New Ways Automakers Are Persuading People To Buy Cars

In the past, rebates and other cash incentives were enough to attract prospective car buyers to dealership lots. Whenever carmakers needed a quick boost in sales, they could rely on the cash incentives to deliver them. Those times are changing. People are tentative as they watch the unemployment figures creep up each month. They’re more willing to postpone buying a new car. After all, it’s less expensive to replace a few parts and keep their used vehicles on the road.

The sluggish economy has taught the automotive industry a hard lesson: if they want people to buy vehicles, they need to offer a better inducement. A few automakers have responded with “buy back” and “guaranteed payment” programs.

In this article, we’ll explore how these programs work, the benefits they offer, and whether they’re as good a deal as the automakers claim.

A Little Insurance

Hyundai Motors, Ford, and GM have each launched consumer financing plans that offer to cover the monthly payments or take back a vehicle if a buyer loses his or her job. The dominant reason why many people are afraid to purchase an automobile is because they are uncertain whether they’ll be employed in a few months. The last thing they want is to be saddled with a hefty car payment when they’re struggling to pay their other bills.

Ford is offering to cover monthly payments for a year. GM is offering to do the same for nine months. Hyundai gives owners a choice. They’ll cover three payments or the owner can choose to return the car during the first year. The carmakers argue that people who buy a vehicle and subsequently lose their jobs will need transportation to find work. Plus, “buy back” and “guaranteed payment” programs will protect their credit ratings from being tarnished.

Look At The Fine Print

The programs are not as simple as they appear. There are stipulations to each which are detailed in fine print. For example, while GM will cover payments for nine months, they will only do so up to $500 a month. If the vehicle you’re financing costs more than $500 each month, you will need to cover the difference.

Meanwhile, Hyundai’s “buy back” program allows you to return the vehicle, but will only cover $7,500 in depreciation. You are required to cover any excess.

In the end, these programs will likely bring a new crop of buyers to dealership lots. If they motivate you to do so, be sure to read the fine print. Depending upon your circumstances, these programs might represent the perfect opportunity to buy a new car.

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Car Care Tips for the Summer

Summer is almost upon us with Spring giving us a taste of the higher temperatures we can expect during the summer, so while we have a little more time before the full gloriously hot and sunny weather descends upon us here are some hints and tips to get your vehicle in shape for summer too!

Wax On and Wax Off

The sun can really damage your paintwork and a major car care tip is to make sure you apply a coat of wax every six weeks though many people either forget or think they are getting wax applications from a car wash.

Applying a coat of wax does not need to be hard effort with buffing machines available for less than $20 and which will take the misery of wax application and buffing the coat up to a great shine.

Refrigerate!

Manufacturers usually recommend running the air conditioner for 10 to 15 minutes each week in order to maintain the system but in practice many drivers simply turn the system off and then wonder why it is not working several months later when the warm weather comes around.

Check for vapor emissions from the vents when you run the air conditioning as this is a sign of low coolant and a refresh of the system is usually to be had very cheaply and will maximize your comfort while minimizing the cost to you.

Beware of the Heat

Car temperatures can climb to 160 degrees when parked in direct sunlight – enough to bake babies, children, pets and your laptop.

Park in the shade whenever possible and use a windshield cover to reflect the rays of the sun. Keeping the vehicle cool is only part of the equation though as the cooler your car is, not only will you have more comfort but you will reduce the rate of evaporation of the gas from the tank which is a direct cost saving to you.

In this light, make sure you ensure the gas cap is on tight and not just turned until you hear the “click” when you fill up – ensuring a tight seal, air tight if possible, will prevent evaporation through the gas cap generally and this is also a direct saving of your dollars.

Oil and Filter

Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months and in accordance with the manufacturer’s warranty and maintenance manual. Performing a simple oil and filter change will not only noticeably improve your car and engine performance but will also save you around 2% on your gas costs from better gas mileage.

Windscreen Wiper Blade and Screen Wash

There is nothing worse than driving down a hot, dusty road when a bug goes “splat” in the middle of the screen and then you put on the wipers and look for a jet of fluid to clean off the offending bug stain – except all you get is a dried set of streaks because there is no screen wash and the blades have seen their best through the winter.

Make sure you change the blades and top up the screen wash but again, follow the directions for summer driving as the concentrations differ between the seasons – in the summer you don’t need anti-freeze in the wash either so hold on that )this will save on corrosion on your paintwork too).

About the Author

Ryan Draving is the VP of Empire Covers, a leading provider of car covers, truck covers, boat covers, and other vehicle covers. Empire Covers can be found online at: EmpireCovers.com .

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