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Vehicle owners often wonder whether they should invest in vehicle insurance, an extended auto warranty, or both. It’s important to understand the difference between the two in order to fully comprehend what you need in order to ensure full and complete coverage.

About auto warranties

A car warranty covers a variety of unexpected and maintenance issues. Every auto warranty is different. There are usually several options from which to choose which means that vehicle owners can select a warranty based on the benefits and the cost. New cars usually have a warranty included but, when this warranty runs out, it leaves the owner liable for maintenance and repairs. When this warranty expires, an extended auto warranty helps ensure that you are covered as per the terms of the warranty you choose. Some warranties include basic coverage in the event of engine, transmission, and other powertrain problems. Other, more comprehensive packages include coverage for electronic components, fuel systems, and wear and tear. The age, value, and features of the vehicle will likely determine the best package for you. In addition, the more comprehensive the plan, the more it will cost. So, finances are also a significant determining factor.

About auto insurance

Car insurance, on the other hand, is designed to protect vehicle owners in the event of an accident. Like warranties, these policies vary from basic to more comprehensive. Premiums are determined by the type and value of your vehicle as well as driving experience and history. Some packages cover collisions, others cover damages caused to another vehicle, and there are also more comprehensive options that cover everything including natural disasters.

What do I need?

Since insurance acts as a form of accident protection and extended warranties prevent excessive expenses due to breakdowns and maintenance, it’s easy to see why both are necessary. By investing in the right warranty and insurance, you can drive your car with that much more peace of mind. It’s also important to remember that you have to choose what’s right for you. Never let any agent try to force you into a decision you’re not comfortable with. It’s always a good idea to shop around, compare your various options and conduct a fair amount of research on your potential providers before signing any contracts. This is as true for insurance as it is for warranties. Also, just because a deal is really great does not mean it’s the best for you. Make sure that you read any and all fine print while highlighting any questions you may have.

For the best extended auto warranty packages designed with your needs in mind, contact A-Protect Warranty today at 1-866-660-6444 or (416) 661-7444.

The roads are full of danger even when the weather is perfect. During the winter months, however, the risks increase. Fortunately, there are several precautions that you can take and, if the winter does get the best of you, its important to make sure that you have adequate coverage. The right auto warranty will help ensure that you are covered in the event of any emergency.

Black ice

One of the riskiest parts of driving in winter is the fact that you are likely to encounter black ice. Black ice is the term used to describe water that has frozen on the road and, because it is clear, you cannot see this slipper trap. Be on the look out for patches of road that look darker than the rest, low-lying parts or sections of road near trees, bridges, underpasses, and when temperatures drop below 40 degrees F. All of these factors increase the chances of black ice. Another good precaution to remember is to make sure that you have the right tires. Winter tires give you more traction and don’t forget to inspect and check the tread before driving. You can also use four-wheel drive to make sure that you don’t slide around too much. Obviously decreasing your speed is a good idea but you should avoid hitting the brakes. Instead, simply ease off the accelerator. Leave extra space between yourself and other drivers and always slow down before intersections – even if the light is green. If you hit black ice, ease off the accelerator and, if your car has a manual transmission, you can use your gears to help slow down by dropping a gear or two. Do not drop gears too quickly or you could over rev your engine.

Visibility

Another problem common in winter is visibility. Not only do your windows fog up, but you may even encounter a frozen windshield when starting your car. Be sure to clean your windshield before driving. Even if it means that you will be a bit late, it’s better than the risk of having an accident. Check your windshield wipers and you can also cover your windshield at night or when parked for several hours during the day. Special covers help prevent ice from forming on your windshield. Run the defrosters on your front and rear windshield. Make sure that they work properly and do not drive until all windows are clear. Keep a de-icing solution in your car at all times just in case.

Blizzards

Driving during a blizzard is obviously not recommended. Not only can winds push you around, but visibility is also very low, and you or another driver can easily lose control. If you are caught in the middle of a blizzard and visibility makes driving impossible, you should make sure that you get to a safe spot. This means pulling off the highway (if applicable) and finding a safe spot to park. Remain in your car and turn on your directional lights to warn other cars of your location. You can also use reflective triangles provided they don’t completely blow over in strong wind conditions. Only run your engine for about 10 minutes per hour so save fuel and to recharge your battery while heating your car. Make sure that you crack a window just enough to allow for some ventilation. Get out of your car and clear snow away from the exhaust pipe while you wait for help. Call your auto warranty provider immediately for speedy assistance. They will be able to offer you additional advice while sending somebody out to help you get to your destination safe and sound.

