Understanding Car Warranties

Having a warranty for your car is absolutely essential in protecting it against various faults and issues that aren't necessarily your fault, such as mechanical or technical issues. It is a legally-binding agreement between the buyer and the manufacturer of the car, both of whom have certain responsibilities.

There are multiple types of car warranties, so you should understand the difference between them, which the following guide will help you with.

New Car Warranties

The warranty that comes with a new vehicle mainly provides coverage in regards to mechanical, electrical, and long-term issues. These long-term issues can include the wearing out of car parts that occur a bit prematurely.

While it does depend on the length of your warranty, as long as this damage occurs during the warranty window, the car manufacturer is obligated to pay for the repairs.

Some new car warranties are good for 3 years, while others can be good up to 7 years. It really does depend on the model of the car, as well as the manufacturer.

Used Car Warranties

If a car is bought used from a used car dealer, you will still be covered under a warranty. If the original warranty has expired, a short term warranty will be added to it. It will cover the same things that a new warranty does, but the only difference is that it will only cover them for a shorter period of time.

The time varies, of course, but a short warranty can last from a month to a year. Make sure to discuss this thoroughly with the representatives in the used car dealership so that you're not faced with any surprises.

The Details of What's Covered

In the vast majority of cases, each of the warranties will contain a list of every part that it covers. There isn't a universal list of parts, as it really does depend on the warranty.

For example, some warranties might not provide coverage if consequential damage occurs, which is when one part gets damaged by the failure of another part.

Some warranties provide zero protection to any damage that occurs due to routine wear and tear. That's why you should check to see if the warranty provides coverage for normal deterioration or not.

The warranties for used cars should always be looked at more closely since new car warranties are often much more comprehensive and liberal in what they cover.

Sometimes you can even have the dealer change the warranty to fit your needs. Just don't purchase the vehicle first and then try to do so afterward.

Make Sure to Follow the Rules

All warranties have been carefully devised by legal representatives. Each and every rule within it must be followed if you hope to have it honored. Remember, a car manufacturer will not do something that they're not legally obligated to do.

One such rule that often gets ignored is not bringing in the car for regular service based on specified intervals.

Purchase Extended Warranties

You can purchase extended warranties or ones that provide you with coverage after your existing warranty expires. You should shop around and see which warranty offers you the best price for the most amount of coverage.

Go through the warranty suppliers directly to obtain the best prices.

A warranty is extremely advantageous to have. Just make sure to follow the rules and check it thoroughly before committing to anything. Good luck!