We know how confusing it can be to thoroughly understand all of the conditions, guidelines, and information included in your vehicle’s warranty. For a few of the most commonly-asked questions about manufacturer and extended vehicle warranties and the information included in your contract, read on.
Car warranties can help you save money on unexpected repair costs and service needs. A warranty is a vehicle service agreement or contract provided by the manufacturer or dealer. This contract provides for the repair of certain parts or defects in the manufacturer's design or installation, or may even cover dealer-installed accessories or modifications, typically at no cost. However, not all issues or repairs are covered by your car’s warranty, and some warranty guidelines are different from others. When you purchase a car at a dealership, you will typically see two types of vehicle warranty options: a manufacturer warranty and an extended warranty. Read on to learn more about manufacturer warranties and extended warranties, as well as what is typically included in your car’s warranty contract.
What Warranty Information is Important?
While you should consider all of the information in your vehicle’s warranty contract valuable, there are a few pieces of information that are typically referenced more than others. One of the most important references in your contract is warranty mileage or duration. Warranties are only honored for a certain period of time. Most manufacturer warranties are voided after you have owned your vehicle for a certain period of time, or after your vehicle reaches a specific mileage. This information can help you understand how long your warranty actually lasts, and may even specify different terms for various systems on the vehicle.
Why Should I Purchase an Extended Warranty?
If you plan on owning your vehicle longer than the manufacturer warranty lasts, or if you are purchasing a vehicle with an expired manufacturer warranty, it may be a good idea to purchase an extended warranty if it is offered. Extended warranties may help you save money on repairs as your vehicle ages past its original warranty coverage, and can offer a cost-effective option when your vehicle requires more maintenance attention.
When Should I Purchase an Extended Warranty?
It is recommended that you purchase your extended warranty before the manufacturer warranty expires. If you are purchasing an older vehicle and its original warranty is already expired, you can often select and purchase an extended warranty at the same time as your vehicle.
Can I Purchase an Extended Warranty on a Pre-Owned Vehicle?
Most car dealerships offer extended warranty options specifically designed for pre-owned vehicles, as original factory warranties are only offered on new vehicles. If you are purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from a previous owner, you may be able to purchase extended warranty options from a third-party company.
How Long Do Warranties Last?
Most vehicle warranties last for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Many drivers reach the 36,000-mile mark before owning the vehicle for 3 years. However, some warranties and extended warranties may offer longer-term options. It is important to consult with your dealership representative or warranty company to ensure you know the warranty term that is being offered before agreeing to purchase the vehicle or warranty.
How Much Does a Car Warranty Typically Cost?
New car warranties are factored into the cost of the vehicle and will typically be rolled into your car payments each month. Extended warranty costs will vary depending on the coverage options, and can also be factored into the total price of the vehicle.
Will My Warranty Cover Scheduled Vehicle Maintenance?
Car warranties typically do not cover the cost of scheduled vehicle maintenance. However, some dealerships may offer vehicle maintenance plans that are included in the total price of your car purchase. These plans typically offer complimentary vehicle services under a certain mileage at the dealership, and are separate from vehicle warranties.
Where Can I Find Information About My Car’s Warranty?
To find information about your vehicle’s warranty, visit your manufacturer's website. More often than not, you can track your car’s warranty and find your day-of-sale paperwork here. You can also call your dealership or manufacturer service department and provide them with your vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) for a list of your warranty guidelines and services. When you purchase your vehicle, or when purchasing an extended warranty, you should be provided with a warranty guide to keep with your vehicle. This guide will provide you with all the information you need, including how long your warranty lasts, covered repairs and replacement parts, warranty restrictions, and information on reasons your warranty could be voided.
While manufacturer warranties and extended warranties typically follow similar guidelines, their contents and coverage may vary by manufacturer, provider, or vehicle. For example, some manufacturer warranties may cover more parts or may last longer than warranties provided by other manufacturers. In most cases, extended warranties cover a wider range of repair needs than manufacturer warranties. However, it is standard for both types of warranties to cover vehicle defects and manufacturing faults.
