Factory Car Warranty Basics
Mercedes Porsche Mechanic | Midtown Auto Repair | Services | Sacramento
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When you are buying a new car, the warranty is probably not your first priority. You are probably thinking about more important details like the horsepower, safety features, or interior touches. However, it is not a bad idea to get well-versed with the details of your new car’s warranty package as your car will need to get serviced at some point. Today we will go over some of the basic things you should know regarding factory car warranties.
To begin, know that factory car warranties are written promises by the manufacturer to repair or replace defects with the vehicle it sells to you. The one universal truth about all factory warranties is that they cover factory defects from workmanship and material issues. This means that, for example, if a part is not installed correctly that factory warranty will cover the costs to get it fixed.
The thing to be aware of is that there are, of course, limitations. Specific limitations of factory car warranties can include length, scope, and issues.
- Length: This means that there is going to be an expiration date. For example, 3yr/36k mile limited warranty. This means that the factory warranty will be limited to 3 years or 36,000 miles. The factory warranty will expire when the care is either 3 years old or hits the 36,000-mile mark on the odometer.
- Scope: The other major area that warranties limit their coverage is with the parts they will repair or replace. Some warranties make this easy by covering anything between a car’s bumpers (“bumper to bumper”). Others are more limited to specific areas of a vehicle, specific systems within the vehicle, or just the most common parts that may have issues during the lifespan warranty.
- Issues: Factory warranties will usually limit the type and number of causes, so they do not apply in all cases where mechanical repairs are needed. Factory warranties make things easy by limiting issues to just defects caused at the factory.
Factory warranties can be confusing because the details about what is covered and what is not is not always so transparent when talking to a dealership. We advise you to know the details of your particular warranty if you are buying a new car. The last thing you want is to think that you have certain coverage walking into a dealership service center and being told otherwise once you get there.
To eliminate that scenario prioritize getting to know the true details of your factory car warranty. Know the length, know the scope, and know the different issues. If you take the time now to understand those three basics of your factory car warranty, it will be much easier for you later on down the road.
For more information on understanding warranties feel free to contact us at Midtown Autoworks.