Keeping Your Car Maintained Before the Warranty Expires

Whether your vehicle has a one-year, 12, 000-mile warranty or a 100, 000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, experts say it's important to ensure that your car is properly maintained and all needed repairs are made before your warranty expires.

This is especially important if you are one of the 10 percent of U.S. drivers with a "Check Engine" light on right now. The light can signify a problem that could cost more to repair than a whole month's car payment. But dealing with the issue while your car is under warranty could mean your car manufacturer foots the bill, instead of you.

Try these suggestions what to do before your car or truck's warranty is up:

?Consider Extended Warranties In most cases, the newer your vehicle, the lower your extended warranty cost. If you didn't purchase an extended warranty when you bought the car, don't worry-you can still get one. Just remember: Not all warranties are created equal. Be sure to ask who administers the policy and if there are limitations. Also, check the fine print. Will the warranty cover the retail labor rate at your favorite dealership or local repair shop?

?Address Intermittent Problems One day your car is driving fine, the next it stalls and your "Check Engine" light comes on. Then, when you finally take it to the repair shop, everything seems fine. The initial problem could be something as minor as a low battery or a broken "Check Engine" lightbulb. But what if it's a costly catalytic converter or transmission failure? Better to be safe than sorry.

?Fix Big-Ticket Items - Has your car been stalling? Has the transmission been slipping? These symptoms can indicate serious and potentially costly problems, even complete engine failure, which could cost $2, 000 or more to fix. It's best to get such repairs done before your car is out of warranty.

?Keep Car Maintained and tuned up. A regular tune-up is recommended, even with the high-tech performance of today's vehicles.

What are some things that you can do to make sure you vehicle is well-maintained?

1. At least once per year, test ignition wires, spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, plus the vital sensors that govern most engines.

2. Change engine oil and air filters. The oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and they should be changed at twice a year or every 5, 000 miles.

3. Check spark plugs. Clean or change spark plugs if they are badly fowled or if the gap shows serious erosion.

4. System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and the shock absorbers at least twice per year.

Keeping your car in shape with the addition of considering an extended warranty will help you save money in the long run while maintaining a good-running and long lasting vehicle.