Car warranties are standard with new cars, but what do they cover? If you are buying a car, you should understand what is included under the warranty. The details of what’s covered by your car warranty will depend on your manufacturer’s terms and conditions, but these are some of the areas that are typically covered by your car warranty.

What Does a Car Warranty Cover?

The warranty that comes with your new car is an important aspect of any car purchase. You should carefully study the applicable terms and conditions just as you would for your car finance agreement or insurance policy.

At a general level, the warranty on a new car covers design and manufacturing faults for an initial period, usually two or three years or when your odometer hits 40,000km (sometimes 100,000 km), whichever comes first. If any defects occur during this time, the dealership will arrange for car repairs on the car

Hence the warranty will cover defects in the car and its accessories for a given period of time. Some manufacturers provide a longer warranty period (some manufacturers offer five year warranties), but three years (or 100,000 km) is a standard period or limit for many car warranties.

Car Warranty Issues

Standard Warranty

The standard warranty is included in the purchase price of your vehicle, so there is no need to pay more to have this warranty. The law usually requires that a car that is below the luxury tax threshold (currently $59,133) to have at least 12 months or 20,000km warranty.

Hence, many dealerships or manufacturers offer a standard warranty well above the basic statutory warranty. The warranty will usually cover everything from the vehicle transmission system to the engine, braking, cooling, and steering systems. Servicing, tune-ups, batteries, and tyres are rarely covered by standard warranties.

Extended Warranty

Extended warranties are optional add-ons that you can purchase when you buy your car. These usually extend your warranty period or the scope of your car warranty in some way.

Extended warranties often cover you for specific mechanical failures and there may be specific limits on allowed claims. As with any warranty, make sure that you read through the terms and conditions and understand the policy before signing up for it.

Common Warranty Conditions

If you install new parts that are not of the approved brand, the warranty will not cover these. Normal wear and tear is usually not covered by the warranty. For example, normal wearing out of paint or seats may not be covered.

Warranties do not cover damage by fire, accident, illegal use, or theft. Damage arising from these areas is typically covered by insurance. Similarly, if you misuse your vehicle in some way or keep it poorly maintained, you will probably be unable to claim for the resulting damage from your warranty.

Sometimes the manufacturer will require that your car is serviced in line with the recommendations set out in the vehicle servicing logbook. It can be a condition of the warranty, so you could void your warranty if your car isn’t maintained according to the recommendations.

Hottest New Cars for 2013

There is much to consider when purchasing a new vehicle, from car loans and mileage to safety and comfort. Lucky for this year’s car shoppers, 2013 has something for everyone. No matter if you are looking for a super speedy luxury vehicle, a planet saving electric or hybrid, or car that is safe and family friendly, this year’s line-up of new cars is sure to please.

Fast and Luxury Vehicles

For those of you with a need for speed, and deep pockets, here are a few of the fastest and most luxurious sports cars of the year.

The Aston Martin Vanquish was developed to replace the 380kW DBS as the company’s high end model. The coupe is V12-powered with a 421kW and 620Nm.

Bentley introduced the 460kW, 800Nm GT Speed available in April. This is one of the fastest cars ever built. This car is said to be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 4 seconds.

Nissan’s GT-R has been heavily modified this year. The changes include increased body strength and modifications to the cars dampers springs and front stabilisers. Another improvement was made to the engine response in the mid to upper rev range. Nissan is claiming that these modifications result in significant improvements in performance, ride quality and high-speed stability.

Family Cars

Many families are on a budget and require a vehicle that can be shared by multiple family members. Because of this, there are several factors to consider before purchasing a family car, such as the cost of car insurance for the vehicle, mileage and passenger capacity.

The Mazda 6 Touring Petrol Wagon is a medium-sized wagon with a 2.5 litre engine and an automatic transmission. This car averages 7.5L/100 km and is lighter, faster, and more efficient than previous models.

