Lemon laws and Warranty Acts are designed to protect buyers of defective vehicles, but they won't defend you blindly in all circumstances. There is some fine print all car buyers should know about before purchasing a new car.

For example, having one or two repairs doesn't automatically make you eligible. The car must have continuous defects that impair its use, value or safety. In some states, a single life-threatening defect makes your car a lemon, others require up to 5 repair attempts.

Regardless of your location, you should always keep a detailed record of all repairs and service performed on the car, and also give the manufacturer a chance to fix the problem, otherwise you may loose your rights.

If the car breaks down in the middle of the night, write down the date, time, location, all the problems and emotional distress it caused you. Believe it or not, these details can make or break your case.

Lemon laws usually refer to cars protected under warranty, but if your car has problems after the warranty period has expired or mileage limit exceeded, you may be eligible if you keep a record of every repair visit. The key is having documents to prove your car's defects. Put your complaints in writing and keep copies of Warranty Repair Orders. Remember that it is up to you to prove repair attempts.

Used and leased cars may or may not be covered by Lemon laws depending on your state's statutes. Legal warranty periods are also established by law and don't necessarily match the manufacturer's.