Summer 2017 is shaping up to be one of the hottest North American summers in history, and there’s nothing worse on a summer than a burning-hot vehicle to drive in. Compustar remote starters are the perfect solution for cooling down your vehicle before you hit the road so that you and your passengers can ride in comfort and safety.

The Compustar Marketing Team (CM) sat down with one of Compustar’s technical support agents, Josh W. (JW, MECP), who answered some common questions regarding remote starters in hotter climates.

CM: How do Compustar remote starters work in hot weather?
JW: Just like you would remote start your vehicle’s engine to turn on the heater during winter, you can also remote start your vehicle to turn on the A/C system to cool down your vehicle. To do this, turn on your A/C and set your temperature on your vehicle’s dashboard before leaving your vehicle. When you remote start, your A/C will automatically activate at the preset temperature.

CM: Can a vehicle’s A/C cool down the vehicle, even when it is not moving?
JW: Yes! A vehicle’s air conditioning unit can cool down the vehicle, even when idling. The vehicle does not need to be moving or at high RPMs for the condenser to charge the air conditioning. Once the engine operating temperature is reached, the cooling fan(s) attached to the radiator will start up to keep the engine from overheating provided the vehicle’s cooling system is within proper operating parameters.

Note: older vehicles may take a little longer to cool down when idling. But remote starting the vehicle also circulates the air and alleviates some of the pressure that causes the intense heat inside of a vehicle. So regardless of your vehicle’s age, your car will be much more comfortable to drive in if you start it at least 5 minutes before hitting the road.

CM: Is it safe to remote start a vehicle in hot weather?
JW: It is generally safe to remote start your vehicle in hot weather. We recommend remote starting the vehicle while it is in open air, in a well-ventilated area and not in a garage or enclosed space. In extreme heat, you will want to make sure that your vehicle’s cooling system is functioning properly before using the remote start feature to avoid overheating the engine.

Most automotive manufacturers recommend that you have your engine coolant flushed and refilled every 30,000 miles or 5 years. Mechanics will usually test other parts of your cooling system at the same time, including the thermostat and hoses; to make sure they are within operating parameters.

CM: Can I customize my Compustar remote starter too, for example, lower my windows or open my sunroof?
JW: If your vehicle is equipped with power windows and/or sunroof, your installer can connect those features to your Compustar remote start system so that you can activate them using your Compustar remote or the DroneMobile app. Your installer can also add a temperature sensor to your vehicle so that remote start functionality is automated. Make sure to ask your installer/dealer about climate control and customization options ahead of time and they can go over your options with you before beginning the installation of our system.

We hope that Josh’s answers provided some additional insight for you as you consider a Compustar remote starter for your vehicle. Contact your local authorized Compustar retailer today to request pricing, options, and more info for adding a remote start to your vehicle.

Important Note: Compustar remote starters do NOT make it safe to leave a child or pet unattended inside of a hot vehicle! Please use your Compustar remote start system to cool down your vehicle before you and your passengers re-enter your vehicle.

When you buy a vehicle you will be provided various options to buy along-side of it and one such choice is that of extended automobile warranty. Sometimes referred to as a service contract, or extended service program, an extended automobile warranty is designed to offset repair expenses following the purchase of a new or used automobile. In essence, an extended warranty is a safeguard against costly, unforeseen repairs. Not to be confused with manufacturer’s warranties, an extended warranty kicks in subsequent to the expiration of the manufacturer’s bumper to bumper warranty. An extended auto warranty is typically sold as a separate contract, and – unlike a manufacturer’s auto warranty – is not included in the purchase price.

You need to be aware of the benefits of this extended service program which coincides with this option even as you consider whether to obtain this kind of warranty for your car and this will assist you to find out whether an extended auto warranty is a suitable choice for you. There are a couple of benefits of having this kind of warranty. First, it provides the car owner of with peace of mind in recognizing that a number of aspects are covered. Because each warranty type will differ with regards to what’s covered under it, it’s imperative to peruse the extended service program document in order to see the coverage points included. By choosing an extended auto warranty you will understand that certain areas are covered on your vehicle in case something happens, which will result in the vehicle requiring to be fixed.