Other common problems include battery failure and mechanical problems. Whether your car breaks down, you are in an accident, or the weather is simply too poor for you do continue driving, it’s always important to notify your car warranty provider. Keep their number on hand in your car at all times and, by calling to file a claim, you can rest assured that an approved roadside assistance service will be on the way in no time. For comprehensive and flexible car warranties by professionals, you can trust, call A-Protect Warranty today at 1-866-660-6444 or (416) 661-7444.

Essential advice for improving winter driving visibility

Winter presents drivers with even more challenges, and visibility is one of the most significant of all. If you cannot see where you are going, you pose a risk to yourself as well as other drivers and even pedestrians. Here are some important tips to help keep you safe on the road.

Windscreen wipers

Your windscreen wipers are essential for keeping the exterior of your windscreen clear. It’s not enough to simply use your windscreen wipers when precipitation starts. Old, worn, or damaged wipers are about as good as no wipers at all. It’s important to check your wipers regularly and have them replaced as soon as they start showing signs of wear. Remember, there are different types of wipers out there, and there are some that are better than others. Make sure that you find the best ones for your car and budget.

Lights

Your headlights are not only helpful when it’s dark. They also help improve visibility when weather conditions are poor. Your headlights help you see where you are going and they also help others spot you on the road. Before you drive, you should always inspect your car. This pre-trip inspection should always include your headlights. Make sure that they are working properly and check the quality of the lenses too. Cloudy lenses make your headlights less effective and, if left unchecked, it will only get worse. Burned-out lights should be replaced immediately – even if you only plan on driving during the day. Foggy, aged lenses need not be replaced. They can be restored for a reasonable price.

Snow buildup

Snow can build up on your car and, if your windows are covered, you cannot see properly. Keep a soft broom or brush in your car at all times. Clear the snow off your car before driving. If you park somewhere for a few hours and snow accumulates on your car, you will be happy to have that brush on hand.

Tools and equipment

No matter the weather conditions, you should always have several supplies in your car. These supplies include an emergency medical kit but, during winter, you should also keep a reflective triangle, safety flares, a flashlight, and other supplies to keep you warm, fed, and hydrated. While it’s important to make sure that you are seen during bad weather, it’s also essential that you have everything you need to get you through a few hours stuck in your car.

Remember that, while it’s important for you to see the road and for others to see you, you should also be careful not to obscure the vision of other drivers. Do not drive with your bright or far range lights on at all times. You can use the brighter light setting when you are alone on the road, but you should dim them if you see oncoming traffic or when you come up behind another driver. If conditions are particularly poor, avoid driving and, if you are stuck on the side of the road, make sure that you are visible and call your auto warranty provider for further assistance. At A-Protect Warranty, we offer a wide range of packages to suit each and everyone.
 

A lot has changed in the landscape of cartography. No longer do we need to carefully unfold the endless pages of our parents’ confusing roadmaps to figure out how to get to our destination. Now we depend on technology to carefully direct us to just about anywhere we need to go. Digital navigation services have taken the guesswork out of following directions. As more and more navigation apps enter the market and vie for our attention, how do we know which ones are the best ones for us? No problem:

Here’s A-Protect’s guide to the five best digital navigation services available. You can access all of these apps for free and from any digital device. We’ve selected each for a different purpose – from best app for avoiding traffic to the best one for road trips. Each of these apps offers something unique to the landscape of cellular navigation and are definitely worth your time:

1. Waze

Waze was a game changer for navigation. The small Israeli tech company was able to design a system that predicts upcoming traffic details and then adjusts your route to systematically avoid it. Waze manages, mostly successfully, to pull off something that the Google Maps system never could –it’s why millions of users depend on Waze to direct them to work, on time, every morning. Last year Google purchased the app, so hopefully we’ll be seeing a better traffic system through Google Maps in the near future. This would be especially useful for the Uber system, which depends on the Google Maps database.

2. Google Maps

Google Maps is unavoidable. It’s the world’s most detailed database and it’s used as the basis for countless apps, websites and car navigation services. Google Maps has the advantage of detail: it knows just about everything about your environment and your routines. Google has developed the most user-friendly navigation service, making it easy to use on any device. Google Maps interacts seamlessly with the other Google services, such as Google My Business, to promote local businesses. Just about everybody depends on Google Maps, so hopefully it puts the Waze technology to full advantage sooner than later.

3. CoPilot

ALK Technologies has developed CoPilot, a free and innovative new navigation app that users are flocking to for one key feature: downloadable maps. This app allows users to view maps offline, in case there’s a lack of service – which happens whenever you can least afford it. While CoPilot lacks a number of other important features utilized by Google and Waze, it’s ability to act as an analog maps application makes it unique and valuable.

4. inRoute

One of the best unique features of inRoute is the ability to allow time in between stops during a longer trip. This takes into account road trips or trips with more than one destination. These features are still currently lacking on Google, making inRoute an invaluable member to your iPhone’s navigation folder. inRoute also carefully updates you with upcoming weather conditions, elevation statuses and other interesting features unique to this free app.

