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What Does a Car Warranty Cover?
By Cassidy Horton MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Car warranties help you drive with peace of mind, knowing you’re protected against unexpected repair costs down the road. But how do car warranties work, exactly? And what do they cover?
In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of car warranties, so you can make an informed decision about which ones are right for you. So buckle up (pun intended) – it’s time to learn about car warranties!
Table of Contents
- What is a car warranty?
- Types of car warranties
- What does a car warranty cover?
- What isn’t covered by a car warranty?
- How to check if my car has an extended warranty
- Frequently asked questions about car warranties
- Summary of what does a car warranty cover
What is a car warranty?
A car warranty covers repair and replacement costs for certain parts of your vehicle. Most warranties are offered by the manufacturer and add an extra layer of protection beyond what is typically covered by auto insurance.
Most car warranties are valid for a certain number of years or miles, whichever comes first. For example, a typical new car may come with a bumper-to-bumper warranty that’s valid for three years or 36,000 miles.
Many factors can affect the cost of a warranty, including the make and model of your car, how long the warranty lasts, and what’s included.
Types of car warranties
With so many car warranty options available, it’s no wonder that car buyers can feel overwhelmed. However, by taking the time to understand the different types of warranties and how they work, it’s possible to find the one that best suits your needs. Here’s a closer look at the primary types of car warranties.
Manufacturer warranty
When you buy a new car, it typically comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. This type of warranty is usually good for three to five years or 36,000 to 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. It’s also known as a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
A manufacturer warranty covers repairs due to defects in materials or workmanship. In other words, if something goes wrong with your car that’s not due to normal wear and tear, the manufacturer will usually cover the repair.
This table shows the standard manufacturer’s warranty for various carmakers in the U.S.
| Car manufacturer | Standard manufacturer warranty |
| BMW | 4 years or 50,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
| Ford | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
| Honda | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
| Hyundai | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Kia | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Nissan | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
| Subaru | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
| Toyota | 3 years or 36,000 miles |
Many manufacturers sweeten the car buying experience by pairing their bumper-to-bumper warranty with a free routine maintenance package that includes oil changes, tire rotations, and roadside assistance for the first few years. ToyotaCare is one example of this.
Powertrain warranty
A powertrain warranty is a type of manufacturer warranty that covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and axles. These components are the most expensive to repair or replace, so powertrain coverage gives you valuable peace of mind.
Most new vehicles come with a powertrain warranty that lasts for five to 10 years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This table highlights standard powertrain warranties from all the major carmakers in the U.S.:
| Car manufacturer | Powertrain warranty length |
| BMW | 4 years or 50,000 miles |
| Chevrolet | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Ford | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Honda | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Hyundai | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
| Kia | 10 years or 100,000 miles |
| Nissan | 5 years |
| Subaru | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
| Toyota | 5 years or 60,000 miles |
Extended car warranty
When you get a new car, the dealership will probably try to sell you an extended car warranty. Funny thing, though: these so-called “warranties” are not actually warranties at all! Rather, they’re a type of vehicle service contract that helps cover repairs after your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
An extended warranty can be purchased directly from your carmaker (such as Toyota) or an independent provider (such as CARCHEX). It typically covers a wide range of repairs, from engine and transmission problems to electrical and air conditioning issues. Some extended warranties even cover things like towing and rental car reimbursement.
The cost of extended car warranties depends on the make and model of your car, the length of the warranty, and the level of coverage. Extended warranties can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Some may even have deductibles you have to pay when you go in for service.
Tip: Always be wary of car warranty calls urging you to act fast because your warranty is about to expire. These calls are almost always scams and are designed to defraud you of your money. Instead, report them to the Federal Trade Commission.
Rust and corrosion warranty
Corrosion warranties, also known as anti-perforation warranties, protect against rust and other forms of corrosion that may happen due to defects in your vehicle’s sheet metal. They usually cover repairs for around five years or so.
However, they typically don’t cover surface-level corrosion due to salt air or normal wear and tear.
Emissions warranty
Your car’s emissions warranty is important. It covers repairs to your vehicle’s catalytic converter or engine control module if your car fails an emissions test. In other words, it pays for any adjustments that may be necessary to keep the car’s emissions within legal limits.
Used car warranty
Used car warranties are becoming more common as the market for certified pre-owned vehicles continues to grow. These warranties typically cover major components like the engine and transmission and can give buyers some peace of mind when purchasing a used car.
