Tuesday, August 20, 2013

What Are the State of Georgia Lemon Laws for Vehicles?

When we buy junk cars at More Cash For Junk Cars Atlanta, we hear numerous stories about how consumers feel they have been duped by automotive dealerships who sold them a lemon.

With this in mind, it's important for consumers to know what the lemon vehicle laws are here in the great state of Georgia that are designed to protect them so they don't make a purchase that turns out to be a piece of junk.

What are Lemon Laws?


Lemon Laws are legal provisions applicable in almost all states in the United States which protect consumers from defective items that are legally procured or purchased. Lemon Laws are generally related to automobile purchases but also include other forms of vehicles (boats, trucks, RVs, snowmobiles, etc.) as well as appliances like televisions sets, radios, and computers to just to highlight a few.

However, not all purchased goods, consumer products, and heavy machinery are covered by Lemon Laws. They still vary from state to state and may have different terms and conditions compared to other places in the United States.

History of the Lemon Law


The federal lemon law stems from the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. Enacted in 1975, this act aims to protect consumers from defective products and governs warranties on consumer items.
Senator Warren G. Magnuson of Washington and U.S. Representative John E. Moss of California were the authors of the act. Senator Frank Moss of Utah was credited as a co-sponsor of Senator Magnusson.

The act was initiated to protect consumers from merchants who employ deceptive warranty practices as well as disclaimers. The act was initially designed to require merchants to provide consumers with warranties on products and that they are explained and easily understood.

Lemon Law in Georgia


While the statutes of the Lemon Law include almost any consumer products, from electronic devices to heavy machinery, Lemon Law in Georgia is highly limited. In terms of automobiles, only new and leased vehicles are covered by this legal provision. If the car has changed ownership, it is no longer qualified to apply for protection under the Lemon Law.

The following vehicles are not eligible for Lemon Law protection in the state of Georgia:
  • Purchased USED vehicle (beware when buying used, it could be a junk car!)
  • Motorcycles;
  • Trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds;
  • ATVs or All-Terrain Vehicles;
  • Boats, jet skis, and snow mobiles;
  • Any vehicle not listed or designated as a motor vehicle.
Those who have vehicles that qualify for Lemon Law protection are required to pay a $3 Warranty Rights Act fee. This fee is used to fund Georgia’s state program that provides arbitration services between manufacturer and consumer.

Consumers who want to avail of the Lemon Law in the State of Georgia are instructed to file their complaints and address their concerns at the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs administers the Warranty Rights Act.

About Our Junk Car Removal CompanyMore Cash For Junk Cars Atlanta
Address: 1170 Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone: (404) 468-4589
www.morecashforjunkcarsatlanta.com

*Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be legal advice. We are not lawyers and nor do we pretend to be. If you need legal advice on Georgia lemon laws, we suggest you contact an actual lemon law lawyer.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

5 Ways Junk Cars Negatively Impact the Environment

A major topic of discussion is the impact that the automobiles we drive has on our environment. The topic of global warming is a contentious one, but the impact that the emissions from our vehicles has on our atmosphere is undeniable.

While fully functional automobiles that are on the road, another type of vehicle – the idle junk car – is still a threat that has a negative impact on our environment.

Even if they sit idly in the driveway or in a junkyard, junk cars still pollute the environment and pose a hazard to both people and their immediate surroundings. Below you can read just some of the ways that older model and junk cars negatively impact our environment.

  1. Cars, whether junk or brand new, produce Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which deplete the ozone layer. There are countless older model cars on their last leg that owners still use as their immediate means of transportation. So many people hold on to their vehicles until they conk out and die. What those people might not be aware of is that the engines in these older model junk cars produce a high volume of carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases that are detrimental to the environment.
  2. For those who believe in climate change and the impact that vehicles have on our planet, junk cars may also have an impact on our weather. Many countries are experiencing stronger storms and severe flooding while other parts of the world are facing extreme heat and drought. Extensive dry spells can cause water supplies to dry up and lack of water can lead to famine, hunger, and low power production from hydroelectric power plants. If you’re a believer in climate change, junk cars can have an impact far beyond the obvious, so disposing of the junk car in an eco-friendly manner is advisable.
  3. Stationary junk vehicles still cause pollution. Engine fluids, such as brake fluid, engine oil, and coolants can leak from their containers and seep to the ground and even into water systems. These chemicals can pollute the soil and contaminate underground water supply. Ingesting contaminated water can lead to serious medical conditions.
  4. Ground contaminated by car fluids poses serious threats to the plant and animal life, as well as to human life that surrounds the junk car.
  5. Vehicle materials such tire rubber, plastic bumpers, and busted headlights are not easily biodegradable, so they linger. There are great alternative and recycled uses for these types of materials so they don’t end up rotting, leaking, and polluting such as turning them into unique art or furnishings.

Almost everyone agrees, junk cars cause adverse impact to the environment. This fact has spurred so many to call for proper disposal of junk cars in order to keep the environment safe. Proper disposal of cars reduces the amount of pollutants that contaminate the soil, air, and water and reduces the chances of people having health-related concerns that stem from inhalation of toxic gases as well as consuming contaminated water among others.