Watch your back with blind spot detection

Every driver has had an instance when they are unable to see past blind spots or certain areas outside their vehicle, whether it’s changing lanes, merging into traffic, making a turn, or backing up.  While a quick look backward can help drivers see if there are any vehicles in the way, it does not always assure it’s safe to move over. 

So what can drivers do to help them stay safe?  Automakers have attempted to make design changes and add new technologies that reduce blind spots.  For example wide-angle mirrors on both sides of the vehicle are offered by many automobile makers, and a number of vehicles incorporate rear view cameras to help drivers see when backing up.   

Newer technologies such as blind spot detection systems can also help alert drivers to obstacles where they can’t see them.  Some blind spot systems work with an electronic detection device on the side of the vehicle to alert you if another vehicle is too close.  Newer blind spot detection systems aim to create 360-degree sight around a vehicle in the hopes that drivers will no longer have blind spots where potential accidents could occur. 

While some vehicles already have these systems in place, they are more likely to be found in the luxury car market, in part because of the expense. However, as these systems become more widely available as a potential means for drivers to avoid blind spot accidents, it is likely they will become more affordable in the future.  Keep in mind that numerous aftermarket products also exist that can be added to older vehicles.  While experts vary on what technologies work best for which cars, you may want to consider testing what’s available to see if there is a blind spot detection tool out there that would benefit you.

Article Resource: https://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/Watch-your-back-with-blind-spot-detection

Baby proofing your vehicle

The car you drive can say a lot about where you are in life. No matter what kind of vehicle you own, there are ways to baby proof it when welcoming a new child. While having a vehicle service contract to pay for covered repairs when your car breaks down is in your best interest, you may need to do some baby proofing before driving home from the hospital. When bringing your baby home, you will want to be confident your car is as safe as possible for your new bundle of joy. Here are some things to consider when baby proofing your car:

Car seat
In most states, children are required to be in car or booster seats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children up to 12 years old may need to use a booster seat until they are big enough to fit properly into a regular seat buckle. For infants, car seats are an absolute must and you will need one that is compatible with your child and your vehicle. If a car seat is not installed properly or doesn’t fit correctly inside your car, it may not be providing the full range of protection. When you purchase a new car seat, be sure to read the installation directions from the manufacturer and your vehicle’s manual carefully. As your child gets older, be sure to purchase new seats that will keep him or her safe.

The new inflatable seat
There are several different types of car seats, but many parents understand how confusing, frustrating, big and bulky they can be. To make car seats easy to carry and store while still maintaining safety standards, Volvo is developing an inflatable car seat for youngsters. Overall, the inflatable car seat is about half the weight of traditional models and can be inflated or deflated in about 40 seconds. While the car seat is still only a prototype, it could very well hit the market over the next few years.

Cleaning
When you have a baby or young child in the car, you need to be careful about what is inside and what cleaning products you use on the surfaces. You should never keep toxic chemicals used for cleaning inside a car where they could be in reach of your child. Be sure to get rid of other clutter inside the vehicle as well, such as pens and coins. As a basic rule of thumb, you should clear out any small object that could be a choking hazard. Clutter should also never get in the way of properly buckling in or installing a car seat.

“Baby” Emergency supplies
Having a baby will usually mean there are years of messes ahead. To keep your car clean and in good condition as well as being prepared for anything your child may need, keep a few emergency supplies in the car at all times. These can include baby wipes, baby food or formula, a sterilized bottle and baby aspirin. You may also want to have baby changing supplies somewhere within the vehicle to make diaper changes easy on the go.

Volvo is a registered trademark of Volvo Trademark Holding AB and/or Volvo Cars.  The NHTSA and Volvo are not affiliated with Toco Warranty Corp. and have not endorsed Toco Warranty products or services. 

