Review Car

8 Tips to Review Car Warranties

Drivers in the market for a new or used car do not normally look at the importance of a car warranty; the shiny exterior and new car smell excite new owners so that they forget about the practicality of a warranty. What is a car warranty? Depending on the car dealer, the warranty is a legally binding agreement between the consumer and the manufacturer or dealer. This contract promises repairs to the vehicle, under certain circumstances, at no charge to the consumer.

In essence, the manufacturer or car dealer is placing trust into the vehicle’s structure and functionality to prove that it is a quality product. As a result, the driver has peace of mind if the vehicle unexpectedly breaks down. However, choosing the best warranty can be difficult. Some websites offer the ability to compare warranties. Type in your ZIP code and compare auto insurance rates now!

1. New Cars

A new car should be perfect, right? Like any mechanical item, new vehicles can have unexpected defects that can occur. The majority of new cars come with a full warranty. However, new owners should note that a warranty does not necessarily cover every item, such as wiper blades. Any items known for basic wear and tear, like oil filters or belts, are normally not covered under a typical warranty unless they have a manufacturing defect.

New car warranties cover the main components, like the drive train. Pistons, axles, transmission, and engine parts are all covered under a drive train warranty. The emissions components, that control pollution into the surrounding atmosphere, have a different warranty coverage; the federal government covers a portion of the emissions equipment along with the manufacturer.

Batteries and tires will often have their own warranty coverage from their respective manufacturers, rather than the car producer itself. A less common warranty coverage includes rust protection; aside from surface rust, the manufacturer should cover any rust that infiltrates the interior of the vehicle’s sheet metal.

2. Used Cars

Any driver looking to purchase a used vehicle should definitely insist on a warranty. Many legitimate used car dealerships use a certified pre-owned system; vehicles placed under a certified warranty will have been inspected and repaired prior to entering the showroom.

Consumers should look for these warranty types since the dealer is promising that the vehicle is well tuned directly from him or her. The dealership’s reputation is contingent upon a well running car under the certified label.

3. Extended Warranties

Inevitably, a new or used car warranty will end, normally after several years or 30,000 miles. However, consumers do have a defense against surprise repairs: the extended warranty. Depending on the dealership, many businesses offer extended warranties at different price ranges; the more parts covered, the more expensive the warranty policy will be. In the end, the consumer may be quite happy to be paying for the policy if an expensive part fails, like the transmission.

4. Roadside Assistance

Even if the vehicle is covered under warranty, the car will not typically fail directly in front of the dealer. Consumers should make sure that the warranty includes roadside assistance. This feature will commonly include towing and small road repairs, like replacing a flat tire. Towing prices can be expensive, so including the roadside assistance within the warranty helps the consumer save money in case of an emergency.

5. Third Party Coverage

Some consumers enjoy shopping for warranty coverage; a dealership may not offer the policy type that the consumer insists upon. As a result, the consumer looks for third party coverage, usually from an insurance company. Consumers should compare pricing and coverage types before agreeing to any policies to ensure that the best coverage is applied to the vehicle.

6. Coverage Period

Depending on the warranty insurer, consumers should check the policy to see if it covers a reasonable amount of time. If a dealer insists on a 6-month warranty, consumers should be wary of the policy; six months is an incredibly short amount of time for a vehicle. Coverage periods should be several years, not a few months.

7. Tinkering

A lot of car owners enjoy working on their engines to customize the performance. Consumers should be aware that it is possible to void a warranty with any engine modifications. Before attempting any engine changes, the consumer should read the policy in full to ensure that they are not indirectly voiding the warranty.

8. Read the Fine Print

With any legal agreement, car owners need to sit down and read the fine print. The manufacturer has created the document to work for them; consumers need to make it work for them. If there is any confusion, car owners can have a law professional review the wording. Going the extra mile to ensure that the warranty is fair and includes all desired features will help the owner in the long run.

Purchasing car warranty coverage is not a glamorous job, but it is an important document to read and obtain. In fact, comparing warranty quotes is the best option for drivers. Simply type in your ZIP code into the FREE comparison evaluation window and look over all the options.