Car Warranties
When you own any vehicle, you are at risk for problems that can occur as a result of mechanical breakdowns. Fixing these can be expensive, and not fixing them can render you unable to drive the vehicle, or make it operate inefficiently. Worst of all, when you don't know that a part of your vehicle is in bad shape or is about to break down, you could be driving around unknowingly about to have an accident or be unable to start your ignition in the first place.
Automobile warranties allow you to have your vehicle repaired and maintained at the expense of the automobile dealer you bought it from. In most cases, however, the warranty that comes with a new vehicle only lasts for a few years or a certain number of miles, and problems often occur or begin to occur shortly after the original warranty runs out. If you choose not to prepare for this ahead of time by learning about extended warranties and purchasing one, you are risking any amount of expense you might incur as a result of your vehicle's post-warranty breakdown.
Extended warranties are warranties that cover your vehicle beyond what the original warranty takes care of. They can be purchased from extended warranty dealers which your vehicle manufacturer or dealer may or may not have connections to. These special warranties can cover a variety of expense types, and prices vary depending on how much coverage you would like.
What's in it for you?
If you decide to research extended warranties and purchase one, you will find that they are often sold in packages according to how much they cover and for how long. Many companies that provide these types of warranties organize their services in several basic packages such as new vehicle power train coverage, component coverage, and bumper to bumper.
New Vehicle power train coverage usually includes all engine parts; the transmission case and internal parts plus torque converter, flywheel/flex plate vacuum moderator, electronic shift control unit, transmission cooler, transmission mounts, oil pan, seals and gaskets; the transfer case and all internal parts; front and rear drive axle cases and all internal parts; and the engine cooling fan and motor, fan clutch, belt tensioner, radiator, heater core, thermostat, blower motor, and hot water valve.
Component coverage may include such things as some engine, transmission, electrical, front and rear suspension, fuel, cooling, brakes, front wheel drive, interior and exterior, steering system, and interior climate and comfort parts. The main difference between component coverage and other warranty packages is that component coverage only covers certain specified components. In order to make a good decision about a component coverage package, it is necessary to read the information carefully and make sure that it covers the parts that are most important to you or that you might worry most about.
Bumper-to-bumper coverage is the most comprehensive type of warranty most companies offer. It covers all of the major components of your vehicle, except for items listed in the service agreement that are not covered. It covers replacements and repairs of all original equipment except when damage is caused by not keeping up with the routine maintenance activities that are listed in the manufacturer's stated maintenance requirements.
Finding and comparing companies that provide extended warranties and the packages that are available is easy if you have internet access. Simply using a search engine can provide many pages of links to companies and programs which can then be easily compared. If you do not have internet access, you can use a business telephone directory, and automobile dealers also may be able help you find what you're looking for and make sure that you are as protected as you can be from unexpected large automobile expenses.
By Kristin Cleveland