Owning a car is not a one-time expense. You need to spend money on gas, maintenance, and cleaning. Then there are unexpected expenses, such as scratches, fender benders, and damage caused by disasters.
At least some of these incidents are covered by a warranty.
What is a Car Warranty?
A car warranty is a guarantee over the vehicle and its parts. Whenever certain parts are damaged, the warranty provider will shoulder the cost of repairs or replacement of parts.
The warranty usually comes with purchasing a brand-new vehicle, as the manufacturer guarantees that the parts and the car are in stable condition. It is also transferable when a new person assumes ownership of the car.
However, the coverage will depend on the type of warranty.
Factory Vs. Extended Warranty
Several types of vehicle warranty exist, but the two basic categories are factory and extended.
The factory warranty is part of the deal when you purchase a brand-new vehicle from a dealership. It is sometimes also included when one buys a certified pre-owned car. This type of warranty guarantees that the car manufacturer will shoulder any damage due to poor workmanship over the vehicle or its parts. A factory warranty is usually measured in years or miles, depending on which comes first.
For example, a basic warranty for a Buick is three years or 36,000 miles. The basic warranty for a BMW is four years or 50,000 miles, similar to Lexus, Mercedes, and Volvo. Kia and Hyundai give the best coverage at five years or 60,000 miles.
An extended warranty is the coverage you purchase once your factory warranty expires. There are coverage plan choices for the extended warranty, which you can buy from a third-party provider.
Things Not Covered By Your Car Warranty
You must read the coverage of your car warranty because not all parts or repair services are covered under warranty. While manufacturers have different warranty coverages, there are basic similarities. Similarly, there are also common things generally not covered by the vehicle guarantee.
What are the things not covered by a warranty?
1. Consumable Parts
There are parts of the vehicle that deplete over a certain period. For example, the brake pads create friction that stops the car when the driver steps on the brakes. Because of the friction force, the brake pads need to be replaced regularly. When the brake pads need replacement, it’s not because they were badly manufactured but because of wear and tear.
Here are the other parts of the car that are considered consumable, hence, not covered by your warranty:
- Batteries
- Bearings
- Belts
- Bulbs
- Fuses
- Gaskets
- Rubber hoses
- Tires
2. Petroleum Products and Fluids
Petroleum products and fluids are not strictly part of the vehicular manufacturing process. Further, they are also consumable, just like the items mentioned above.
What are examples of petroleum products and fluids?
- Air conditioner refrigerant
- Battery electrolytes
- Oil grease
- Power steering fluid
- Radiator coolant
In addition, the manufacturer won’t cover any damage to the car or car parts caused by contaminated fluids.
3. Damage Due to Modification
Warranty providers won’t honor damage incurred when modifications were done to the car without the manufacturer’s consent.
4. Damage Due to Disasters
Manufacturers don’t cover car damage due to disasters, whether natural or man-made, such as riots or vandalism. You need to buy comprehensive insurance for that.
5. Damage From a Race
Regular vehicles are not meant for racing. Damage from racing is not the manufacturer’s fault; thus, it makes sense that it is not covered under warranty.
6. Improper Use of Vehicle
The owner’s manual or booklet describes how to use and care for the vehicle properly. If the manufacturer finds that you defaulted on the manual and guidelines, the damage incurred will not be covered by the warranty.
7. Dents and Scratches
Dents and scratches from navigating traffic or parking are not covered under the warranty- auto insurance covers them.
8. Paintwork (It Depends)
Paintwork defects can be a manufacturer’s fault; if that is the case, it is covered by warranty. However, in most cases, the defect may be due to wear-and-tear discoloration or scratches from a driving mishap. In such cases, the warranty does not come into play.
9. Noise and Vibration
Noise and vibration may be due to loose or disconnected car parts. They are also not covered by your car warranty.
10. Adjustment to Odometer
Wily individuals may roll back the odometer to show that it has not reached the maximum mileage leading to the warranty expiration. However, manufacturers can discern when such tampering has happened.
Know Your Warranty
Read your vehicle handbook and warranty coverage because they will guide you to the proper use and care for your vehicle. A car warranty helps you save money considering the many expenses attached to owning a car. However, you can’t be reckless with your driving since not everything is covered by the warranty.
