Tag: Blog

Despite their growing appeal, many customers still harbor concerns about transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to luxury electric vehicles. As sales professionals, it’s crucial to understand and address these concerns effectively to help customers make informed decisions and feel confident in their purchase.

Range Anxiety and Charging Infrastructure

One of the most common concerns among potential luxury EV buyers is range anxiety—the fear that the vehicle’s battery will run out of power before reaching a charging station. Many customers worry about the availability of charging infrastructure and EV fast charging options.

Addressing the Concern:

• Educate on Range Capabilities: Highlight the impressive range capabilities of all-electric vehicles, which often exceed 300 miles on a single charge. Use testimonials from current EV owners to illustrate how they comfortably manage their daily commutes and long-distance travels. 

• Charging Infrastructure Growth: Inform customers about the rapid expansion of charging networks. Emphasize the increasing number of fast-charging stations and the convenience of home charging solutions. Provide resources or apps that map out nearby charging ports. 

• Range Management Tips: Offer practical advice on range management, such as planning routes with charging stations in mind and using regenerative braking to extend battery life. Discuss how charging cycles impact range. 

Battery Life and Maintenance Costs

Potential buyers often express concerns about the longevity of the EV battery and the associated maintenance costs. They may fear that the battery will degrade quickly, leading to expensive replacements. Customers want to know – do electric cars require less maintenance overall compared to gas cars? 

Addressing the Concern:

• Battery Warranty: Reassure customers by highlighting the generous warranties offered by manufacturers on EV batteries, typically ranging from 8 to 10 years or up to 100,000 miles. This coverage provides peace of mind and reflects the manufacturers’ confidence in their battery maintenance practices. 

• Battery Longevity: Explain the advancements in battery technology that have significantly improved longevity and performance. Discuss how modern luxury EVs use sophisticated battery management systems to optimize battery health. Touch on end-of-life battery recycling programs. 

• Lower Maintenance Costs: Educate customers on the lower maintenance costs of EVs compared to ICE vehicles. Without the need for oil changes, transmission oil, coolant, brake fluid, or exhaust system maintenance, EVs often prove to be more economical in the long run. Provide a maintenance comparison chart showing exactly what maintenance electric cars need vs gas cars. 

Performance and Driving Experience

Some customers may be skeptical about the performance and driving experience of an electric vehicle, particularly when it comes to luxury models. They might believe that EVs lack the power and responsiveness of their gasoline-powered counterparts. 

Addressing the Concern: 

• Instant Torque and Acceleration: Emphasize the superior performance of luxury EVs, which deliver instant torque for rapid acceleration. Provide test drives to let customers experience firsthand the exhilarating and smooth acceleration unique to electric powertrains. 

• Quiet and Smooth Ride: Highlight the quiet and refined driving experience offered by EVs. The absence of engine noise and vibrations results in a serene cabin environment, enhancing the overall sense of luxury. 

• Advanced Driving Features: Showcase the advanced driving features often found in luxury EVs, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated parking.  

Regular EV Maintenance Scheduling

While EVs have fewer moving parts and fluids than gas cars, they still require some regular service. A typical EV maintenance schedule includes checking tire pressure and tread depth, replacing windshield wipers and cabin air filters, servicing the air conditioning system, and inspecting key EV components like the battery, electrical systems, and regenerative brakes. Following the manufacturer-recommended electric car servicing schedule will keep your vehicle in top shape. Explain the benefits of Electric Vehicle Service Protection plans that your dealership offers to make your customer’s ownership experience even more cost-effective.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and conventional hybrid electric vehicles have slightly different maintenance needs than pure EVs. Since they also have a gas engine, they still require many of the same services as traditional cars, like oil changes and spark plug replacement, in addition to the EV-specific maintenance items. 

By understanding and addressing these common concerns, you can help customers feel more confident and excited about purchasing a luxury electric vehicle. Providing clear, accurate information and personalizing the buying experience to address individual concerns will not only build trust but also position you as a knowledgeable and reliable advisor in the evolving automotive market.

For information about EV protection products and solutions, visit Safe-Guard International Products today.

EVs are a marvel of modern engineering, combining cutting-edge technology with unparalleled craftsmanship. Vehicles like the Porsche Taycan, Lamborghini Revuelto, and Bentley Bentayga Hybrid offer unique driving experiences that mix power, efficiency, and sophistication. These vehicles also have specific maintenance needs due to their advanced electrical systems and high-performance components. Being aware of proper maintenance and the benefits of comprehensive vehicle service protection for luxury electric vehicles can ensure a hassle-free ownership experience.

The Importance of Regular EV Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for any vehicle, but it is especially vital for EVs. Consistent upkeep ensures optimal performance, extends the vehicle’s lifespan, and preserves its resale value. Here are key maintenance aspects to consider:

Battery Health: The battery is the heart of any EV. Regular check-ups to monitor battery health and performance are essential. This includes checking for signs of wear, ensuring proper charging habits, and updating software to manage battery efficiency.

