| Whether your vehicle has a one-year, 12,000-mile | | | | “Check Engine” lightbulb. But what if |
| warranty or a 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper | | | | it’s a costly catalytic converter or |
| warranty, experts say it’s important to | | | | transmission failure? Better to be safe than sorry. |
| ensure that your car is properly maintained and all | | | | •Fix Big-Ticket Items – Has your car been |
| needed repairs are made before your warranty | | | | stalling? Has the transmission been slipping? These |
| expires. | | | | symptoms can indicate serious and potentially |
| This is especially important if you are one of the | | | | costly problems, even complete engine failure, |
| 10 percent of U.S. drivers with a “Check | | | | which could cost $2,000 or more to fix. It’s |
| Engine” light on right now. The light can signify | | | | best to get such repairs done before your car is |
| a problem that could cost more to repair than a | | | | out of warranty. |
| whole month’s car payment. But dealing with | | | | •Keep Car Maintained and tuned up. A regular |
| the issue while your car is under warranty could | | | | tune-up is recommended, even with the high-tech |
| mean your car manufacturer foots the bill, instead | | | | performance of today’s vehicles. |
| of you. | | | | What are some things that you can do to make |
| Try these suggestions what to do before your | | | | sure you vehicle is well-maintained? |
| car or truck’s warranty is up: | | | | 1. At least once per year, test ignition wires, |
| •Consider Extended Warranties In most cases, | | | | spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, |
| the newer your vehicle, the lower your extended | | | | plus the vital sensors that govern most engines. |
| warranty cost. If you didn’t purchase an | | | | 2. Change engine oil and air filters. The oil and air |
| extended warranty when you bought the car, | | | | filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from |
| don’t worry-you can still get one. Just | | | | damaging the engine and they should be changed |
| remember: Not all warranties are created equal. | | | | at twice a year or every 5,000 miles. |
| Be sure to ask who administers the policy and if | | | | 3. Check spark plugs. Clean or change spark plugs |
| there are limitations. Also, check the fine print. Will | | | | if they are badly fowled or if the gap shows |
| the warranty cover the retail labor rate at your | | | | serious erosion. |
| favorite dealership or local repair shop? | | | | 4. System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and |
| •Address Intermittent Problems One day your | | | | the shock absorbers at least twice per year. |
| car is driving fine, the next it stalls and your | | | | Keeping your car in shape with the addition of |
| “Check Engine” light comes on. Then, | | | | considering an extended warranty will help you |
| when you finally take it to the repair shop, | | | | save money in the long run while maintaining a |
| everything seems fine. The initial problem could be | | | | good-running and long lasting vehicle. |
| something as minor as a low battery or a broken | | | | |