Off Road

For those who prefer to roam the Outback, here’s a few all-terrain and off-road vehicles that are out this year.

The Land Rover Range Rover is 420kg lighter than last year’s model, mainly due to the heavy amount of aluminium used. However, consumers can expect just as much luxury as in previous Range Rovers. The 4WD vehicle comes with optional petrol as well as a diesel engines and its power ranges from 190 kW to 375 kW.

Also coming this year is the Range Rover Sport, which has an incredibly powerful Supercharged V8 engine (optional).

The Subaru Outback is another good option this year. This large SUV is quite roomy with good ground clearance. The vehicle is an automatic diesel and it has the style and space of a large wagon, but the versatility of a light duty 4×4.

You will want to ensure that you take out comprehensive car insurance for all of these vehicles and keep up with maintenance to help with longevity. With all of these choices, you are bound to find a car that suits you and your lifestyle.

Replacing Old Oil in Your Car

Replacing the old oil in your car is just as important today as it ever was. Modern vehicles need a yearly oil change just like older models do. Proper maintenance, including oil changes, can help you avoid the expense of taking out new car loans to replace your broken down car.

Why You Need to Replace the Old Oil in Your Car

The stress and heat produced by regular driving reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate the engine. This increases the amount of wear and tear on the vehicle and makes breakdowns more likely.

It is true that you don’t need to replace the oil as frequently on a modern car, but you will still need to replace it at least once a year. If your car is driven more than 10,000 kilometres a year you will need to replace the oil more often. It is also a good idea to replace the oil right before you take a long trip.

The Other Regular Service That You Will Need

Replacing the oil is not the only regular service your vehicle will need. Even top of the line vehicles will need to be thoroughly checked and serviced by experienced technicians about once a year.

All of the systems in a modern vehicle, including the electronics, need regular maintenance. The computers that control the transmission, the engine, and other systems need to be checked with state of the art instruments to ensure optimal performance.

This is why regular auto service is vital for all makes and models, from BMWs and Mercedes, to Toyotas and Fords. This servicing will help you avoid costly repairs and the need for expensive roadside assistance.

How Regular Oil Changes and Service Can Save You Money

Regularly replacing the oil will limit the cost of vehicle repairs and maintenance. The more you defer maintenance, the more likely it will be that your vehicle needs serious repairs.

Regular maintenance is even more important for older vehicles because of the wear and tear they have gone through over the years. Remember, even ten and fifteen year old cars have complex computer-controlled electronic systems that need maintenance.

Something that many people forget is that regular driving puts a lot of pressure on the electronic systems. This can damage components such as circuits, fuses, and sensors; they may even become defective.

Regular Maintenance Keeps Cars on the Road

In some modern vehicles, even basic accessories such as the windshield wipers will not operate properly if censors or circuits are worn out. So if you want everything in and on your car to work properly, you will need regular maintenance.

Replacing the oil is the perfect time to have your mechanic give your vehicle a thorough check-up. In many cases, all it takes to get your car running at optimal performance again is replacing one simple faulty component.

Regular maintenance and oil changes will keep your vehicle on the road for many years. So don’t put this off any longer, go to your local mechanic so he can give your car that much needed check-up!

Investing or Home Ownership

In times of economic uncertainty it is especially important to have an investment strategy in place. For some, that means investing in bonds or other investment funds. For others, real estate is the preferred method. Deciding between investing your savings or buying a home can be a difficult choice. However, with the right planning you can do both.

Leasing and Investing

Some believe that it is better to lease and invest rather than to simply buy a home. Supporters of this investment strategy will argue that the cost involved with buying a house makes it a more expensive option.

Home ownership involves taxes, insurance, repairs, and other maintenance costs. The argument goes that if you rent and invest the difference into stocks and other investment funds, you will be making more money in the long term. This may be a good option for some, particularly for those who have not settled in one permanent location.