Extended auto warranties will also ascertain that your financial investment gets protected. Because many people live on a restricted budget, it is usually a good idea to put forth the finances whenever you have them in order that you won’t be caught short in the future should anything go wrong with the automobile and you’ll have to get it fixed. Besides, the cost of an extended automobile warranty is oftentimes much more reasonable as compared to what you would be needed to pay should one necessitate to have their car fixed in the future. As a result, by you spending a smaller sum of money, in the beginning, you might save quite a couple of dollars eventually should replacement parts or repairs be necessary for your automobile.

In the strictest sense of the word, this is not a warranty at all. Like auto warranties, this plan covers repairs for an agreed upon period of time. True warranties, however, are included in the cost of the car; extended auto warranties are actually service contracts, or extended service program because they cost extra and are sold separately. An extended automobile warranty may be bought at the time you purchase your vehicle; it is also possible to buy one much further along in your car ownership experience. If you are the type who prefers to be prepared for all eventualities, an extended warranty may be just what you are looking for. Considering the ever-increasing cost of car repairs, these service contracts do make a lot of sense. If you are interested in buying an extended automobile warranty, you need to know that the car service contracts industry is slowly moving away from the phrase “warranty” since it is confusing to consumers. Try looking for “Extended Service Programs” instead.

Government agencies in the U.S. and the U.K. are working to get ahead of the curve and let the public know that they are concerned about vehicle cyber security.

The current reality is that, while a variety of connectivity technologies have been transfused into cars, the equal and opposite security measures are yet to be deployed.

Surely, car hacking is the last thing automakers want to mention as they push the connected cars into the vast consumer disconnect. But government watchdogs in both the U.S. and the U.K. are working to get ahead of the curve and let the public know that they are concerned.

 Principles of cyber security for connected and automated vehicles

"Whether we're turning vehicles into WiFi-connected hotspots or equipping them with millions of lines of code to become fully automated, it is important that they are protected against cyber-attacks," said Martin Callanan, a minister in the Department for Transport at the British government.

He said this last week when the U.K. agency issued new guidelines, requiring manufacturers of Internet-connected vehicles to put in place tougher cyber protections to ensure a stronger shield against hackers.

It isn’t just the U.K. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States also issued last fall the federal guidance to the automotive industry for improving motor vehicle cyber security.

Questions to ask
So should we all sleep well, confident that the feds have our back?

Not so fast, Gracie.

Questions that come to my mind include:
1. Do the guidelines issued by NHTSA and British Department of Transportation have any teeth for security enforcement? 
2. More important, have they gone far enough to suggest effective cyber security measures for cars?
3. What are the differences in the proposals of the two separate governments?

As Roger Lanctot, director automotive connected mobility in the global automotive practice at Strategy Analytics, told us, “All of the work and guidance today is advisory vs. compulsory in nature.” Things will become real, in his opinion, “when financial and liability consequences are in fact defined.”

Sources of vulnerability in connected cars are many. Lanctot listed: “diagnostic ports, hobbyist/enthusiasts, dealers, suppliers/supply chain, criminals, and terrorists to say nothing of incompetence, bugs, and the management of multiple onboard systems crossing domains with different development standards.”

Facing so many areas inside cars that must be protected as cars morph into always-on computing devices, it isn’t easy to come up with comprehensive guidelines. And yet, “Regulators need to demonstrate they are doing something,” said Lanctot.

How do security experts see the development of government guidelines?

Gene Carter, vice president of products at OnBoard Security, for example, believes that “both the U.K. and NHTSA guidance documents included basic security tenets.”

