds of force if involved in a crash while the car is moving at just 35 mph. Slow cookers with locking lids are the surefire option for transporting food in the car and will help keep any leaks or spills from getting on your car’s upholstery. Try this one, which has the added benefit of a travel temperature gauge.

Again, you ideally want to keep slow cookers out of the passenger compartment. If that’s not feasible, use the laundry basket technique described above.

Portable 12-Volt Heater/Coolers:

If you’re serious about keeping your sweet potatoes at the perfect temperature while on the road, a portable 12-volt heater/cooler is the way to go. This plugs into the 12-volt outlet in your car, can be switched to heat or cool, and keeps your marshmallow-crusted sweet-potato puree inside it at a consistent 140 degrees. While you’re limited as to where you can secure it in the car based on where the outlet is located, you still want to secure it safely. Again, getting creative with bungee cords is a great option.

Pies:

If I had my way, we’d skip right to the pumpkin pie at any family celebration. I’ve inherited the role of pie baker from my late father, and nothing but the best will do for transporting the star of the holiday show to my brother’s house for our family dinner. Give this insulated pie carrier from eBags a go. Bonus: It comes in several cute prints and colors to liven things up. To transport multiple pies, try stacking your pies on the tiers of a bamboo steamer as suggested by Bon Appetit.

Just to reiterate: You don’t want a pie to hit you in the back of the head if you get in a crash, so secure it in the trunk. Use the grippy-drawer-liner technique to keep your pie carrier from sliding around, or better yet, stash it in the laundry basket next to your casserole.

All Those Yummy Leftovers:

If you’re going to take some goodies home, come prepared and arrive with your own plastic storage containers and zippered plastic bags. Pack a load of disposable plastic containers in a reusable waterproof shopping tote. Then you can pack the containers to the brim and have a convenient tote at the ready to carry them to the car.

Use the bungee-secured laundry basket you used earlier to transport your pie and casserole dish to dinner to get your leftovers home.

If you have any additional tips or suggestions for keeping your car clean and your passengers safe while transporting Thanksgiving Day food on the road, share them with us in the comment section below. If we don’t reply right away, we’re stuffing our faces (in the name of journalistic integrity) with pumpkin pie.

Have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving,

•The Hemet Car Guy

For more informative articles go to www.hemetcarguy.info

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

Search: Transport Thanksgiving Food

The post Transport Thanksgiving Food Safely With These Tips appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.