For many owners of cars, trucks, or any other vehicles to use for transportation and such, it is one of the most valuable things they own. And buying and owning a vehicle must come with a warranty.
The first thing you need to know about vehicle warranties is that there are different types of them. There are manufacturer’s warranties, extended service contracts (ESC), and even third-party warranties. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand what each of these warranties covers before purchasing one.
In this blog, we will dive into discussing what a warranty is for a vehicle and how it is important for you as the owner—or someone who is planning to own one—to know what kind of coverage your car or truck has.
What Is A Warranty?
A warranty is a promise from an auto manufacturer that their product will be free from defects in the future. This means that if something goes wrong with the vehicle, the manufacturer will fix it at no cost to you. It also means that if something does go wrong with your vehicle, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs. Some companies offer free maintenance on vehicles under certain conditions.
Manufacturers’ warranties vary by brand, but typically cover everything except tires, wheels, rims, glass, and paint. They can range anywhere from three years to ten years depending on the model of the vehicle.
Can Warranty Be Bought?
The simple answer is yes. Although it may be uncommon in some countries but not here in the USA.
A vehicle warranty can be purchased at the time of purchase from the dealership or later. If you buy a new vehicle, the dealer may include a warranty as part of the sale price. You must ask the dealer whether the warranty is included in the price of the vehicle. If not, you should consider getting a warranty from another source.
If you already own a vehicle, you can get a warranty from the manufacturer. However, it is best to check with the manufacturer directly to see if they offer a warranty extension.
Extended service contracts (ESCs) are often offered at the same time as manufacturers’ warranties, and they usually last longer than the warranty period mentioned above.
Another example of a warranty is called a Third-party warranty. It is sometimes available through insurance providers, credit unions, banks, and other financial institutions. These warranties are generally more expensive than those provided by manufacturers and tend to only cover parts and labor costs associated with repairing a problem.
Why Do I Need To Get My Car/Truck Under Warranty?
There are several reasons why you might want to get your vehicle under warranty. The main reason is that having a warranty protects you against unexpected problems that could arise while driving or using the vehicle.
For example, let’s say you drive to work every day and notice that after two weeks of use, your vehicle starts making loud noises when you accelerate. At first, you think it is just a loose belt or something like that. But after a few days, the noise becomes louder and more frequent. By the end of week four, you begin to worry about the sound. After all, you don’t want to damage your engine!
You can call the dealership where you bought the vehicle and find out that there is a recall on the vehicle. While the recall isn’t necessarily bad news, you still need to make sure that the issue has been resolved before continuing to drive the car.
The Importance Of A Warranty
A vehicle warranty is essentially a repair contract limiting a car owner’s financial risk for a set period. The cost of the repairs is usually paid by the manufacturer or dealership, and the customer pays nothing until after the warranty expires. This means that if something goes wrong with your car during the warranty period, you can get it fixed without having to pay anything out-of-pocket.
Another reason to get your vehicle under a warrant is so that you can save money on repair bills. Many times, even though your vehicle is covered by a warranty, you still have to pay for repairs. But you should know that not all expenses for repairs can be covered by a warranty. To set someone’s expectation, there’s a limitation to it which is why it is important for you, as the owner to understand that your vehicle is covered by the warranty that comes with it upon purchase.
How Long Does It Last For?
Warranties vary depending on what type of vehicle you have and how old it is. Some vehicles come with a one-year warranty, others have three years, and some have five years. In addition, many states require that certain types of vehicles carry an extended service contract.
If you buy a new vehicle, the warranty will start immediately upon delivery. If you buy a used vehicle, the warranty may start immediately but may also include a waiting period.
What Is Covered And What Isn’t?
Manufacturers’ warranties typically cover everything except normal wear and tear. That includes things such as:
- Normal maintenance items
- Cosmetic defects
- Items that aren’t related to the condition of the vehicle
- Damage caused by accidents
- Defects in parts that were installed improperly
Some manufacturers offer additional coverage for specific components within their vehicles. These may include air conditioning units, power steering systems, transmissions, etc.
In addition to these basic protections, most manufacturers offer protection against third-party claims. This means that if you are involved in an accident with another driver, they must take responsibility for any damages done to your vehicle. However, this doesn’t mean that you won’t receive compensation from them. You might be able to collect from them through a lawsuit.
What Can I Do If My Car Breaks Down During Its Warranty Period?
When your vehicle breaks down during its warranty period, you’ll likely need to contact your dealer first. They’ll want to determine whether the problem was caused by a defect in the vehicle itself or if it was caused by something else. If the problem was due to a manufacturing defect, then the manufacturer will fix it free of charge.
However, if the problem wasn’t caused by a manufacturing defect, you’re going to have to pay for the repairs yourself. Your best bet is to call a vehicle professional to ask them about the warranty policy. If you don’t feel comfortable doing that, then you can always look up the warranty information online.
What Is The Disadvantage Of A Warranty?
While having a warranty can be beneficial, it does have disadvantages too. One disadvantage is that it only covers certain aspects of the vehicle. So if you break down while driving somewhere far away, you could end up paying out of pocket for repairs because the dealership isn’t located near where you broke down.
Another downside of a warranty is that it may not cover all costs associated with repairing your vehicle. For example, if your car has a transmission issue, you might not be able to use the warranty to repair it. Instead, you’d have to pay for a replacement transmission.
Warranties Are Not Always Required By Law
Many people assume that every vehicle sold in the United States comes with a warranty. While this is true for some states, many others do not require auto manufacturers to provide warranties on their products. In fact, many states even allow dealerships to sell cars without providing warranties at all.
If you live in one of those states, then you should know that you are responsible for paying for repairs yourself. Even if the state requires a warranty, you still have to pay for repairs.
The Bottom Line
A vehicle warranty protects you from unexpected costs associated with repairing your vehicle. However, it does not protect you from problems that occur because of poor maintenance. Therefore, you must keep track of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Also, make sure that you perform regular inspections of your vehicle.
And if, by chance, your vehicle is not under a warranty anymore and your vehicle needs maintenance or repairs, there are automobile companies that offer these services at an affordable price but have a quality of work like Andy’s Automotive and Truck Services.
Call Andy’s Automotive and Truck Services Today!
If you are a vehicle owner residing in Jacksonville, FL who needs reliable automotive experts for your vehicle’s maintenance and/or repairs, Andy’s Automotive and Truck Services is the one to call. We provide top-notch service at reasonable prices. Our mechanics are friendly, knowledgeable, and experienced. Call us today at (904) 207-5191 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.