He explained such measures should be followed by any company connecting hardware or software to the web — including security by design, defense in depth, principles of least privilege, etc.  In Carter’s opinion, however, these are basics. “I would hope that the automakers have learned enough from the IT world’s experiences, and they [should be] already doing those essential things.”

A few experts, including Carter, pointed out that the U.K.’s guidance does not go far enough in the area of software updates after a vulnerability is discovered.

Carter said, “The guidance merely states ‘organizations plan for how to maintain security over the lifetime of their systems.’”

In his view, “Over The Air (OTA) updates should be a requirement for automobiles.  It is impossible for a manufacturer to create a car that is free of vulnerabilities throughout the 10-20 year life of a car.  Without OTA, automakers are relying on car owners to bring their cars into a repair show every time a new vulnerability is discovered.  This will leave many cars exposed to known attacks, while OTA would allow the fix to be pushed to the at-risk vehicles immediately.”

Of course, car makers “will save a lot of money in recalls by offering OTA, so it is likely they will move to that technology on their own,” said Carter. Still, “I would have preferred the UK specify its use and not leave it so ambiguous.”

Meanwhile, David Barzilai, chairman, and co-founder of automotive cyber security firm Karamba Security weighed in on the U.K. government’s guidance. While applauding pre-emptive action they might take, he pointed out that there is one area “we don’t feel these guidelines go far enough toward effectively preventing car hacking,” he said. 

Again, that’s the area of how to deal with security bugs.

Whether you're shopping for a new or used car, most people have a general idea that a warranty is a good idea. Warranties are often considered to be a form of "insurance" - you pay out a fee and in exchange, your car will be fixed if anything on it breaks, but unfortunately, it's not quite that simple. There are different types of warranties and a warranty might not necessarily cover everything that you think it will. Here is everything you need to know:

What Exactly is an Auto Warranty?

A warranty is a contract between either you and your dealership or you and your manufacturer. At its simplest, a warranty sets out a specific amount of time and mileage; any defects and repairs that are necessary under that time and mileage amount are automatically covered under warranty. Warranties usually last around three years or 36,000 miles. They can also be extended upon vehicle purchase. This is very common when used vehicles are purchased. 

But an auto warranty is not a type of insurance even though it is often presented as one. Auto warranties are only designed to fix parts that are considered to be defective or faulty. They are not designed to fix parts that have broken down from wear-and-tear, collisions or other issues. There are also different types of auto warranties that you need to understand.

What Types of Warranty Coverage Exist?

• Drivetrain and powertrain warranties - These warranties are designed to ensure that the very essential components of the vehicle last: the engine, transmission and the associated parts. Drivetrain and powertrain warranties protect against manufacturer defects of these components but will be voided if they haven't been properly serviced (such as with regular oil changes).
• Bumper-to-bumper warranties - The standard bumper-to-bumper warranty is a three-year warranty (or 36,000 miles) that governs the parts of the vehicle from bumper-to-bumper. If these parts are considered to be defective, they will be repaired as needed.
• Rust or corrosion warranties - This type of warranty is rarer but may be tacked on to the other warranty. This covers rust and corrosion if it occurs due to a defect.
• Federal emissions warranties - This warranty is more popular now and will cover any repairs necessary to ensure that the vehicle meets its emissions standards.
• Roadside assistance - This is another specialty warranty that offers roadside assistance if a vehicle breaks down. Most people already have this through their insurance.

How Does a Warranty Work?

To go through a warranty, you must first contact the vehicle entity you have a relationship with: either your dealer or your manufacturer. They will then direct you to the repair shop that will work with you. 

Warranties can be voided if an individual does not maintain their vehicle properly. Auto Tek provides complete auto services that will ensure that all the parts of your vehicle are well-maintained so that you can stay within your warranties. Contact our team of professionals today!

When you refinance an auto loan, it means replacing your current loan with another with different terms. And this is usually done with a different lender. Basically, you swap lenders in order to receive terms that are more favorable for you and your current situation.

