Car Warranties.

We asked LaVerne Davis, co-owner of three Jiffy Lube franchises in the Washington, D.C., metro and Baltimore--Annapolis areas, to separate myth from truth

Myth: A warranty is only guaranteed if the dealer services the vehicle.

Truth: "The dealer and the manufacturer are not necessarily one and the same," Davis says. Manufacturers issue warranties; dealers offer to service and maintain your vehicle as independent contractors. The manufacturer doesn't dictate where the maintenance has to be done, which means that dealers don't have a lock on servicing your vehicle.

Myth: You don't really have to follow the maintenance schedule as recommended.

Truth: Warranties work best when you keep servicing the vehicle according to the maintenance schedule. "If you keep current with the servicing, your warranty is valid," Davis explains.

Myth: The warranty maintenance schedule only applies if you use your vehicle frequently.

Truth: "The conditions you drive under affect your car's performance, no matter how often you use it," Davis says. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic, making multiple quick trips, extreme temperatures, dusty conditions and so on all play into how well your car will perform, she explains. Davis advises that you consult the owner's manual to see which conditions your car is designed to withstand. Driving conditions are available on Yahoo! (maps.yahoo.com) and online through the department of transportation in certain states.

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Prepare for inclement weather by following these simple steps from automotive expert Lauren Fix:

KEEP AN EMERGENCY KIT IN YOUR TRUNK and gas in your tank. Your tank should be filled by at least half during the winter season to keep your fuel line from freezing.

WATCH YOUR WINDOWS. Keep a windshield scraper and snow brush in the car for ice and snow removal. And make sure your windshield wiper fluid tank is kept full. During storm conditions you'll need to constantly clear your windshield of the grime, debris and dirt kicked up from the roads.

STAY INFORMED. Check local radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.

Driver: Vanessa Bush, ESSENCE executive editor

First impression: "I was pleasantly surprised by the H3's size (it's 16.9 inches shorter and six inches lower than the H2). Still, they didn't skimp on space; it seats five, so this car is plenty roomy."

Feel behind the wheel: "It took a minute to get used to the four-wheel drive, the huge tires and the stares from other drivers. In fact, this car was a man magnet--a few college boys even gave me the thumbs-up ("Cool car, lady"). But what I most appreciated was how safe and secure I felt while driving the H3. The rigid steel structure appears to be impenetrable."

Verdict: "If your interest is safety, especially in treacherous weather, the H3 is a smart option. If you want to be the coolest mom on the block, this is the ride for you."

Base price: $28,935

Specs: • 3.5-liter L5 engine; 220 horsepower

• 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission

• Electronically controlled four-wheel drive

Mileage: 16 mpg city; 19 mpg highway

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