Car Warranty: Everything You Need to Know

Car ownership is a pleasure and a concern for many individuals, the latter may appear in a few minutes. This is why car warranties are useful in defending you against any future repair costs. But come on, let me be serious; have you ever thought about what a car warranty stands for? How does it work? In this article, we shall try and cover all that you would want to know concerning car warranties to help make the right choices that will go to protecting your car.

What is a Car Warranty?

A car warranty is an insurance policy through which a new or second-hand car owner can recover the cost of purchasing the car by making him or her spend on the expenses that would require warranting part of the car. When there is a fault in your car, the warranty service provider will either fix it or even change the whole auto part depending on warranty agreements.

Each time you buy a new car, the car companies come with an assurance that the particular car model you are buying is not only safe but also enjoys a warranty for being built to Last. This warp is also known as an exclusionary warranty because it covers almost all body parts of this car but does not include the wear and tear parts such as windscreen wipers, tires, and brakes.

But that is not all; there are also warranties which are sold separately and which go a little further, or a lot further than any manufacturers’ warranty. It is indeed true that these third- party warranties can longer guard and can also protect the wear and tear items.

The Basics of a Car Warranty

Car warranties can be categorized into three primary types:

• Manufacturer Warranty: Dealer-provided, they are limited warranties that come with the car, and cover both, the components and workmanship for a given number of years or total odometer reading, from the date of purchase. These are a new car warranty, which is compulsory, and the others known as substitute warranties that are bought for additional charges.
• Dealer Warranty: These include warranties, which dealerships provide on some used cars and which are aimed at covering defects and other issues linked with the car’s quality.
• Third-party Warranty: These are warranty programs extended by private firms and these include numerous forms of parts as well as the standard guarantee period of the firm.

Here you will have to know what your car warranty will be doing for you.

Types of Car Warranties

There are several types of car warranty, all of which serve to cover different problems with your car’s performance. After going through the information provided above you will have enough information on different types of warranties to enable you to make the right decision.

• Powertrain Warranty: The primary is the most extensive type of warranty in which key areas of your automobile’s engine, transmission, and drive axle are included. Powertrain warranties provided by the manufacturers fall within this range on average, ranging from 5 to 10 years with some manufacturers offering lifetime warranties.
• Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: This warranty is a comprehensive limited warranty that covers all your car’s mechanical and electrical components excluding only wear and tear parts. Bumper-to-bumper warranty, familiar as limited warranty that is applied to almost all parts of vehicle, lasts for 3-5 years on average.
• Corrosion Warranty: As the name has a hint this warranty only covers the rust and corrosion on your vehicle that is affected by the same. Corrosion warranties generally have a duration of seven years or more extended in other circumstances.
• Roadside Assistance Warranty: To redeem this warranty, you must take your car to the emergency services that consist of towing, battery boosting and lockouts. Now, the warranty given together with the automobile has most producers providing for emergency roadside service.
• Extended Warranty: An extended warranty is a warranty that has been made available again once the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Most of these warranties come from third party dealers and they can even include more parts than what a manufacturer’s warranty offers.

Advantages of having an Automobile Warranty

Purchasing a car warranty is associated with many advantages that can actually pay off and help to avoid many troubles regarding your car’s maintenance later on.

• Financial Protection: This is the initial advantage of having a car warranty that you are secure from a heavy pocket on repair costs. You will not be concerned with other sudden repair costs as are covered by the warranty on the components or equipment in the package.
• Peace of Mind: Having the warranty for your car makes you comfortable while using it as all the expenses of repairs will be handled by the warranting company. The biggest idea you will have been how effectively your car will protect your life on the road without thinking of breakdown or failure.
• Maintenance of Your Vehicle: Most car warranties come with recommended maintenance intervals, of course, because manufacturers need your car to be frequently checked and serviced for them to have as long a lifespan as possible.
• Resale Value: It goes further to state that where the car being sold has an operational and warrantable condition, then chances are that such a car will fetch a higher price than a car with no warranty.
• Expert Repair Services: This means if you have a car warranty you will receive authorized services from dealers capable of fixing your car. This can help to make sure your car is repaired with original components and works, to give the best outcome.

What Does a Car Warranty Cover?

