Car Parts Plus

Inspecting Your Car’s Warranty: Are You Covered?

When you buy a vehicle that is still under its warranty, you might drive it confidently because you believe any necessary repairs will be performed without charge. But, that may not be the case. A lot of drivers misunderstand how warranties work. They mistakenly believe that any problems will be fixed without their needing to pay for parts and labor. The fact is, warranties are a contract between the motorist and the dealership (or specifically, the car manufacturer). As with most contracts, there are responsibilities that each party must fulfill in order for the contract to remain valid.

Below, I’ll explain what your obligations are according to most automotive warranties. I’ll also describe why many dealerships seem to do everything possible to sidestep doing repairs. Lastly, we’ll take a look at the components that are typically covered under warranties.

Fulfilling Your Part Of The Deal

Motorists often overlook the fact that a car warranty normally requires that they perform ongoing maintenance. For example, with your own vehicle, you may be required to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles. You may also need to have any work performed on major components done at the dealer. If a local mechanic works on your transmission, your warranty may be in danger.

There are a few common misconceptions regarding what can void the contract. For example, a lot of people believe that cosmetic changes, such as installing aftermarket devices, will void it (they won’t). Others believe that having routine maintenance like oil changes performed anywhere other than at the dealer can void the warranty (again, not true).

Know what your responsibilities are (and are not) to make sure the warranty is valid when you need it.

Understanding The Dealer’s Position

Sometimes, it seems as if dealers attempt to avoid having to perform repairs that are clearly listed in vehicle warranties. It’s important to understand their position. If a driver fails to fulfill his contractual responsibility (for example, having the oil changed periodically), the dealer cannot be held liable for damage which results.

Imagine driving your car for 40,000 miles without having the oil changed. It’s reasonably to suspect that your engine will sustain more damage than otherwise. If the automaker is forced to repair (or worse, replace) the engine, that raises their costs significantly. That’s why dealerships will often go over warranties with a fine-toothed comb.

So, What Parts Are Covered?

Typically, the parts that are covered include any major component or system that the automaker built. For example, the transmission, engine, and fuel injectors will be covered. So too, will the chassis and suspension. On the other hand, the tires and filters will not be. Also, parts that wear out over time (i.e. hoses) are unlikely to be covered. Other types of coverage include rust and corrosion, safety recalls, and goodwill adjustments.

Car warranties are not complex, though there are pitfalls that ensnare many drivers. When you buy a vehicle – new or used – take some time to closely review the warranty. As long as you fulfill your end of the deal, you’ll be covered when you need it.

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How To Find An Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust

A dependable car repair shop and a trustworthy mechanic can be worth their weight in gold. When certain parts and systems malfunction, having someone to whom you can take your vehicle is valuable. It’s more than a simple matter of trust; you need to feel comfortable that the technicians are competent and can perform the job effectively. So, how do you find a reliable garage?

In this article, I’ll provide a few guidelines that will help you identify an auto repair facility that will meet your needs. We’ll discuss why you should begin your search before your car breaks down, and the importance of memberships and associations. I’ll also explain why paying more for a specialist may be worth the investment.

Start Looking Before Parts Fail

When your transmission dies or your engine seizes up, getting the problem fixed becomes an emergency. When that happens, you’re unlikely to make an objective decision regarding where to take your car. After all, there’s very little time to research which auto garage in your area will do the best job. Rather, you need the problem resolved as soon as possible.

This is why it’s important to start looking for a repair facility before your vehicle begins to have problems on the road. That way, when the inevitable happens (all auto parts fail eventually), you’ll make a better decision.

Memberships And Certifications

One of the best ways to determine whether the mechanics at a repair garage are adept is to look for association memberships. For example, facilities that are “AAA approved” have met stringent standards with regard to customer service, equipment, and training. The same is true for garages that are approved by NAPA or Parts Plus. AAA, in particular, periodically contacts customers to ask about their experience with a specific facility. They’ll inquire not only about the work performed, but also whether it was done on time and whether the estimate they were offered was close to the actual cost.

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