When deciding which car to buy, make sure you check the auto warranty that comes with the vehicle. In this article we will help you sort through all the auto warranty-related issues. After all, not every new car warranty is created equally. Some will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto warranty.

It’s important to understand the different parts of an auto warranty as it is good to know the difference between a new car warranty and an extended auto warranty.

A typical new car warranty has two parts: the “bumper to bumper” warranty, which covers everything except the “wear” items such as brakes and tires; and the power-train warranty that covers all the parts that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission.

Bumper to Bumper

Few extended vehicle warranty plans cover absolutely everything on a vehicle. Read the warranty contract and find out exactly what is and what is not covered. If the contract says it covers everything except for X, Y, and Z; that’s a lot more coverage than a contract which lists 10 or 20 items which are covered. Keep in mind your own history with vehicles and what repairmaintenance you expect to have in the next few years to your car.

Wear and Tear

Many extended vehicle warranty plans cover parts that break, just as they cover those that wear out. Once again, read the contract to understand the differences and how they may affect your final cost.

An extended auto warranty can be purchased to prolong the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most people are familiar with the extended warranty that is sold at dealerships. This is sometimes called a “factory warranty” because factory-trained technicians perform the required work on the car. There are also “third-party” warranties, which can save consumers money but are generally less convenient to use. Many third-party warranties require out-of-pocket payment for repairs before reimbursement. Weigh all these factors carefully before you make your choice.

By looking carefully at your auto warranty before you buy, you will save yourself much potential future problems.

An extended auto warranty can be a confusing document for many people. Indeed, there are very few people who actually completely understand the terms and conditions — and the requirements placed on the consumer — associated with an extended auto warranty. In this article, the reader is provided with a general overview of the standard terms and conditions associated with an extended auto warranty.

By understanding the terms, conditions and provisions of an extended auto warranty, you can determine if the added protection is right for you. Do keep in mind that when you purchase a new automobile, the manufacturer provides you with a relatively comprehensive warranty at no additional charge. As a general rule, an extended auto warranty expands the term that the manufacturers warranty will remain in place. For example, there are warranties available that will expand the length of coverage from a standard three year term to five or even ten years. (In some instances the extended warranty will also broaden the items that are covered by at least some degree.)

When considering the purchase of an extended auto warranty, you need to closely examine what precisely you will gain by paying additional money for the added protection. As mentioned, the primary benefit that can be had by purchasing most extended warranties is a lengthening of the amount of time the automobile will be protected by the warranty coverage. Extending the warranty may not make practical sense in some situations. For example, if you have purchased a new automobile that comes with a standard three year warranty coverage, you will not want to obtain extended protection if you will not own the car much beyond the three year term.

Some extended auto warranty plans also expand the breadth of coverage. If you tend to be hard on a car, if you tend to incur a significant number of bills for auto maintenance, repair and the like, an extended and expanded warranty program that will provide broader coverage may be a perfect idea for you.

There are a number of oftentimes overlooked elements associated with an extended auto warranty that are extremely important. First of all, many extended auto warranty plans require you to obtain service work on your vehicle at a specific location. Many such plans require you to obtain service work at the dealership or at another specifically authorized service center. If you obtain service work elsewhere, you may void or cancel the warranty all together.

Another common provision on most extended auto warranty plans oblige you to obtain regular service on your vehicle within specifically delineated timeframes. A failure to obtain such service will result in the voiding or cancellation of the warranty.

In the final analysis, before you spend additional money on an extended auto warranty, you need to take the time to weigh and balance the costs and benefits, the obligations and recompenses that are associated with the proposed warranty plan. By doing your homework in advance of enrolling in any extended auto warranty plan you will make certain that you elect the coverage that best meets your particular needs.