There is no minimum amount of time that must pass until you are able to refinance your car loan. However, you will still need to meet certain requirements in order to be approved.

• You Have to Be Current with Your Payments. Lenders will not refinance a loan if you are currently behind on your payments.
• You Can't Be Upside Down. The vehicle you're financing has to be worth as much as what you currently owe on the loan. Otherwise, your negative equity can prevent you from being approved.
• The Vehicle Has to Meet the New Lender's Age and Mileage Requirements. Each lender will also have their own set of rules when it comes to the age and mileage of vehicles they are willing to refinance.
• Your Loan Amount Has to Fall In the New Lender's Acceptable Limits. Meaning, the balance to be refinanced has to fall within the lender's acceptable range, which usually has a minimum and a maximum cap.
• The Type of Vehicle Can Matter. Most lenders will not refinance commercial or delivery vehicles. Vehicles with salvage or rebuilt titles are usually disqualified as well. Also, RVs and motorcycles typically do not qualify for a standard refinance.
• Your Credit Score Has to Be Good, or At Least Improved. Finally, only people with good, or at least above average, credit scores are usually able to qualify

Can You Refinance with Bad Credit?

Refinancing options are typically only available to consumers with good credit scores. However, for those who took out their loan when they had damaged credit, there are special cases that defy this requirement.

Sometimes, you can qualify for a refinance if you are far enough along in the process of improving your credit. If you had bad credit when you took out your current loan, it is possible that your credit score has improved if you have made all of your loan payments on time for an extended period.

If you have greatly improved your credit in the process of paying back your loan, it may be possible to qualify even if your credit score still isn't considered "good". This is because many lenders will look more closely at your recent payment activity.

If you have made all of the payments on your loan on time for between 18 and 36 months, you may be able to get refinanced. Lenders typically base their decision on a steady track record of about that length. You also may qualify for better terms, which will allow you to save some money.

Dozens of researchers have now shown that it’s possible to hack into a car and commandeer its controls. But in the real world, such dire automotive cyber attacks have yet to materialize.

That shouldn’t lull anyone into a false sense of security.  Both terrorists and hackers pose a serious threat to connected automobiles—and as many as three-quarters of new cars are expected to have internet connectivity on board by 2020, according to John Carlin, assistant attorney general for national security at the U.S. Department of Justice. Carlin said many vehicles, including self-driving cars, may soon be in danger of having their systems compromised. Also recognizing the problem, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just issued Cybersecurity Best Practices for Modern Vehicles, a guide for the auto industry.

“We’re on the cusp of a transformation, and the auto industry is at the front of that transformation,” Carlin said. “We can’t make the mistake again of not building in cyber security by design on the front end and preventing espionage or loss of life.” One of the most ominous cyber threats to cars could be the use of ransomware, a type of malware that literally locks users out of their systems–in this case, cars—until they pay a ransom to regain control.

This scourge has affected thousands of computer systems, ranging from individual PCs to networks in hospitals and other institutions. In a typical ransomware attack, the user is locked out and his or her data is encrypted or otherwise made inaccessible. Too often, the only recourse has been to pay.

“The current ransomware business model works well because the attackers ensure that the price paid is well worth the data restored,” explained Tony Lee, technical director at security research firm FireEye. “Can home users put a price on precious family photos or financial documents? Can organizations put a price on critical information necessary to conduct business? If that answer is yes and the price is low enough, the ransom will be paid.”

The same rationale can be extended to vehicles. Approximately 250 million connected cars are expected to be on roads worldwide by 2020, according to a 2015 analysis by technology consulting firm Gartner, making connected cars the next potential market for hackers. These attacks could range from simply locking motorists out of their vehicles to locking them inside; a more ominous scenario would allow hackers to freeze the ignition, essentially “bricking” the car and making it completely unusable.