Article Resource: https://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/Baby-proofing-your-vehicle

What to know about car maintenance

October is Car Care month, and if you’ve ever had a car break down - as most of us have - you know how frustrating it can be. A breakdown can mean both time and money spent, so how can you try to avoid getting caught in that situation? This car maintenance checklist provides a few things you can do to help keep your car in good working order, thereby reducing your chances of being stuck in the rain without a ride.

Car maintenance checklist

Car maintenance starts with something very simple: cleanliness. You might be used to cleaning your car for the aesthetics, but did you know that grime and salt from the road can also get stuck on the underside of your car and cause damage over time? Wash your car on a regular basis to help prevent this from happening.

Next, there’s a reason people say they want a “well-oiled machine.” Change your car’s oil as often as recommended by the manufacturer- usually every 4,000 to 5,000 miles. But don’t stop there. You should also take a look at the levels of the other car fluids, including brake, transmission, power steering and transaxle fluids. When it comes to brake fluids, the system should be flushed every 30,000 miles.

Once you’re done checking those, head to the battery terminals and make sure they’re clean. If not, it can be harder for electrical currents to pass through your car’s system. Each month, you should also ensure your tire pressure is at the recommended level for your car.

Now, you’re almost done with these recommended car maintenance checks. Take a look at your wheel bearings and engine belts. The bearings should be cleaned and repacked on a regular basis, and the belts should simply be inspected to ensure they’re in good shape. After checking that off your list, lubricate the moving parts in your ride, such as ball joints and u-joints. Lack of grease in these areas can cause damage.

Last but not least, your car’s coolant should be replaced and the whole system should be flushed out once a year. These are just a few general tips to help keep you informed and help keep your car running well. Remember, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations, and contact a licensed repair facility for help with your car maintenance.

Article Resource: https://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/What-to-know-about-car-maintenance

4 questions to ask when purchasing a vehicle service contract

Are you thinking about purchasing a vehicle service contract (VSC) to help protect you from unexpected, covered auto repair bills?  Here are some questions to ask before deciding which VSC would work best for you and watch our new video to learn more:

Click here to view the video >

What is and isn’t covered?

VSCs differ based on the provider.  Typical VSCs pay for reasonable costs to repair or replace covered parts within a specified time period/miles driven.  Before you decide which VSC to purchase, be sure to read the contract carefully so that you understand what car parts and systems are covered, what your deductible is, and how to select a licensed repair facility you can use should your car need to be repaired.  Also, keep in mind that VSCs are not the same as car insurance, and they do not cover collision repairs and routine maintenance.

2. Is a down payment or fee required before my coverage begins?

Be sure to ask what if any down payments or up-front fees are required before your coverage becomes effective.  While some plans require up-front payments, Toco’s  vehicle service contracts do not. Make your first monthly payment and after any specified waiting period, your VSC coverage will be effective.

3. Can I pay as I go for my VSC and cancel at any time, or am I required to pay up front for the period covered?

You never know how long you will own your vehicle, so be sure to ask if you have to pay for the period covered by the contract up front or if a pay as you go plan is available.  If you are required to pay up front, consider how difficult it may be to cancel the contract or get a refund for the unused portion of your VSC should you sell the vehicle before the contract ends.  With a “pay as you go” VSC, such as the ones offered by Toco, you can cancel at any time, but an administrative fee will apply if you cancel after filing a claim or more than 60 days from the date of purchase.

4. Will different companies be involved in my VSC transactions?

Toco and its affiliated companies eliminate unnecessary third parties, providing our customers with a single point of contact for fast, responsive, courteous customer service.  From our customer service professionals to the contract administration team that handles all payments, paperwork, and claims administration - Toco’s “all-under-one-roof” approach simplifies the sign-up and claims process. Toco is an experienced and trusted solution for direct-to-consumer VSCs, with product coverage backed by an AmTrust Financial insurance carrier.  Other VSC providers, however, may offer contracts where many unrelated companies are involved.  To learn more, visit www.tocowarranty.com.