Understanding the Cost of Leasing and Buying

There are many online calculators that can help you to determine the cost benefit analysis to leasing versus home ownership. Often, the length of time you plan to lease is a key factor. Leasing offers some advantages over home ownership, including less maintenance and the ability to relocate.

If you do decide to lease and invest, you will want to consult with an investment advisor. An advisor will help you avoid making common investment mistakes, which are particularly prevalent with beginners.

Homeownership as Investment

Others believe that homeownership is the best investment strategy. For many, it is a simple way to build household wealth. You don’t have to worry about what types of stocks to purchase. Instead, you can just pay your monthly mortgage and know that you are building equity.

Historically, real estate has been a good investment. Homes typically rise in value each year. Even if your home doesn’t increase in value, you are going to build equity as you pay down your mortgage each month.

Also, as a homeowner, you won’t have to worry about your rent increasing. Further still, you have the freedom to tailor your home to your specific desires and tastes.

How to Have it All

Home ownership and leasing and investing can be good strategies for building household wealth. However, it is possible to do both. With the right kind of investment strategy, you can have it all. If you are already a homeowner, you could refinance your home loan.

The potential savings you can earn through refinancing can be huge. Once you have refinanced your home loan, you can choose an investment strategy for your savings.

Most experts recommend diversifying your investments. While there are many ways you can choose to do this, the easy option is to invest in a home and purchase investment funds.

Just as putting all of your personal wealth into one stock would never be advisable, the same is true for completely relying on the value of your home. By choosing a diversified investment strategy your financial future will be rock solid.

Building a kit home is very easy in comparison to building your own home. A kit home comes ready designed and ready to assemble, so many of the difficult decisions will have been made when you pick out the template of your home. There are some areas, however, where you will need to make the decisions about what you want in your property. Herein we consider the special additions to your home that will put your stamp of identity into it.

Building a Pool

Adding a pool to your home is the dream of most Australians and it can be a wonderful special feature of your new property. An outdoor pool can make your property into a truly enjoyable location that you will not want to leave because you will have everything ready at hand. There are many options when building a pool, but thankfully many of the decisions come down to choosing a design once again. Additions like waterfalls and shaded lounging areas can easily be added to this special feature of your home, but it is important that you lay out these plans at an early stage. As a bonus, using modern filters can make having a pool much less painful then many would have you believe.

Creating an Outdoor Area

The one huge aspect that a kit home design has no control over is the outside of the home and for this reason there are rarely any exterior plans included. Depending on your location, it is possible to make the space surrounding your home into the perfect outdoor area. You will need to determine the basic features of the backyard like fencing and foliage, but the special features like an automatic gate entrance and slate paving around the home are more enjoyable special features to determine. There are no limits other than finances when it comes to designing the outside of your home, so it is important to plan carefully.

Choosing the Fittings

The kit home will usually come with standard fittings, but these can easily be substituted for something more exciting. Fittings can make a huge difference to the look of your home so it is important to choose the fittings carefully. From the lights to the door handles and taps, these fittings will say a lot about you and your personal style. Remember that the fittings will impact on the overall feel of the home once it is decorated too, so it is important to think carefully about what you really want.

Housing Your Cars

Car housing is another sensible thing to consider because you will have the opportunity to design your own driveway and garages if you decide to do so. Housing your cars in a carport or garage can also reduce your insurance costs significantly, so it is worth considering. There is a huge range of options for parking arrangements whether you wish for your driveway to run to the back of the house or sit more traditionally at the front.

Planting Your Garden

Planting your garden is another important step in turning the kit home from a building site into a home. Planting is the best way to remove the marks of lorry tires and hide the dead grass where bricks and materials were stacked. A kit home will be a blank canvas for you to enjoy and there is a great deal of freedom whilst you plant your new garden.

Life in general is difficult, but life at home should be relaxing so that you can simply enjoy yourself and relax when you are not out working. Making your home easier to live in is important for improving your happiness and can be done in a wide variety of ways. To make your home easier to live in you will need to make it more efficient, more beautiful and better integrated. Herein we consider how to make your home easier to live in.

