Car Warranty Basics

A standard car warranty, which is often referred to as a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty, typically is good first 12 months of the life of a vehicle or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. During this warranty period, the repair of any defect or flaw because of an error in manufacturing or a failed part is generally fully paid and covered by the manufacturer. An extended car warranty would have to be purchased to extend beyond the basic warranty.

If the car manufacturer offers a power train warranty, then this power train warranty will become effective generally after the standard car warranty expires. These power train warranties generally protect the car owner against engine, transmission, and differential breakdowns as long as neglect or abuse of the vehicle by the owner has not caused the malfunction. Neglect such as not following manufacturer maintenance servicing schedules and requirements are most notably called into question. However, these power train warranty repairs are not usually totally free, you typically have to pay $50 or $100 for each of these repairs, which basically serves as a deductible. The time period that a power train warranty is valid wholly depends on the manufacturer. For lesser-priced model cars, the term is usually 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. As mentioned earlier, this power train warranty is beyond the standard warranty period. Power train warranties of many higher priced luxury model cars extend to 60 months or 88,000 miles, whichever comes first, and this is also beyond the standard warranty.

Throughout the auto industry, the basic time period of basic bumper-to-bumper warranties being used today have been three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Auto makers have gone to higher measures in recent years due to higher competition along with the fact that autos are of higher quality making the longer warranties more cost effective. As with anything else, some car manufacturers may be more generous than others. Your can always verify the warranty by referring to the warranty booklet of your car. To summarize, the difference between a standard car warranty and a typical power train warranty is that the standard one covers the entire car for a specified period, while the power train warranty covers the engine, transmission, and differential for an extended period.

A standard warranty will repair at no charge any defect or breakdown that is the fault of the manufacturer. Repairs conducted under a power train warranty are paid for on a shared basis with the car owner usually paying $50 or $100 for each repair, while the manufacturer pays the remainder. An extended car warranty would have to be purchased for additional coverage these two warranties.

About the Author

Chuck Cox operates several businesses and websites of interest to consumers.