Most certified pre-owned vehicles come with limited warranties that cover manufacturer defects for the first year of ownership.
What does a car warranty cover?
In general, a car warranty will cover the cost of repairs for defects in materials or workmanship. This can include things like engine problems, transmission issues, and electrical faults.
Most warranties will also cover the cost of replacement parts, although there may be some restrictions on aftermarket parts. You may also be required to visit a specific dealership or network of mechanics to have your claim covered for free.
Car warranty services
Most car warranty services include the repair and replacement of defective parts, including mechanical breakdowns. However, some may also come with free oil changes and roadside assistance for those times when you have a flat tire, get locked out of your car, or need to get towed.
It’s important to read the fine print of your warranty so you know what is and isn’t covered. That way, you can avoid paying a hefty service bill later on.
What isn’t covered by a car warranty?
Most car warranties have exclusions for certain types of damage, including:
- Normal wear and tear: Car warranties typically don’t cover items that wear out over time, such as tires, brakes, and wiper blades.
- Damage caused by accidents or weather events: These types of repairs are often covered by your car insurance instead.
- Routine care: Unless your car warranty specifies it, you typically will have to pay for oil changes, engine tune-ups, cleanings, and fluid top-offs yourself.
What voids a car warranty?
The biggest thing that will void your auto warranty is failing to properly maintain it. This includes not getting regular oil changes and tire rotations.
Additionally, making modifications to your vehicle can void your warranty. This is because any aftermarket parts or customizations could potentially cause problems that the manufacturer isn’t responsible for. So think twice before you make any changes to your engine, suspension, or exhaust system.
Lastly, abusing your car or driving it excessively hard can void your warranty. This includes racing your vehicle, taking it off-roading, and, in some cases, using it for commercial purposes.
How long does a car warranty last?
It depends on the type of warranty you have.
- Most manufacturers’ warranties last for three to five years or 36,000 to 60,000 miles.
- Powertrain warranties can last from five to 10 years or 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Extended warranties can last for one to seven years once your manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Some luxury cars and electric vehicles have longer warranties.
How to check if my car has an extended warranty
If you’re not sure if your car has an extended warranty, you can check the paperwork from when you purchased the vehicle. The warranty should be listed there. You can also contact the dealership or the manufacturer to ask about your car’s warranty coverage.
Car Warranty FAQs
Is an extended warranty worth it on a new car?
In some cases, an extended warranty can be a wise investment. For example, if you plan to keep your car for many years or put a lot of miles on it, an extended warranty can help cover unexpected repairs.
On the other hand, if you're only planning to keep your car for a few years or you're confident in its reliability, an extended warranty may be a waste of money.
Ultimately, it's important to weigh the costs and benefits of an extended warranty before making a decision.
Are car batteries covered under warranty?
It depends. If you still have the factory-installed battery in your vehicle and it gives out while still under warranty, it could be a sign of a defect and therefore be covered. That said, car batteries are consumable goods and are meant to be replaced every five years or so. So if your battery has died because of normal wear and tear, it's on you to replace it.
Is air conditioning covered under a car warranty?
Your manufacturer's warranty covers almost everything bumper-to-bumper, including your air conditioning. So if your warranty is still in effect, you should be able to get your air conditioning fixed without having to pay out of pocket.
Is car paint covered under a warranty?
Paint repairs aren't covered if the damage is due to environmental causes or normal wear and tear. So if your car paint is peeling or has chips or scratches due to tree sap, road salt, salty air, or anything else, it isn't covered. However, if it's due to some type of defect with the material itself, it could be covered under warranty.
Are car speakers covered under a warranty?
If your car's factory speakers are malfunctioning due to a manufacturer's defect, then it should be covered under warranty. However, if your speakers are blown because you were rattling your bass too hard, you may be responsible for covering those repairs out of pocket.
Summary of what does a car warranty cover
Car warranties can help cover the cost of repairs if something goes wrong with your vehicle. However, it’s important to understand the terms of your warranty before you need to use it.
Be sure to check the paperwork from when you purchased your vehicle to see what type of warranty you have and how long it lasts. And if you think you need more coverage, shop around for the best extended car warranty until you find one that suits your needs.
Cassidy Horton is a finance writer based in Seattle, Washington. With an MBA and a bachelor's in public relations, her work has been published over a thousand times by The Balance, Finder.com, Money Under 30, Clever Girl Finance, and many more. Cassidy is a self-confessed money nerd who’s passionate about helping people find financial freedom. Oh, and she really loves cats.