Article Resource: https://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/4-questions-to-ask-when-purchasing-a-vehicle-service-contract

New Year’s Resolution: Create a budget that ensures your wheels keep rolling

Ah New Year’s.  That time of year when the holiday celebrations end and reality sets in, and we think about what we will resolve to do in the year ahead.  Lose weight, exercise more, save more money – you know the drill.  But have you ever stopped to think about developing a plan that will keep your car – and your life – running well in 2015?  Here are three tips to get you started:

Read the owner’s manual for your vehicle.  That will tell you what maintenance items need to be done and at what intervals.  Budget for having these items done at the recommended times, based on the age and mileage of your car.

Stay current on your car’s maintenance needs.  As Ben Franklin said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Ignoring simple maintenance like regular oil changes can lead to expensive repairs down the road.  See our vehicle maintenance tips to learn more.

Plan for unexpected repairs.  Things happen.  What will you do if your car’s engine dies or the air conditioning conks out? Not everyone has money set aside to cover expensive repairs.  Avehicle service contract, such as those offered by Toco, provides an affordable option to help you pay for covered car repair bills that may come up along the way.

We wish you the best of luck in keeping your resolutions in 2015.  Happy New Year and safe driving everyone!

Article Resource: http://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/New-Years-Resolution--Create-a-budget-that-ensures-your-wheels-keep-rolling

9 ways to keep your car performing well

Face it - some drivers do a better job than others when it comes to sticking to a car maintenance schedule. A new
National Index just released by Toco Warranty confirms there is plenty of room for improvement. For example, drivers generally have their car brakes checked, but they don’t always do it as frequently as they should. Below are 9 routine maintenance tips to help you keep your car running smoothly.

Check the brakes every 12 months/12,000 miles.

Change the air filters every 12 months /12,000 miles.

Change the coolant (antifreeze) every 12 months /12,000 miles.

Check the spark plugs every 12 months /12,000 miles.

Wash the car (to remove road salt and grime) every month.

Change the oil every 3 months /3,000 miles

Check tire pressure and condition every month.

Check the battery, including terminals and cables every 3 months /3,000 miles.

Check the engine belts every 3 months /3,000 miles.

To see how well drivers are doing with sticking to the schedule above, check out the Toco National Car Maintenance Infographic at: http://tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Media/Entry?id=50&hypCategory=Car-Care-Maintenance&title=Toco-Car-Care-Index-Infographic. To learn more about Toco Warranty, visit www.tocowarranty.com.

Article Resource: http://www.tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/9-ways-to-keep-your-car-performing-well

Protecting Your Car in the Sizzling Sun

The dog days of summer are upon us, and like it or not, the hot weather can wreak havoc on your car.  Here are 5 tips to help prevent heat-related breakdowns (and costly repairs):

1. Keep a close eye on your car’s temperature gauge.  If the light comes on or the thermometer enters the red zone, safely pull over.  Driving even a short distance with an overheated engine can cause damage, possibly leading to costly repairs.  Wait for the engine to cool before driving on and do not try to cool the engine quickly with cold water.  An abrupt change in temperature also can damage the engine.
2. Don’t remove the radiator cap.  This can cause hot steam to spray out, possibly injuring you.  Wait for the engine to cool before adding coolant and water.  Better yet, be sure to check the coolant level and add more if necessary before you leave your driveway!
3. Check all vehicle fluids – not just the coolant.  The hot weather can cause added strain on your car’s systems so be sure to check the oil, transmission fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid in your car regularly to be sure they are at the proper levels.
4. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure.  As the temperature fluctuates, so can the air in your tires.  This can lead to possible problems if your tires become over or under inflated. 
5. Never leave children or pets in a parked car.  Hot temperatures can quickly rise and become deadly inside a vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit, water and a charged cell phone handy, just in case you do break down.  Drive safely and enjoy the summer while it lasts!

Article Resource: http://tocowarranty.com/TocoCares/Blog/strongProtecting-Your-Car-in-the-Sizzling-Sunstrong