Vehicle Manufacturer Warranty
This type of warranty is designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacement parts needed if malfunctions or defects occur due to a fault in the manufacturing process. While any damages you cause to the vehicle, such as accidents or issues caused by neglected maintenance, will not be covered, you can be reimbursed for unexpected breakdowns or part failures that may lead to this type of damage. When purchasing a new vehicle, the manufacturer will typically provide either powertrain warranties or bumper-to-bumper warranties. Powertrain warranties cover damage or defects to the vehicle's powertrain, which includes the engine, driveshaft, differential, and transmission or transaxle. Drivetrain or powertrain issues are often some of the most costly to fix, but can be completed at no cost if your vehicle’s warranty is intact. Bumper-to-bumper warranties, also called comprehensive warranties, cover almost all parts of the vehicle between your vehicle's front and rear bumpers. However, most bumper-to-bumper warranties do not cover wear and tear repairs such as damage to glass, seats, or interior components, or issues caused by car accidents or failing to complete routine service. Powertrain and bumper-to-bumper warranties usually go hand-in-hand, but bumper-to-bumper warranties are typically limited vehicle service contracts offered by the vehicle’s dealership for new cars and are only honored for a few years before expiring.
Extended Vehicle Warranty
Extended vehicle warranties typically start after the manufacturer warranty has expired. These warranties are offered to customers at an extra cost when purchasing a used or pre-owned vehicle from a dealership. Extended warranties are optional protection plans that can help cover the costs of unexpected repairs after the manufacturer warranty is no longer honored. When purchasing a newer or off-the-lot vehicle that is still under its original manufacturer warranty, extended warranties can often still be added on, but will typically be inactive until after the manufacturer warranty expires. You may be offered a few extended warranty plan options, including one or more types of bumper-to-bumper warranties. Before purchasing an extended warranty, make sure to read the fine print and underlying conditions of your contract to be aware of all repairs, services, and coverage offered. If you are buying a vehicle with an expired manufacturer warranty, or one that is about to expire, purchasing an extended warranty is a good way to save money on future repairs or services. Warranties, both manufacturer and extended, are also typically transferable between owners. Ensuring your vehicle is under warranty if you decide to sell it can increase its value to potential buyers.
Voided Vehicle Warranties
The main reasons that both manufacturer and extended vehicle warranties are voided include neglecting routine vehicle maintenance, car accidents, and failure to follow contract guidelines. Most warranties require you to take your vehicle to specific automotive shops, and may specify that it can only be taken to the shop at the dealership where your vehicle was originally purchased. Repairs made to your vehicle outside of your warranty guidelines are either not covered or are only partially covered. When selecting an extended warranty, make sure the list of approved automotive repair shops will work for you.
Both extended and factory warranties require you to bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance. If you fail to adhere to your vehicle’s scheduled services or follow the maintenance checklist in your owners manual, you risk rendering your warranty null and void. The most common maintenance requirements in your warranty will include, but are not limited to: oil changes, filter changes, tire rotations, system checks, and manufacturer-scheduled maintenance. Damage or necessary repairs caused by neglected vehicle maintenance will most likely not be covered by your car’s warranty, and you may risk voiding the warranty permanently.
In addition to automotive shop selection and maintenance neglect, car accidents and vehicle modifications can also void your warranty. Even if you have a bumper-to-bumper warranty on your vehicle, accidents caused by reckless driving resulting in needed repairs are typically not covered by your car’s factory or extended warranty. If you make any performance modifications or install unapproved add-ons to your vehicle without first consulting your warranty contract, it may void your warranty as well.
If your vehicle’s warranty and extended warranty have expired, or if you purchase a vehicle without a warranty, we know how expensive vehicle repairs and maintenance can be at automotive shops. That’s why O’Reilly Auto Parts carries a variety of parts and tools, as well as the resources and step-by-step instructions you need to complete your repair yourself. Our parts professionals are also available to help you find the right parts for your vehicle, no matter the repair. If you aren’t comfortable tackling a repair job on your own, we can also recommend a mechanic to complete the job for you. For a variety of informational and educational resources on all vehicle systems, visit our How-To-Hub. We also offer a variety of free in-store services, such as windshield wiper installation, Check Engine light testing, and battery testing to help you identify problems and keep your vehicle running at its best.