You will need to understand what your car warranty is going to cover for you. The particulars of your warranty protection will depend on the kind and conditions contained in the contract document. Generally, a car warranty will cover major components, including:

• Engine: The engine block, cylinder head, piston, connecting rods, crank shaft, etc., are these.
• Transmission: Usually input shafts, output shafts, bearings, gears, shafts, couplings and other parts of a gearbox, torque converter, transfer case and all related components fall under EPTs.
• Drivetrain: This normally includes the link-like parts which transmit the power from the engine to the wheels, such as drive axles, differential, universal joints.
• Electrical: Engine components include battery, starter motor, alternator, ignition system, and other electrical systems parts are commonly renewed under warranty.
• Cooling system: This includes radiator, thermostat, water pump and other parts and accessories of the cooling system included in the manufacturer’s warranty provision.

However, there are some restrictions and exceptions. Your warranty may not include Ordinary wear and tear, Abuse or Accident, Negligence, or Lack of Proper maintenance.

What’s Not Covered?

Of course, one should know that not every part of the car is covered by a warranty or guarantee. Some exclusions may include:

• Routine Maintenance: Often these kinds of routine maintenance like oil changes, tires’ rotation, and changing of the brake pads are excluded.
• Accessories: Some parts may also not be included or may only be covered if you have purchased custom or aftermarket electronics, along with any factory installed accessories.
• Cosmetic Damage: Small problems like damage those are caused to paints, trims or even upholstery are usually not covered by the warranty.
• Abuse, Misuse, or Neglect: Your warranty will obviously only cover the expense if your damage occurred due to your use in a manner not intended when the manufacturing process or not serviced.
• Pre-existing Conditions: They may have conditions that other problems which may have existed at the time the warranty was issued or when the warranty is triggered are excluded.

How Long Does a Car Warranty Last?

Warranties can remain much more different due to the make and model of your car and depending on the basic conditions given by the manufacturer. An average manufacturer’s warranty is generally limited to 3 to 5 years or 36000 to 60000 miles. And some luxury car warranties can last up to even 10 years or 100000 miles. The scope can also be dissimilar, some warranties offer a powertrain warranty and others promising to cover numerous other parts within the car and systems.

The warranty of a given car depends on the agreement signed with your manufacturer; you can find more information regarding the warranty period in the owner’s manual or by contacting your manufacturer’s customer service line. Also note that the warranty period most times runs from the date it is given, not the manufacture date.

Manufacturer Warranty vs. Extended Warranty

There are two main types of car warranties such as manufacturers’ warranties and aftermarket warranties offered by car manufacturers.

• Manufacturer Warranties: These are provided with the purchase package of a new vehicle and help the owner protect against any defective material and/or workmanship. They usually come with an ingredient of years or specific miles, as previously described.
• Extended Warranties: These are extra warranties that are in existence but outside the manufacturer’s warranty protocols. These are bought from a third party or from the dealership and can include many parts and systems for an additional few year’s period of warranty coverage. The costs of extended warranties are usually not indicated, their length can differ, as well as their coverage.

The Most Popular Myths about Car Warranties

But let’s start with some myths and legends regarding car warranties that every potential consumer could face and which might impact their decision.

• Warranties are Expensive: Even if the programs are expensive, it is wrong to think that warranties are a burden to one’s pocket in the first place. Indeed, warranties can be a better deal than self-keeping since, especially if your car is a brand-new model, luxury car, which has numerous, and costly downtimes.
• Warranties Don’t Cover Everything: However, another thing people think is that Warranty does not cover almost any part which can be worthy of an investment. This is not entirely true since even the most comprehensive warranties you will ever come across can cover almost any area of your vehicle based on the type of warranty and the tenure of the warranty.
• Warranties are Limited for New Cars: A lot of individuals think that only new vehicles can be protected by warranties. However, additional warranties can also be bought for the second-hand car because it offers protection for cars which might be having some problems already.

How to Choose the Right Car Warranty

Here are some considerations to bear in all when choosing a car warranty so that to arrive at the right decision.

• Coverage: Make sure that the warranty you are to select gives your car an adequate level of coverage. It is important to look at the common problems associated with your particular make and model of car and then measure the best for you.
• Duration: Another thing to look at is the warranty and how long it takes before it expires against your intention with the car. But if it is for the most part, then a longer warranty means one is more likely to own the car for quite some time, which is perfect for such an owner.
• Reputation: Make sure that you have all the information about the warranty provider such as its reputation and financial position. You will have to set yourself on the safe side, during which the company you choose should have the means to facilitate claims and serve you with quality service.
• Cost: Decide which one has the best value for your money by comparing the price of different warranty options. Although they may be costly they will cost you even more if your car often needs repairs, and as a result, you keep on spending.
• Exclusions: However, make sure you read through all the details of any warranty exclusion clause you are thinking of taking. Exclusions that may be coupled with some types of warranties may include worn-out items or specific parts of the body in this case inclusions and exclusions would also be relevant.