Stephen Cobb, the senior security researcher at security provider ESET, recently coined the term “jackware” to distinguish this specific kind of automotive ransomware. He says that, although it hasn’t yet been encountered, there is little doubt it is already in development.

“The computer systems are designed, features are designed, products are brought to market, and people adopt them,” he said. “On the other side, hackers speculate, probe, develop a proof of concept, attack, and then finally monetize the threat.”

Fleets Might Be a Top Ransomware Target

Ransomware has long relied on social engineering to be successful—disguising itself in what might appear to be a helpful warning to fool unsuspecting users into exposing their operating systems. Think back to warnings you may have received that your computer was infected with a virus and you needed to pay to have it cleaned.

In vehicles, this could appear to be anything from warnings about vehicle warranties and services to notifications that a satellite-radio subscription will soon expire to threats of traffic violations. An unsuspecting motorist could react quickly to such warning, and suddenly find the car locked or worse.

“The bigger threat would be the possibility of disabling the vehicle in some way,” Lee said. “For example, locking the car, disabling the ignition, or engaging the emergency brake. The variety of ransomware will only be limited by the attacker’s creativity.”

If there’s good news, it’s that the effectiveness of any type of this scareware will quickly decline once motorists become aware of the avenue of attack.

Consumer vehicles may not be the primary target for these directed attacks, however. Commercial businesses and government agencies could find themselves on the receiving end of targeted attacks that take out an entire fleet of vehicles.

“Fleets and infrastructure act as a multiplier,” Lee said. “For example, if the average individual would pay $20 to regain control of their vehicle, imagine what a car-rental organization would pay–especially when they consider the cost for their loss of business and reputation. For well-organized attackers, this may end up being a numbers game, which may be similar to credit card theft and sale.”

What Auto Execs Can Learn from Aviation

 Nearly three-quarters of vehicles sold this year will have a telematics system, according to Colin Bird, senior analyst of automotive technology at IHS Markit, and the likelihood of attacks will increase as more vehicles become more connected. At the same time, vehicle defenses haven’t yet caught up to the potential problems.

“There is no firewall between the telematics and data buses,” Bird said. “Right now, we’ve seen how hackers can take control by accessing the software ports, but they can also use RFID connections and soon it will be through the unprotected telematic systems. Right now, only certain OEMs are being proactive and are starting to install firewalls, but again, most cars have no security in place.”

In catching up, the automotive industry may take a cue from other sectors in the transportation industry. Travel-technology provider SITA released its 2016 Airline Passenger IT Trends Survey, which found that 91 percent of airlines plan to invest in cyber security. This came after hackers infiltrated U.S. air-traffic-control systems last year, which grounded planes and put the detailed travel records of millions of people at risk.

In September, a FAA advisory body recommended that cyber security measures be taken to ensure that airline systems, as well as aircraft, can’t be hacked. This included calls for future industry-wide standards that would affect everything from aircraft design to flight operations to maintenance practices.

But in the automotive world, the threats may be more complex. Today, a car can have upward of 30 million lines of code, meaning there are increasing opportunities for someone to do the wrong thing.

Used cars that are sold with hidden damage may become costly problems for the unsuspecting buyer. To avoid purchasing a proverbial lemon, here’s a checklist from CARFAX of 10 ways to help check the condition and value before buying a used car.

Look Carefully at the Car’s Exterior and Interior
Both the inside and outside condition of the car may play a large role in the value. Make sure to check the interior upholstery carefully, along with any repairs to the exterior of the car. That’s not to say you shouldn’t purchase a car that has been in a minor fender-bender, but you’ll want to make sure the exterior was repaired professionally and that the results are barely visible to the eye. Always open the hood and take a good look at the engine and parts. Dirty and rusted parts can be a strong indication that there may be trouble down the road.