Software Updates: Luxury EVs are highly reliant on software for everything from battery management to autonomous driving features. Keeping the vehicle’s software up-to-date ensures that it operates smoothly and benefits from the latest advancements and bug fixes.

Brake System: Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs use regenerative braking to recover energy. This leads to less wear on the brake pads. However, it is still important to regularly inspect the braking system to ensure it functions correctly.

Tire Maintenance: Due to the instant torque and heavier battery packs, EV tires tend to wear faster. Regular tire rotations, alignment checks, and ensuring proper tire pressure are essential to maintain handling and safety.

Coolant Levels: EVs have sophisticated cooling systems to manage the temperature of the battery and other components. Regularly checking and maintaining coolant levels helps prevent overheating and ensures efficient operation.

The Role of Professional Service

While some maintenance tasks can be performed by the owner, professional service is a must for luxury EVs. Certified technicians have the expertise, tools, and software necessary to address complex issues and perform comprehensive diagnostics. Regular visits to an authorized service center ensure that your investment remains in peak condition.

The Benefits of Electric Vehicle Service Protection

Investing in electric vehicle service protection is a smart decision for high-end EV owners. Here’s why:

Peace of Mind: Vehicle service protection plans offer peace of mind by covering unexpected repair costs. This is particularly important for luxury vehicles, where repair costs can be significantly higher due to specialized parts and labor that standard warranties may not cover.

Comprehensive Coverage: These plans typically cover a wide range of components, including the battery, electrical systems, and other high-tech features unique to EVs. This ensures that you are protected against a broad spectrum of potential issues.

Cost Savings: With the elevated cost of luxury vehicle repairs, a service protection plan can save you substantial amounts over time. It also helps in budgeting, as you can avoid the financial strain of unexpected repair bills.

Retained Value: Vehicles with a history of regular maintenance and service protection often retain higher resale values. This is an added benefit if you decide to upgrade to a newer model in the future.

Protecting Your Investment

Owning a luxury electric vehicle is an extraordinary experience, combining the thrill of high performance with the benefits of sustainable driving. By understanding the unique maintenance needs of these vehicles and investing in a comprehensive vehicle service protection plan, you can ensure that your car remains in pristine condition and continues to deliver an exceptional driving experience for years to come.

For more information on Vehicle Service Protection for your next luxury EV, contact the experts at Safe-Guard today.

‍When it comes to repairing minor dents and dings in vehicles, there are two main methods: traditional dent repair and paintless dent repair. While both options aim to restore the car’s exterior to its original condition, there are significant differences between the two approaches.

Let’s dive in and see why paintless dent repair is the superior choice for today’s modern vehicle owners.

Traditional Dent Repair Doesn’t Stand the Test of Time

While traditional dent repair can effectively rectify the damage, it is a more invasive, expensive, and time-consuming option for consumers.

Traditional body repair requires the damaged area to be sanded down, filled with body filler, and then painted to match the original finish. Over time, the bond between the filler and the metal can weaken, causing the paint to crack or the filler to shrink. Additionally, it is often difficult to exactly match the hue and tone of the original paint, resulting in obvious color discrepancies.

Paintless dent repair, on the other hand, is a new and innovative technique that utilizes specialized tools and techniques to massage the dent out from the inside of the panel, without the need for fillers or paint.

By preserving the car’s original factory finish, paintless dent repair offers several advantages over traditional repair processes.

Faster Turnaround Time and Reduced Costs

Since there is no need for extensive sanding, filling, or painting, the process can be completed much faster than traditional dent repair. In many cases, minor dents can be repaired within a few hours or even minutes, depending on the extent of the damage. This quick turnaround time means less inconvenience for the owner and reduces the overall repair costs.

The absence of fillers, paint, and labor-intensive processes significantly reduces the overall expenses. In fact, paintless dent repair can cost up to 65 percent less than traditional methods.

Preserving the Integrity of the Paintwork

Another primary benefit of paintless dent repair is that it does not involve any painting or surface preparation.

The technician uses specialized tools to carefully manipulate the metal back into its original shape, leaving the paintwork untouched. This preservation of the original paint ensures a seamless repair and eliminates the risk of color mismatch or future corrosion issues.

Ensuring No Corrosion at a Later Stage

Perhaps the most important advantage of paintless dent repair is the reduced risk of corrosion down the road. The process of traditional dent repair, involving sanding and welding, can compromise the car’s protective coating, leading to potential rust and corrosion issues.

When a dent is repaired using paintless dent repair, the original factory finish is preserved, leaving the car’s protective coating intact. By not removing the protective coating that acts as a barrier against moisture and other corrosive elements, the long-term integrity of the vehicle is not compromised.

Protection Today, for the Long Road Ahead

From maintaining resale value to overall vehicle satisfaction, paintless dent repair offers several advantages over traditional repair techniques.

These advantages include cost savings, faster turnaround time, and most importantly, the prevention of corrosion at a later stage. By choosing paintless dent repair, car owners can restore their vehicles to their original condition without compromising the factory protective coating.

For more information on paintless dent repair, contact the vehicle protection product experts at Safe-Guard today.

