By: Driving.ca
It’s a perk with new vehicles, but as with all contract, you need to read the fine print to know what covers you for how long
When your vehicle needs repair, the three most beautiful words are, “It’s under warranty.” Not everything is, of course, and knowing how warranty coverage works can help to avoid nasty surprises.
The vehicle’s warranty covers component failure or manufacturing defects for a specified time and/or mileage as set by the automaker. It must be a failure in the product: Your heater repair is no charge if the core is defective, but a mouse nest jamming up the system isn’t covered.
Comprehensive warranty is often known as “bumper to bumper.” This generally covers just about anything that fails during the period specified. This is usually the shortest warranty period, with most automakers ranging from three to five years.
A few components are expected to wear down as part of their normal operation, such as brake pads and wiper blades. They’re known as wear items or consumables, and they’re usually only covered for one year or 20,000 kilometers.
Tires are covered under a separate warranty issued by the tire manufacturer. If they fail, you’ll have to deal with the tire company or its authorized representative yourself, unless your dealer is willing to reach out on your behalf.
Powertrain warranty takes over when the comprehensive warranty expires. It covers the driveline, which includes the engine, transmission, and all-wheel-drive components if your vehicle’s equipped with it. Although these major components will be no-charge under the coverage, you may have to pay for associated parts that are required for the repair but aren’t covered themselves, such as belts or hoses.
There are also specific warranties for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles to cover the hybrid system and the battery. Depending on the auto manufacturer, these are among the longest warranties – usually around eight years or 160,000 km.
Roadside assistance is no-charge towing and assistance for a specified period. Exactly what’s covered will depend on the automaker, but many send help for flat tires, boosting a dead battery, locked out of your vehicle, or if you’ve run out of fuel. If your vehicle breaks down, you may only be covered for a tow to the nearest dealer if yours is farther out.
Emissions warranty covers specific items responsible for reducing tailpipe emissions. Major components, such the catalytic converter or engine control module, are usually under a long warranty that outlasts the powertrain coverage. Many people take their vehicles to other repair facilities once their warranty’s up. If you do, and your vehicle needs an emissions-related repair, check your warranty; the repair might be a no-charge fix at the dealer.
Corrosion warranty is also a long warranty, but the rust must start from within and eat a hole through a body panel. A rusty bubble under the paint isn’t sufficient for a claim.
All of these warranties are included in the price of the car, and start from the day you take delivery. Any authorized dealer for the brand is expected to honour them, even if you didn’t buy the vehicle there. However, in some circumstances, you may have to show proof that you did the scheduled maintenance, such as receipts for oil changes if there’s an issue with the engine.
Beyond the factory coverage, you can buy extended warranties. Whether you should depends on a few factors, including your comfort level of possibly facing major repairs without one. Essentially, they’re a type of repair insurance.
Extended warranties usually require you to pay a deductible, and it’s important to read the fine print to see what isn’t covered. The more the plan covers, the more it costs. If you buy the automaker’s extended warranty when you buy a brand-new vehicle, its clock usually starts ticking on the day you take delivery, and your prepaid warranty will overlap with your no-charge factory coverage. If your extended warranty is for seven years, but your factory warranty is for five, your paid coverage is really only in effect for those last two years.
Manufacturers offer their own policies, but they’re also sold by third-party warranty companies. Be sure you know what you’re getting. Third-party coverage usually comes with restrictions, such as repair pre-approval. If your repair facility doesn’t deal directly with that warranty company, you will probably have to pay for the repair and then apply for reimbursement.
Recalls are no-charge repairs, but they’re not warranty. They’re issued by manufacturers, as required by Transport Canada, when vehicles are found to have safety-related problems. (Tires and child car seats can also be subject to recalls.) With recalls that affect a large number of vehicles, such as the Takata airbags, it can take a while until parts are available to repair yours. If you’re uneasy about driving your vehicle before it’s fixed, talk to the dealer or the automaker’s customer service for options.
If your vehicle’s affected, you’ll receive a notice in the mail (remember to update your address with the automaker’s customer service when you move). You can also check Transport Canada’s database, or call a dealer for your brand. You’ll need your vehicle information number (VIN), the 17-digit number on your ownership, to determine if any recalls apply specifically to you.