Factors to Consider When Buying an Extended Warranty

In this sense an extended warranty provides additional security on the vehicle beyond that provided by the manufacturer and it thus protects against costly repairs. When purchasing an extended warranty, consider these factors:

• Coverage: Find out whether you want a powertrain warranty, limited warranty, or certain component warranty coverage. To know your potential for repairing the car, you need to have the possible costs estimated.
• Cost: Larger fees apply to ordering extended warranties for any additional coverage and for any number of extra years. Make a comparison of the costs that various Internet service providers offer and search for the most suitable to offer what you want.
• Reputability: When making the decision of which provider of extended warranty you are going to trust, it is crucial to pick the company that really knows what it is doing. It is such a good idea to have a look at the provider’s background, customer testimonials, and the average time required for claims.
• Transferability: Many bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties you can transfer to the next owner of your automobile. Moreover, this also enables them to increase their resale value or at most, give the buyer a feeling of security.

How to Claim a Car Warranty?

Any car warranty is an arrangement between the owner of the automobile and the automobile manufacturer, whereby the manufacturer takes a welcome to repair or replace the automobile part in question for a given amount of time. In most cases, claiming a car warranty is a straightforward process, but following these steps can make it easier:

• Familiarize yourself with your warranty terms: With this, you will learn what terms of the warranty have been stated, is it 100 per cent covered against or not and for how far a time and if the items of what’s being bought are partially covered or they come with restrictions. Especially important is this knowledge when preparing a claim.
• Keep your warranty documents safe: It will be wise to keep warranty documents in one place that can easily be retrieved when there is a need to do so. Most manufacturers offer an electronic copy, thus, ensure that you download this information and keep it safe.
• Follow the manufacturer’s repair process: If your car has a defect, tell its manufacturer or a car dealer authorized to inform you of your car complaint. They also usually offer some working procedures that you can obey that include an appointment or dropping the car for inspection.
• Provide necessary documentation: When redeeming your warranty, make sure you pass all the details of your warranty, car identification and proof of the problem you are claiming from the manufacturer. These documents are necessary to the claim to justify the provision of necessary coverage and payments.

Tips for Maximizing Your Car Warranty

To make the most out of your car warranty, follow these tips:

• Understand your warranty: Begin by reading the warranty agreement for as many times as necessary to learn every detail and clause in that document. It contains their terms, conditions for coverage, and the extent of coverage and period of policy. Find out the procedures for laying claims and all the formalities that must be fulfilled to get reimbursement.
• Keep a detailed record: Regularly collect all records of general maintenance, repair, and service of your vehicle. This will assist you in determining the history of your car to avoid having to deal with complications during warranty and insurance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule: Regular car service by a dealership will keep your car running, and the warranty will not be nullified. Routine services they might consist of are oil changes, tire rotation, check up on the brakes and so on.
• Monitor your car’s performance: You will notice any changes in the way your vehicle behaves — slowness, bad fuel efficiency and other symptoms including a strange squeal, sound, or symbol on your dashboard. These problems are best fixed at an early stage to avoid expensive fixes and uphold the warranty of the building.
• Preserve your car’s value: Do not shop for accessories that would require you to make alterations to your vehicle because this will take away your warranty. As well as protecting both inside and outside parts of your car from getting hurt when struck by any harsh weather or weather that may be sustained when your car is stored.

Is a Car Warranty Worth It?

Determining whether to buy a car warranty is based on factors such as your driving behavior, vehicle’s age, and condition, or even your pocket balance. The cost of the warranty is money to insure against huge repair bills, but the ownership cannot come with a warranty without money, in the form of premiums, deductibles, and other restrictions.

On one side, an auto warranty can be beneficial in case your car has some problems that ensures by the warranty. It can however help to get some quality of repairs and parts especially if the warranty is with the manufacturer.

On the other hand, if your car is not so old, or when it has little mileage on the meter, or when it is still under warranty from the manufacturer, you may not require an extended warranty. However, when deciding about a warranty, one must find out how much it costs and what it covers as well as how much a car can cost with broken parts that are not included in the warranty offer.

Conclusion

Auto warranties are necessary, because they will help shield you from expensive repairs while your car is even capable enough to run. Therefore, by appreciating the kinds of warranties, the advantages connected to the pick of the best and most suitable warranty you should be winning in the need of suing the best warrant to protect your vehicle investment. Because of the warranty that is provided, you will not have to worry about repair expenses, which gives you the chance to enjoy your car. Therefore, getting a car warranty will let you drive worry free if you are planning to buy a new car or just thinking about the various ways of protecting the one you already own.