Make it Beautiful

A home should be beautiful and comfortable in appearance. It is incredible how much difference a beautiful home can make because it gives you something to look forward to and enjoy. Investing in comfortable furniture and redecorating your home can have a big impact on the ease of living in your property. Even simple steps like buying fresh flowers to set on your kitchen table can make a significant difference to your home. A messy and unclean home, however, will be a burden that you will not want to return to.

Make it Practical

Your home also needs to be a place that you can properly utilise because you will spend a lot of time there. What makes your home practical will depend on how you use it most frequently. For an avid cook, for example, the kitchen will be of the most importance because life is uncomfortable if you are left preparing meals in a cramped and uncomfortable kitchen. Your home should be tailored to your interests so that you can always enjoy yourself when you get back in.

Make it Automatic

Automated systems can also significantly improve your life. Installing an automatic gate, for example, will give you the benefit of security without the downside of having to get out of your car to open it. Automatic garage doors will also enable you to stay in your car and operate the door with a garage door remote without having to get out in the rain. Automatic systems like these can greatly improve your comfort in the home and will make it far easier to live in.

Make it Fun

For an easy living space you will also need ways to have fun in your home. You can make your home fun by buying a console to enjoy or by setting up an easel to follow your passion for art. Alternatively you could install a pool in the backyard to give yourself somewhere comfortable to relax and unwind. Making your home fun is very important in making it easier to live in so you should be sure to invest in things that make you happy.

Make it Relaxed

It is possible to very quickly make your home an uncomfortable place if it is too filled with worries and strife. Bringing work home with you, for example, will mean that you have things to do when you get home and this will stop you from enjoying your property. Your home needs to be a relaxing place and for this to happen it is important that you are able to draw a line between obligation and relaxation. Your home should be a haven where you can relax and forget the troubles and strife of the day.

Planning for expansion in a business requires you to look ahead and anticipate changing requirements. These requirements will more often than not include larger premises or more space. If you run a growing business, you will want to find a site or otherwise allow more room for equipment upgrades and more staff. Here are some of the key equipment items and spacing requirements to plan for in your expanding business.

Servers and IT Equipment

If you host your own servers, you may want to make sure you have plenty of room to allow for adding to these as well. Servers, as well as needing regular maintenance, need to be kept in temperature-controlled areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and seek advice from network support professionals on the best way to store your servers.

The amount of extra space you need for IT equipment will usually depend on your staffing numbers. Peripherals can usually be shared between many people, but each staff member will usually need their own workstation and computer.

Another factor to consider in respect of IT equipment includes storing mobile equipment when not in use. For example, if you provide mobile staff members with tablets or smartphones that are stored on site when not in use, it is a good idea to have a dedicated, secure room or storage area to keep these items.

Storage and Shelving

Storage and shelving equipment can enhance productivity by allowing staff to stay organised. Most staff members will need some storage and shelving pieces at their workstation. Whether it is desk drawers, filing cabinet, or shelf, allow sufficient space for shelving as is appropriate for the staff member’s role or tasks.

Meeting Rooms

You will probably need a few meeting rooms set up to accommodate your expanding business. Meeting rooms are excellent places for teams or groups that need an enclosed place where they can work together. This is particularly true for open-plan offices.

Meeting rooms are also very useful for training purposes, when you need enclosed, sound proof spaces for a group of people. For example, if you regularly provide staff with onsite training programs such as IT training, motivational training, adobe training, or other types of skills training, you can find having a few additional meeting rooms to be very valuable.

Common Areas

If you are planning to expand your business rapidly, you might also need to look at allowing more space in common areas. These can include lunchrooms or office kitchenettes, recreational areas such as relaxation rooms, water-cooler areas, and any other communal spaces that offer staff members functional, social, and recreational benefits.

