Getting the Most Out of Your Car Warranty

One of the primary benefits of buying a new or late model vehicle is having the protection you receive from the factory warranty to protect you from any unexpected expenses that might crop up as a result of mechanical or material issues.

Some of these perks include Roadside assistance, scheduled maintenance coverage, and owner privileges like courtesy transportation and trip planning.

Below you’ll find some tips and pointers to help you maximize the value of your car’s warranty and what to do with that warranty coverage as it nears the end of its life.

Car Warranty: Here’s What You Need Know

Car warranty, new or old, legally binds a vehicle manufacturer or car dealer to compensate the vehicle owner of any costs that arise from repairs or replacement of parts, given they occur during the duration of the car warranty. A car warranty covers any malfunctioning, faulty, recalled, or defective auto parts. Car warranties do not cover regular car repairs or maintenance that result from the following incidents:

• Collisions
• Accidents
• Weather damage
• Negligence
• Fire damage
• Theft
• Damage from fuel or fluid

The duration of the car warranty is usually three years or 36,000 miles. However, every car manufacturer and dealer might offer their own established car warranty duration.

You can even visit another auto body shop for routine repairs and maintenance and still be compensated from the car manufacturer and dealer, as under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they cannot refuse to reimburse you. Knowing this, it is time to learn on how you can get the most out your car warranty.

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Car Warranty?

Here is how you can get the most out of your car warranty:

Maintain Your Car

You need to maintain your car and you can find out what parts of your car your warranty covers. You will find this information in the owner’s manual, which outlines the terms and conditions of your car warranty and service intervals. Some of the things your car warranty may cover include fluid changes, spark plugs, and other parts that require tuning from time to time.

If you fail to follow these maintenance requirements, most likely, it will void your car warranty. Additionally, make sure you look through the owner’s manual or contact your advisor at the dealer service to ensure you adhere to all car maintenance requirements both during the duration of your car warranty as well as towards the end of your car warranty.

Take Your Car for Inspection

You need to take your car for an inspection towards the of your car warranty. You can take your car for inspection to a technician at the car dealer or mechanic of your own choice. Car parts that your car warranty does not cover include brakes, tires, and specific suspension parts.

For this reason, when you take your car for an end-of-the-warranty inspection, you need to focus on things such as fluid leaks, malfunctioning battery and charging system, and inspection of the cooling system, fluid levels, transmission, and electronics.

To check if the electronics of your car are working properly, the technician or mechanic will attach a scanner to the car’s diagnostic port, scanning it for issues with the sensors and technology. In addition to this, ensure they inspect non-driveline systems that your car warranty may stull cover.

These include your car’s stereo, lighting system, electrical accessories, and the climate control system. You should check with your car dealer, asking them about advice before your car warranty is about to expire. One advice that most of them would give, if not all, is that you should never pay for to get your car inspected. For people who want to keep their coverage, they can consider obtaining extended car warranty coverage.