5. Apple Maps

Apple products are sort of inescapable. While their maps feature has been receiving a lot of negative press, it still offers something better than any other digital navigation system on the market: a complete interconnection with all Apple products. Once the app figures things out and becomes more user-friendly, it will generate more users, since it’s already in the pocket of everyone who owns an iPhone. It’s ready to use on all Macbooks and iPads, making it a very convenient option for Apple users everywhere, although it could still use another unique trait to keep it a competitive option in the app marketplace.

Was there an innovative new navigation application that didn’t make our list? Let us know on Facebook and we’ll include it in an update!

Did you know A-Protect is one of Ontario’s premier warranty services for your automobile or motorcycle? With the best coverage and Ontario’s most competitive rates, there’s no reason not to call!

Contact A-Protect today for a free quote on warranty for your vehicle:

A-Protect
https://a-protectwarranty.com/
1-866-660-6444
 

While the holidays are definitely our favourite time of the year, the weather can make driving all the more precarious. You just never know what the day a head holds. And while being a paranoid vigilante isn’t always your best option, it’s nice to be prepared.

Here’s a list of six essential items to have in your car at all times. Because you just never know. And while everyone will have a first aid kit and jumper cables in their trunk, we’re going to list six surprising, yet still fully essential items which you should definitely be lugging around at all times.

So without further ado, here’s A-Protect’s list of six surprising yet essential items to have in your car:
 

1. A flashlight and batteries

This is one of the more obvious suggestions on the list. A flashlight is a necessary must for anyone driving long distances and for people who live in the country or anywhere outside of a city. A flashlight isn’t just an invaluable tool to help you see if your car breaks down somewhere dark, but it’s also a practical signal for help. A half-decent flashlight can be seen for kilometers, so for the sake of an emergency, definitely keep one of these bad boys with you at all time.
 

2. A blanket or coat

Another preventative measure against the weather and rural driving. If your battery ever gives out or you find yourself out of gas, you’ll probably be glad to have a blanket or extra coat while you wait for CAA to come to the rescue. Car batteries are especially sensitive during the frosty Canadian winter months, making precautions like handy blankets or flashlights essential items to keep in your trunk – especially during long drives.
 

3. Duct tape

It’s a Canadian stereotype that you can fix anything with duct tape. But you know what they say? Stereotypes can sometimes come from a place of truth. We’ve all seen people driving around with some part of their car duct taped together, and while it’s certainly not visually appealing, it can provide a very temporary solution when you need it most. It can provide momentarily relief for your busted tire or even hold a mirror together until you can receive help. Still not convinced? Check out this list of heroic uses of duct tape to fix a car.
 

4. Maps

Now I can hear you saying, who on earth still uses paper maps? It’s true, they seem like a somewhat extinct use of tree. But the great thing about a physical map is that they can’t run out of energy and they certainly do not require any reception to work properly. And if you live in the country, you can certainly vouch that it’s fairly common to run off the wifi grid when it’s the most inopportune moment.
 

5. A few books

You just never know when long, boring waiting periods will sneak up on you. From waiting rooms at the mechanic to waiting for a friend who’s running excruciatingly late, a book or two can definitely come in handy. Books are great because they don’t drain the precious battery life of your phone, which may be important, depending on how long it’ll be before you’re back in the arms of your charger.

You might have all the obvious car items in place. You’re smart and prepared. But what about the less obvious, but equally essential items? Follow the above list from A-Protect and keep yourself warm, safe and entertained in any possible situation that you find yourself in.

A-Protect is Ontario’s premier warranty service for your automobile or motorcycle. With the best coverage and Ontario’s most competitive rates, there’s no reason not to call!

Contact A-Protect today for a free quote on warranty for your vehicle:

A-Protect
1-866-660-6444
 

While there’s a lot to enjoy about a Canadian winter (like the sports and the holidays), there’s also a lot that needs to be taken into consideration and prepared for. Winter can be especially tough on our cars. That’s why we need to do everything we can to help prepare our vehicles for the oncoming chill. A-Protect wants to ensure that your car is running it’s best for this year’s snowy season.

Check out this list of five ways you can prepare your car for the great Canadian winter:
 

1. Winter tires

It’s always a safe idea to have winter tires installed. You can tell which ones are winter tires by identifying the snowflake symbol on the side of the rubber. You’ll need to make sure that the tires have a tread of at least 3.5mm, no matter the size of your vehicle. It’s also important to be sure you’re using four matched winter tires.There are so many reasons to switch to winter tires, especially if you’re driving regularly or if you drive outside of the city. They’ll provide a much better traction on ice, which can be a serious safety concern this time of year.Always ensure your tires are at the proper air pressure, which can easily decrease during the winter months.
 