Restrooms

A few restrooms can adequately serve a large staffing team, but as your business grows bigger, you may need to look at expanding the number of restrooms you have on site. It is usually possible to install more restroom units as long as you allow enough space to expand bathroom facilities.

Factory and Warehouse Spaces

Businesses in the manufacturing industry and organisations that stock product on site need to plan their factory, equipment storage, and warehouse-spacing requirements carefully. Without adequate planning in this area ahead of time, you might find that you need to find a new site. Avoid the inconvenience of having to change sites by finding a good balance between current requirements and anticipated future needs. 

Before you move into your home it is a god idea to get any major renovations out of the way. One often forgotten (yet simple and cheap) renovation projects is fittings. Different type of fittings that can possibly be replaced in your home and improve the look and function includes:

• Power points – does your new house have old, yellowing power points? Updating them not only improves the look of your home but also safety.
• Light Fixtures – forget the standard light fixture, it is better to add decorative lighting as well as useful ceiling fans for improving the functionality of your home.
• Television and Internet – these are often forgotten until you try to pick up a signal. Check how your home connects to the aerial and internet before you move in.
• Plumbing – a few simple washers and some new taps and other fittings can improve the look and function of your home with minimal cost and effort.

These few simple changes to your new home will make it a pleasure to move in and you won’t have to play around when the house is finally filled with furniture.

Your Light Fixtures

Installing light fixtures must only be done by a qualified electrician. This is easier for an empty house and because there might be quite a mess afterwards it will be easier to clean up. If you are employing an electrician try to get as much work done in one go, as this can often make it cheaper. If you want ceiling fans, led downlights or just different fixtures put in, get them all done at the same time. Once you get the furniture put in changing lighting fixtures will mean moving all of your furniture or at least covering it with drop sheets.

Your Power Points

New power points must also be installed by a qualified electrician. Even though it may seem simple enough to remove a power point, any mistakes on your part can cause fires, electrocution as well as voiding your insurance policy. This is also a good time to check if your new home has enough power points. You also need to see if they are in the right place for you and your family. Adding new points is easier than having to use extension cords and power boards throughout your home.

Television and Internet Connections

Your television connection should be checked before you move in, but the problem is you will also need a television. One way around this is to employ a technician. They will have their own testing equipment to check your signal strength and can recommend if you need new aerial or signal boosters. With the increasing use of fibre internet connections and home networks installing a home network is best done before you have all the clutter in your house.

Plumbing and Other Fittings

While it is best to be done by a professional, you can also do plumbing as a DIY job. Start with replacing your washers if you have a few dripping taps. If you don’t like the look of your plumbing fixtures then it is quite cheap to buy more modern taps and faucets.

Moving Everything In

The final step is getting everything into your now updated home. If you don’t want to damage your new house (and your belongings!) it is always better to use professional removalists. This is also great if you are exhausted from getting all of these small renovations done before moving in. Make sure that you know where you are putting everything if you have decided to add feature lights or new power points. Remember, take your time with your home renovations and do them properly because you are the one that will have to live with them. 

Summary: A pool can have many expensive problems and you want to be able to protect it under insurance. Here is a list of some of the things that can go wrong and how to check if you are covered.

Keywords: automatic pool cleaner, home building insurance

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Even though swimming pools can be a lot of fun, they can also be extremely expensive. Every property owner that owns a pool quickly discovers that amenities, such as an automatic pool cleaner, can cost a fortune. This is why it is always a good idea to insure your pool and its equipment.

An Expensive Investment That is Not Automatically Covered

A swimming pool is a very large investment, and for many families, it is the largest expense, aside from the actual house itself. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to ensure that it is covered by insurance.

Contrary to popular belief, pools are not automatically covered by household polices. Some policies actually contain very specific language that deliberately excludes pools from coverage.

To make matters worse, some of the equipment associated with the pool, including covers, chlorinators, fences, automatic cleaning systems and plumbing, may not be covered. This can lead to ruin because pools, as well as these expensive equipment, can be easily damaged by storms, floods, and other natural disasters.

