Category: Consumer Guidance

Owning an electric vehicle offers several advantages, such as avoiding trips to the gas station and benefiting from zero emissions. Additionally, EVs often have lower overall maintenance costs and qualify for tax incentives, making the switch appealing for many. However,…

An extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is an optional plan that extends the coverage period for repairs and replacements beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty. Unlike the factory warranty that comes with a new car, an…

Auto repossession occurs when a car owner defaults on loan payments, leading to the vehicle being seized by the lender. This event often results in a financial burden known as a deficiency balance. This balance represents the gap between the…

A car title verifies ownership, making it easy to sell your vehicle when you want. However, in the absence of a verifiable title, making a sale becomes much more difficult, nearly impossible. Fortunately, there are ways to make a deal…

A branded title is a designation given to a vehicle that has experienced significant damage or has undergone certain negative events that affect its overall condition and value. This includes cars that have been declared a total loss by insurance…

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! Let’s switch gears and have a candid chat about a subject that’s caught my attention: how women choose their cars. And just a heads-up, they are absolutely nailing the car-shopping game with their well-considered decisions….

Making a trip to the auto service center is just part of owning a car. Having a clear, detailed chat with your mechanic matters more than you might think. When your car’s up on the lift, that’s your chance to…

Ever heard of the term VIN? It’s not some secret code, but rather a critical identifier for your car. VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. Thus, when someone playfully drops the term “VIN number,” they’re unknowingly indulging in a touch…

If you’re gearing up to buy a car, and you’re like most folks, you’re probably also looking into financing it. So, before you rev up your engine and zoom off to the showroom, here’s a friendly guide packed with tips…

You know those moments when life feels like an unexpected pop quiz? Just when you think you’re cruising along, an unexpected twist comes out of nowhere, especially with finances. If those monthly car payments have turned from manageable speed bumps…

Annually, a vast number of vehicles are recalled for safety issues, from minor defects to serious concerns such as malfunctioning airbags. It’s vital for vehicle owners to stay updated about these recalls for their safety and the safety of others….

When it comes to maintaining and servicing your car, one important decision you’ll need to make is whether to take it to a car dealership or an independent mechanic. While both options have their merits, servicing your vehicle at a…

When an individual secures a car loan, the expectation typically involves making regular payments until the loan is fully paid. However, it’s crucial to consider the financial implications should the borrower unexpectedly pass away. While this might be a challenging…

Tires are what separate your vehicle from the road. They’re critically important for helping supply a safe, comfortable ride and are one of the few components not warrantied by the car manufacturer. Are you familiar with the key language or…

When a vehicle that was previously considered salvage is reconstructed, it is given a rebuilt title. Before being permitted on the road, most states mandate an examination by a licensed garage or body shop, as well as the state department…

Unless you are a diehard pickup truck owner, some of language used to describe these vehicles may be a mystery to you. It isn’t that the manufacturers are looking to confuse consumers, rather these vehicles have certain attributes that are…

When shopping for a used car, you stand to save money on your purchase when buying one from a private seller. Dealer markup can add hundreds to well over a thousand dollars to the price of a car, money you…

When a hurricane impacts America, the damage is sometimes extensive. Lives are turned upside, property damage assessed, and a long rebuilding process begins. Flood cars are one part of the equation, vehicles are damaged beyond repair. Even so, tens of…

Smash! You never saw it coming — a driver runs a red light, and slams into the side of your vehicle, leaving behind a trail of twisted metal, broken glass, and thousands of dollars in damage. Airbags saved the day…

When shopping for a new vehicle, you have a choice of purchasing or leasing. With a purchase, you’ll typically make a down payment and follow with monthly loan payments until the vehicle is paid off. With leasing, you’ll have certain…