Go for a Test Drive

It’s always best to take the car on a test drive on both local roads and highways. In different environments, you can get a good feel for how the car responds and performs. On local roads, you can feel how the car shifts and responds to sharp turns. You’ll also get an idea on the condition of the brakes with stop-and-go driving conditions. With a trip on the highway, you can see if the engine runs smoothly or not. While on a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure to note any unusual engine or brake noises, and whether or not all of the electronics in the car are working properly.

Perform a Leak Test

Any car that is leaking fluids is generally a red flag for a needed repair. While you’re on a test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and do a visible inspection for any leaking substances. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, green fluid may indicate a leak in anti-freeze and pink fluid may indicate a leak in the transmission.

Have a Mechanic Inspect It

Some people don’t take the time to have a mechanic inspect their used car before purchase. This may lead to an expensive repair down the road. The cost to have a car inspected by a professional can be well worth the price. A mechanic is the professional who can help you discover hidden problems and also assist with determining the car’s value. If there are going to be any major problems with the engine or transmission in the future, this is the professional who can let you know.

Research Checklist

Once you feel the car is in good condition, consider these steps to further research the vehicle:

• Read reviews on the make and model.
• Figure out a fair purchase price.
• Make sure to decode the VIN.
• Review the vehicle history report.
• Consider looking at certified pre-owned vehicles.
• Take your time to help avoid buyer’s remorse.

Read Reviews on the Make and Model

Do a bit of detective work on industry and consumer reviews on the make and model to help uncover possible defects or even common problems. You can easily do this by researching online.

Figure Out a Fair Purchase Price

To help ensure that you are being charged a fair price, make sure to compare prices for the same make, model and year with several sources. Checking Kelley Blue Book and dealer prices can simply be done online. Even though condition and mileage will play a role in price, you can still get a ballpark figure of the current price.

Make Sure to Decode the VIN

Checking a VIN decoder chart is a quick way to see if a used car’s VIN information matches up with what’s in the vehicle title and records. VIN cloning is a scam where sellers replace the VIN of a stolen car with one that is legally registered. Help prevent this type of fraud by decoding the VIN of the vehicle in question.

Review the Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report can help you see title problems, ownership history, service points and previous accidents, large or small. These reports may be available from dealers or ordered online. CARFAX offers a report you can purchase; it’s one of the most comprehensive, because it’s pulled from a database of more than six billion car records.

Consider Looking at Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

Purchasing a certified pre-owned car can be a wise choice because it usually offers the buyer an extra level of quality assurance. Many local car dealers offer these vehicles with warranties that extend beyond the initial new coverage.

Take Your Time to Help Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

To avoid buyer’s remorse, never rush into buying a used car. Taking the time to do thorough research and negotiating for the right price is one of the ways you can help ensure you’re getting a good deal on a vehicle.

Some people can easily gauge whether they have a good, fair, poor, or bad credit standing just by taking a long, hard look at their personal accounts. However, learning your exact credit score is highly important because most finance-related institutions pretty much judge you by how high (or low) your credit rating is. A credit score determines whether you are deserving to apply for a loan, mortgage, or credit card.

Just How Bad Is a “Bad Credit” Score?

Though there are a number of credit score ratings that you can use to help compute your own, there is a general consensus that a credit score of below 600 is considered poor or bad. The lowest credit score that a person can get is 300.

The reason why lenders hesitate approving loans from borrowers with a score lower than 600 is because they pose the highest probability of being delinquent accounts or the highest potential of not being able to pay back what they owed. Fortunately, not all lenders shy away from people with bad credit. Particularly in the auto financing industry, it is not entirely impossible to get a loan for used cars on bad credit.

How to Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit

Like with everything else, preparation is the key. Get all your necessary documents in order, such as identification documents (government-issued IDs, passport, etc.), proof of residence, copies of billings, income verification, bank receipts, and other official documents.