Check the Liability

Another issue that many property owners fail to realise is that they can be held criminally and financially liable for pool-related accidents. If a child sneaks onto a property and drowns, or is injured in a pool, the child’s family can sue the property owner.

There have been cases where police have arrested Australian homeowners because they did not properly secure their pool.

If home building insurance does not cover liability, the owner will have to pay for damages and legal costs out of pocket. Attorneys can go after bank accounts, business assets, and the building itself. In some cases, a family may have to sell the property in order to get the funds to settle the case.

Check the Amount of Coverage and What is Covered

Never assume that anything is covered by an insurance policy unless you see it in writing. This includes any claims made by an agent or salesperson. Go over the actual policy to make sure the item you want covered is, in fact, covered.

Don’t ever pay for an insurance policy until you can determine what is actually covered and how much coverage is provided. Insurers are experts at creating legal documents that are deliberately confusing.

Never Be Afraid to Negotiate with an Insurance Company

You should never be afraid to negotiate with an insurance company, and if you don’t see the coverage that you need in the policy, ask for it. Tell the agent that you will take your business elsewhere if you don’t get what you want. If you show them that you will not sign up unless you get what you want, most insurers will make the coverage you need available.

You should also be willing to question the price. If you think it is excessive, be willing to say so; in many cases, the price will fall if you make a stand. There is absolutely no reason to pay too much for a policy, especially one that does not cover your pool.

Summary: The sun can cause a lot of damage to your home and make your furniture and other household items fade. Keeping light and heat out of your home will also reduce your cooling bills.

Keywords: sunscreen blinds, designer rugs

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Sun damage is an insidious foe, one that creeps up and causes real damage over long periods of time. You may not even notice that it is happening until long after the damage is beyond repair. There are, however, steps you can take to reduce or eliminate sun and heat damage, such as installing sunscreen blinds.

Damage Caused by Sunlight

If you live in a warm climate, you would understand how dangerous and damaging the sun’s rays can be. You would never think about going to the beach without sunscreen and a hat, but many people fail to apply this logic to their homes. The heat from the sun can cause fading on your rugs, carpet and furniture.

If you take no action at all, damage from the sun will render your valuables ugly and useless.

Cost of Cooling

Keeping your home cool is expensive, especially if your home is not very energy-efficient. Minimising the intensity of the sun’s heat searing through your windows is one of the best ways to avoid sun damage.

Installing tinted windows and blinds will greatly reduce your cooling costs. Good maintenance on your air conditioning system will also improve its efficiency, meaning it doesn’t have to kick into overdrive to keep your home cool.

Undoing the Damage

There are ways to restore sun-damaged items to their original condition. You can have most pieces of furniture refinished or reupholstered, whereas other items can be painted or stained to restore their original lustre.

Typically, this type of damage is not covered by insurance – it is an expense that you will have to bear yourself. If items are not repairable, they can always be replaced; however, it is always best to prevent the problem in the first place.

Ways to Protect Your Home

To prevent the sun from damaging your home and your property, and costing you enormous amounts of money in cooling costs and repairs, you can employ several different methods.

a) Blinds and window coverings

Try using blinds and window coverings that are especially designed to block out the sunlight during the hottest time of the day.

Some blinds have a UV rating, which means they will be able to reflect the most harmful UV rays. Keeping the blinds closed from 12pm to 4pm will also help to keep the temperature from rising inside your home. It will prevent heat damage to your furniture and designer rugs, too.

Needless to say, this will also reduce the stress on your cooling system.

b) Blankets and rugs

If you do not have UV blinds or tinted windows, you can always take matters into your own hands and simply throw an old blanket over your antique sofa, or a cheap rug over an exposed stretch of walkway. This is a short-term solution, but it is better than no solution at all.

Although we Australian’s love summer, sun and heat damage are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. But with a little bit of effort, you can turn your house into a super-efficient, sunproof dwelling.