Unlike traditional passive safety systems, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are designed to enhance vehicle safety by helping the driver steer, brake, and accelerate the vehicle automatically to avoid an accident. Each manufacturer has different names for their systems, but these systems often go by common names such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

Given the efficacy of these systems, it’s no wonder that in 2022, Counterpoint Research found that some sort of ADAS system was fitted to more than 70 percent of new cars sold in the United States and this number is expected to exceed 80 percent in 2023.

Image Source: Counterpoint

ADAS Systems Require a Clear View

Central to the operation of ADAS systems are automated sensors that continuously monitor the vehicle’s surroundings, detecting potential obstacles and assessing the driving environment. Even though several sensors combine to make up the ADAS sensor suite, nearly all of these advanced systems rely on a camera (or stereo cameras) mounted behind the windshield to warn drivers of impending dangers or instruct the vehicle to take evasive action.

In order for these windshield-mounted ADAS cameras to function properly, they require a windshield free of defects and blemishes. ADAS cameras looking through a windshield with distortion from cracks or dings that are directly in line with the lens could fail to detect critical information or provide false positives. In fact, some vehicles will recognize the damage and turn off the system entirely.

This issue is further compounded by the fact that even minor damage can grow and spread over time. Temperature changes, vibrations from the road, or even wind pressure can cause small chips to quickly develop into larger cracks.

Avoiding Costly Repairs and Improving Safety with Windshield Protection

Repairing chips and cracks in a timely manner is more important than ever before. A small crack can turn into a large crack, which not only can block an ADAS camera sensor but can necessitate a complete windshield replacement. Full replacement not only adds several hundred dollars to the repair bill, but the replacement windshield has to meet all the OEM’s specifications, and the ADAS camera has to be recalibrated, both of which add to the replacement cost.

Escalating repair costs and deteriorating road surfaces make protection products, such as Safe-Guard Products International’s Windshield Protection, essential for maintaining a worry-free ownership experience for customers. Instead of paying out of pocket for costly repairs, Windshield Protection helps consumers avoid the financial burden of chips and cracks so they can keep a clear view ahead, avoid costly replacements, and keep their vehicle’s ADAS systems working as intended.

For more information, contact us today to learn more about our wide range of vehicle protection products.

The Importance of Home Charging

Installing an EV home charging station opens up a treasure trove of benefits that are not available to owners of ICE-powered cars:

• Home charging offers EV owners unparalleled convenience. Instead of making trips to a public charging station, drivers can simply plug in their EVs at home.
• If the home charger is powered by a sustainable energy source, such as solar, owners can also be assured that every charge is clean.
• With a home charger an EV owner need never have to join the queue waiting for a spot at a public charger.
• Charging an EV at home is substantially cheaper than filling up a traditional gasoline or diesel vehicle. The cost of electricity to power a home charger is also less than that to power the public DC fast chargers.

And unlike owning a gas station, owning a home charger is a viable option. In fact, in the US more than 80 percent of EV owners primarily charge at home.

The Cost of a Home Charger Installation

The cost of installing a home charger can vary depending on several factors, including location, the type of charger, and the electrical connection required. Homeowners get to choose between a Level 1 (L1) or Level 2 (L2) charger.

A typical L1 EV charger delivers between 1.3 kW and 2.4 kW, which translates into roughly 3.11 miles of range per hour of charging. L2 chargers require a special electrical connection of between 208 and 240 volts and can charge between 3 kW and 19 kW, delivering a range of 18 to 28 miles per hour.

On average, home charger installation can range from a few hundred dollars for an L1, to a few thousand dollars for a faster-charging L2. However, utility companies, states, and equipment manufacturers often offer incentives and rebates that help to offset these costs.

But why lay out any money on a home charger when public DC fast chargers are becoming commonplace? The answer lies in the convenience of home charging and the cost to charge.

The Cost of DC Fast Charging

While charging at a DC fast charger cuts the time to charge from the hours needed with AC home charging to minutes, it comes at a cost.

• Because of the cost of the equipment, DC fast charging is generally more expensive per kWh compared to home charging. This can result in significantly higher costs over time if the EV is exclusively charged at public charging stations.
• Some DC fast-charging networks require a membership or subscription.
• Cluster charging of EVs during peak hours can push the pricing into the peak demand bracket, which will increase the cost to charge significantly.

So, while DC fast charging is invaluable for road trips and emergencies, home charging is the more cost-effective and convenient option for regular use.

However, as with any other electrical appliance, the home charger can develop a problem, or even stop working at any time, leaving an out-of-power EV stranded in the garage.

Fortunately, Safe-Guard’s EV Wall Charger Protection is an optional service contract that includes replacement coverage for the failure of an EV home charging station due to mechanical breakdown. This protection product also provides reimbursement for the costs associated with an electrician removing the defective charger and installing a replacement charger after the base three-year manufacturer’s warranty has expired (a two-year extension).

If charging your EV at your own home charging station appeals to you, but the risk of an expensive failure does not, contact your EV dealer about obtaining Safe-Guard’s Wall Charger Protection.