Next, visit dealerships for the car you wish to take out a loan for. As much as you would like to get a brand-new car, it is not yet possible with your current credit rating. It helps your cause if you already have a cash down payment on hand even before you apply for a car loan. Since you have bad credit, you need to put your best foot forward and show that you at least have the capabilities to pay the first installment. You also must remember that the more money you can spend on the down payment, the lower your monthly installments will be.

Lastly, discuss your car choice and possible payment options with your chosen automobile financier. Depending on your current score and the official papers you’ve submitted, the auto financier will have an easier time deciding whether to grant the loan or not.

Having a bad credit score is not the end of everything. Some lenders will still give you a second chance because they understand there might be extenuating circumstances that led to your current credit rating. What matters to them is that you do whatever it takes to get your credit score up and keep up with the installment payments.

You may have finally found the perfect automobile. It is the make and model you want, with the right options, and even the right color. Now comes closing the deal on it. If you’re not flush with cash—in other words, you seek a loan—it’s important to know what you’re up against. Here are seven things to do if you want to get the best rate on an auto loan:

1. Take a Step Back

You can’t just go into the dealership and agree to buy the vehicle, at least not if you want a decent price and a fair loan rate. You need to take a step back and see what kind of financing is out there.

2. Know the Terminology

Before you call or visit lenders, brush up on the difference between interest rate and APR. The interest rate refers to the added percentage that it will cost to borrow the money. The APR, however, is the actual annual interest rate factoring in fees and other costs related to the loan.

3. Shop Around 

You may think that, because dealers tout their relationships with multiple lenders, that means a dealer will get you the best rate on an auto loan. Often, that is not the case. They’re not obligated to give you the best rate, and they are prone to marking up loans, said Chris Kukla, executive vice president of the Center for Responsible Lending. In general, most states don’t require dealers to disclose the markups they tack onto loans, Kukla said, and the truth is that most dealers make more profit from the financing and insurance side of their business than on the selling price of the car or truck.

The good news is, if you have some patience and decent credit, you can shop around at banks and credit unions for the best rate. Get preapproved for the MSRP of the vehicle. Then you can go to the dealer ready to haggle and buy. If your credit is not too hot, you may have a more difficult time finding a lender, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t at least try to look. “You might hear ‘no’ more often, but if you get that ‘yes,’ you could save a substantial amount of money,” Kukla said.

4. Get Loan Shopping Done in a Week 

While it is a good idea to shop around, the consensus among consumer advocates and credit bureaus is that if you keep the auto-loan credit queries to within a week, your score should not be impacted. “Credit scoring systems typically count auto-loan inquiries within a 14-day period as a single inquiry,” said Rod Griffin, Experian’s director of public education. But to be absolutely certain, try to limit your loan shopping to a week.

5. Go to the Dealer 

Once you’ve found agreeable financing, head back to the dealer ready to negotiate a price for the car. You should never accept the first offer you’re given. And you should never, ever tell the dealer how much you want to pay monthly, Kukla said. This is a common tactic used by dealers to slide a bunch of back-end fees into the loan, since you already agreed to pay X dollars per month.

Do the math on the vehicle price, monthly payment, and loan term. The dealer may surprise you by giving you a better rate on the loan. If so, still be leery of subsequent add-ons—everything from warranties to prepaid maintenance to wheel protection to key-loss insurance. “All of them are incredibly expensive,” Kukla said of the add-ons. “Some offer value; a lot of them don’t.”

6. Take Another Step Back

If you’re like us, when you’re ready to buy a new car or truck, patience is a fleeting virtue. It can be maddeningly difficult to walk off the lot without that automobile in your possession. But once you’ve finally got the paperwork ready to go, it is highly recommended that you bring the documents home and spend some time looking them over.

7. Close the Deal

After some time making sure the paperwork is above board, followed by a good night’s sleep, you’ll be more levelheaded, clear-eyed, and ready to finance a vehicle. For many of us, buying a car can be an emotional endeavor, and this can make it all the more difficult to remain patient when you’re ready to get a new one. But a little restraint can save a lot of money.