Category: CARS Protection Plus

How to Find a Reliable Car Repair Shop

You have found a reliable vehicle service contract provider in CARS Protection Plus, because you’ve done your research. Now it’s time to find a trustworthy mechanic. Doing your homework and selecting a great mechanic before you need major repair work can save you stress in the event of vehicle failure.

It would be great to be able to avoid taking your vehicle to the mechanic altogether. If you have seen consumer rip off report television specials, you know that there are some less than ethical car repair facilities in business. But establishing a relationship with one of the good guys before you need serious repair work will keep your car in good shape. The good news is that in order to sustain a business a good mechanic needs to build a positive reputation for keeping customers happy and their vehicles healthy. Look for a shop that has been in business for at least a few years. Although some smaller shops may not have an online presence, you should still be able to ask around your neighborhood and hear positive feedback about a shop that does business right.

Check out your local newspaper for an annual “Best of” or “Top 10” list to see if they have recognized a local repair shop for service excellence. Another resource for information is the National Institute for Automotive Excellence, using your zip code you can search their website for good shops in your area.

Once you have found a mechanic with a good reputation make an appointment for routine maintenance like an oil change and tire rotation. Your car will thank you and it is an opportunity to scope out the shop and see if it is a good fit. Hopefully with a little work you will find a great shop, close to home with a good attitude and convenient hours.

Vehicle Protection Plans: What You Need to Know

Buying an older vehicle can save you a small fortune in depreciation. But as the odometer creeps ever higher you may wonder if your savings will be depleted by unexpected vehicle repairs. This is why CARS Protection Plus is proud to be a leading provider of Vehicle Service Contracts. Sometimes referred to as an aftermarket warranty, a VSC is designed to provide financial assistance when a covered part has failed. Understanding the coverages available and selecting one that meets your needs can save you time and money as your vehicle matures.

Unlike a manufacturer’s warranty most vehicle service contracts allow you to take your vehicle to the service center of your choice. You do not need to go to an unfamiliar service department in a new car dealership. Another benefit of choosing a service contract from a third party provider is the ability to review several levels of coverage. Selecting the plan that covers the exact components that concern you, gives you the power to select as much or as little protection as you need.

When selecting your mechanical insurance provider it is important to know who you are dealing with.  A reputable company should be fully insured. This is to make certain assistance will still be provided if the company goes out of business during the contract. Making a hasty decision to go with an uninsured provider, may leave you to pay for you own repairs if the company goes under.  Another great resource for vetting your service contract provider is the Better Business Bureau. All businesses are bound to have a few bad reviews. The Better Business Bureau takes into account the company’s willingness to work through disputes and follow up on customer concerns. Choosing a company with an A+ rating is reassurance that you have found a great provider.

The best time to select your vehicle contract is when purchasing your vehicle from a reputable dealership. Check out some of our tips for buying used vehicles here. Once you have found a trustworthy dealer and selected your next dream car, adding a service contract is easy. Many dealerships don’t charge any upfront fees. Adding the contract to your financing is a smart decision for added peace of mind without having to come up the money all at once. The decision to add a vehicle protection plan can seem difficult. However, with a little reassurance from Cars Protection Plus, the choice is obvious.

Poor Driving Habits You Need to Avoid

It’s easy to fall victim to a false sense of security while on the road. By taking a moment to evaluate your driving habits you can avoid small annoyances as well as fatal accidents. Bad habits are easy to pick up but with our guide you can ensure your own safety as well as the safety of those around you.

Texting and driving is really so much more than just that. It is tempting to catch up on work emails or browse social media while cruising down a familiar stretch of road. Distracted driving is deadly and needs to stop immediately. You may save a few minutes at the office or feel more connected to your loved ones when you utilize your commute to stay in touch, but at what cost? The statistics are sobering. Texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to be in an accident. While that should be enough reason to put your phone down while you drive, click here for more information on the dangers of Texting and Driving.

Failure to adjust your driving for poor weather conditions is a major cause of accidents. As creatures of habit most of us leave home at about the same time each day. But when we don’t allow additional time for our commute due to inclement weather it can lead to an accident. Slow down when faced with fog, snow or potentially icy roads. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 24% of accidents are weather related.

Driving in the left lane is annoying and sometimes illegal. Unless you are passing another vehicle or intend to make a left turn you should steer clear of the passing lane. Getting back into the right lane after passing allows traffic to flow as intended and avoid possible road rage incidents with speedsters.

Using your turn signals isn’t just a courtesy; it’s for your own safety. No one wants to get rear ended and using your turn signals is a must to avoid a rear end crash.

Driving an unsafe vehicle puts you and everyone else on the road at risk. Maintaining your brakes and tires is the most important thing you can do to ensure safe travels. Additionally consult your vehicle manual for advice on regular service intervals and proper fluid levels to keep your car or truck in tip top shape.

Tailgating should be reserved for the parking lot before the big game. Keeping a proper distance of 2-3 seconds behind the car in front of you can help avoid a crash in the event of a sudden stop. When weather conditions are less than perfect add additional seconds to your follow time.

Despite having accident insurance and a vehicle service contract with CARS Protection Plus, no one wants to deal with the issues that come along with a fender bender. By taking an honest look at your driving habits and using common sense, avoidable accidents won’t be a problem for you.

Driving Safety Tips for Driving in a School Zone

School Bus

Children are our most precious cargo. While driving in neighborhoods, especially around schools it is important to observe safe driving habits and follow the laws in your area. Follow the guide below to ensure safe travel in school zones.

Being aware of the location of school zones in your area is important. Be mindful that pick-up and drop off procedures are underway at the beginning and end of each school day. Slowing down in a school area will allow you to adjust according to the goings on in that area. If you are picking up your own kids don’t double park. It makes it impossible to see children crossing the road. It may be helpful to arrange a carpool to reduce the amount of cars at the school if limited parking is available.

School buses follow specific procedures when exiting the school. Obey the crossing guard and allow all buses to exit the school together. Passing a school bus is dangerous and being in a hurry is no excuse to put the life of a child in danger. Obey the flashing stop lights when buses are stopped. Never pass a stopped school bus and allow ample space between you and the children exiting the bus. Proceed with caution once the bus begins to move again.

If you are picking up children at a bus stop try to park on the side of the road where the bus doors open. The area within 10 feet of the school bus is the most dangerous for children. Minimize the risk to your kids by making sure they are in that zone for as little time as possible. Exit your car and give your full attention to your child. Leave cell phones and other distractions behind and meet your child at the bus. Getting them into the vehicle safely should be main focus.

Often overlooked are kids that ride a bike to school. Beware of children unprepared for traffic situations on school zones. A kid on a bike may appear quickly from driveways or from between parked cars. Be vigilant making sure to allow a bicyclist at least 3 feet between your car and their bike. When getting out of your car check your mirror to be sure you won’t hit an unsuspecting child on a bike.

By exercising caution drivers can be sure to keep kids safe in school zones. At CARS Protection Plus, we want all drivers to put safety first.  This is never more important than during the school year. Follow these helpful tips to ensure a safe environment for the kids in your neighborhood.