2. Rust protection

The salt on the roads can be a killer to the exterior of your car. Rust forms on your car when water and air come together to form a crust on the exterior. Due to this, you’ll want to prepare your car ahead of the season and protect it’s exterior from developing the rust caused by road salts. The best way to prevent this from happening is by having the body of your car oiled annually with a rustproofing spray. There are even automotive shops all across Ontario who specialize in rustproofing.
 

3. Prevention with lubrication

Properly lubricating certain parts of your car is an easy way to help prevent a number of ugly winter-weather related car issues. Make sure to properly lube window tracks, the hood latch, and all of your locks and door hinges. Use a spray to cover window tracks in silicone or even dry Teflon. Make sure to be prepared with silicone spray, lithium grease spray, and a Teflon lubricant spray before you begin the project of properly lubricating your car for the winter.
 

4. Windshield woes

Before winter fully arrives make sure you’ve checked that your windshield wipers are in working order. Hail, snow and all matter of slush can really harm your windshield and it’s wipers. So it’s very important that you make an effort to keep them clean as the season progresses. Your wipers are an important tool against accidents, so make sure everything works great. Also, make sure you have a windshield scraper in your trunk at all times. You never know when the first snowfall will hit, and nobody likes using their sleeve to clear their windshields and windows. The scraper itself is also an imperative tool against the formation of ice.
 

5. Remote starters

One of our favorite toys Santa Claus can bring are remote starters. They are a great way to get your car warmed up from a safe distance, saving you time and making sure you don’t freeze while you wait. There’s a good range of remote starters on the market, and none of them are really going to set you back that much more than a couple hundred bucks. Another great thing about remote starters is that they are the perfect holiday present for anyone who has a car. Amazon has a pretty impressive selection of remote starters to choose from!

While there are plenty of ways to get your vehicle ready for winter, these are our five favorite! So follow A-Protect’s above list to prepare your car for the winter. You’ll definitely appreciate it once the snow starts to hit the asphalt. Protect your tires, oil your exterior, keep your windshield in working order and even consider investing in remote car starter.

A-Protect is Ontario’s premier warranty service for your automobile or motorcycle. With the best coverage and Ontario’s most competitive rates, there’s no reason not to call.
Contact A-Protect today for a free quote on warranty for your vehicle:

A-Protect
Web: https://a-protectwarranty.com
Tel: 1-866-660-6444

Vehicle owners understand the value and importance of having a reliable set of wheels to get you from A to B. Not to mention how much we depend on our cars in the event of an emergency. The reliability of a car is directly related to the way it is treated. Taking care of your car is far more than the regular clean and changing the oil. A single motor vehicle is made up of hundreds of parts. All of which will endure wear and tear, which means that maintenance and repairs are a well-known part of owning any car.

While all cars are made with the same major principles in mind, each make and model has its own set of differences. One major factor that determines significant motor variations is the fuel. A diesel motor works differently to a petrol engine, and there are also electric cars and hybrids too. Each of which brings its own unique design aspects to the table. Since vehicles vary so much in design and price, it’s understandable that warranties should too. This is precisely the reason behind the increasing popularity of customized extended warranties.

A customized used vehicle warranty can offer so much more than your average plan. The individual and personalized approach gives the vehicle owner that much more control over the coverage they get and the amount they pay. Just as one car differs from the next, so too do vehicle owners. We are not all in the same financial position and sometimes the most elaborate options are simply out of reach. An expert trained in providing true customer service will know just how to interpret all of the needs and financial limitations of the client to as to come up with a solution that meets all of their needs, including budget.

The bottom line is that there is no real point in paying for coverage that you know you’re never going to use. For example, if your vehicle is relatively basic and it does not have features like four-wheel drive or even an air conditioner, then your customized warranty should not include these services. It should really only focus on the main working parts of your car instead. Likewise, if you have a fairly high-tech vehicle, then you will know just how expensive some of the parts can be to replace. In this case, a more comprehensive form of coverage would probably be in your best interests since it can save you a fair amount of money in the long run.

Finally, the customized approach offers what every customer wants – personal attention. There’s nothing worse than being brushed over as if you’re just a number with no regard for your needs, questions, and concerns. As the customer, you have the right to know exactly what your warranty entails and the process should not be rushed along. When you choose a customized warranty for your vehicle, you are choosing to put your needs first instead of feeling pressured into a particular agreement.

Our friendly team at A-Protect take customer service and satisfaction extremely seriously. We want each an every one of our clients to be happy with our service and confident in our expertise and professional attitude. Call 1(866) 660-6444 or (416) 661-7444 today for further information on our customized used vehicle extended warranty options.