Warranties are an important part of vehicle ownership. They can protect a buyer from having to pay for costly repairs and cover manufacturing defects on the parts that are covered. Knowing that a vehicle can be repaired without a large out of pocket expense can bring peace of mind to the owner. Here’s how to protect your car warranty coverage in California and ensure your car remains eligible for a warranty or lemon law claim.
Understand Your Car Warranty Coverage
Different types of warranties provide different coverage. A manufacturer’s warranty is usually provided by the auto manufacturer and covers defects or mechanical failures. These normally last for a certain amount of time or number of miles, whichever comes first. A used car can be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty as long as neither the time limit nor the mileage has been reached prior to purchase. There is no additional cost for this type of warranty.
An extended warranty is additional coverage that is purchased by the consumer to cover certain parts that are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. The cost, coverage, and length of the contract can vary, so it must be read carefully to ensure the terms are fully understood. Neither the manufacturer’s nor the extended warranties cover the cost of regular maintenance or regular wear and tear on a vehicle.
The type of coverage in each warranty also varies. For example, a powertrain warranty ensures repair of the major powertrain parts such as the engine, axles, and transmission. This normally lasts for between five or six years or 60,000 to 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers all nonwear items. It would include the powertrain, locks, window motors, and seat adjustment mechanisms. This is the basic protection plan that all major auto manufacturers offer. It normally lasts for three years or 36,000 miles. Electric car manufacturers also offer EV battery warranties even though it is not required by federal law at this time.
Something all warranties have in common is the fact they all have exclusions. Regular wear and tire items like tires, brake pads, and oil changes are not covered. Damage due to an accident is paid for by motor vehicle insurance rather than a warranty. Many modifications are also exceptions that can cause damage and are not covered.
Avoid Invalidating the Warranties
Certain actions taken by a vehicle owner can void both the manufacturer’s and the extended warranties. Improper use such as off-roading or racing is one of these. Avoid invalidating the warranty by driving safely and within the posted speed limits on streets or roads made for the use of vehicles. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule as provided in the owner’s handbook. Proper maintenance can help avoid both the normal wear and tear as well as ensuring the parts covered will continue working as smoothly as possible. Keeping maintenance records is also highly recommended to document the care of the vehicle. These records will also serve as proof of service dates in case you need to make a claim.
Maintenance, repairs, and modifications should only be made by certified mechanics. Dealers and manufacturer approved repair shops ensure the person working on the vehicle has the proper training to avoid damaging the vehicle and voiding the warranty. The shop and mechanic’s information should also be included in a record of vehicle maintenance. It is also recommended that Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts be used for any repairs or modifications. They are designed to be used in the vehicle.
Performance-enhancing or aesthetic changes are popular, but the aftermarket parts normally used can impact manufacturer coverage. Engine upgrades and suspension modifications can put more stress on vital components and are considered to be improper use of the vehicle. Electronics made for aftermarket distribution can require physical changes and may require modifications to the wiring that voids the warranty. If an owner would like to make these types of changes it is recommended they contact the manufacturer to ensure they are in compliance with the terms of the contract.
Other things beyond the owner’s control can also affect the warranty. Examples would be a tree branch falling on the vehicle, extreme weather conditions, or flooding. These would be covered by additional auto insurance. Accidents can also void the warranty on any damaged parts. Repairs are a result of the accident itself, not a manufacturer’s defect, so are not covered by the guarantee.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are similar. A recall is required by law and ensures the manufacturer fixes a potentially dangerous problem at no cost to the vehicle owner. A TSB is a bulletin voluntarily put out by the manufacturer to ensure owners and mechanics know what to do in the case of a non-dangerous but annoying issue. Both need immediate attention, but only a recall is guaranteed to be a free repair. A TSB might be fixed at no cost to the vehicle’s owner if warranties are in place, but if the repair is needed and no action is taken it can void the vehicle’s warranty.
Know Your Rights
Sometimes recurring problems can not be fixed. If a reasonable number of attempts to repair a vehicle has been made, with at least one of these attempts made while under warranty, an owner is protected by lemon law. You may also be eligible if a vehicle has been serviced by an authorized mechanic for more than 30 days during the covered period (it does not have to be consecutive).
A suit can be filed up to four years past the end of the covered period, though it helps your case if you have followed the manufacturer’s guidelines, used authorized service providers, and kept thorough records. This law applies to all consumer products, including trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, motor homes, RVs, trailers, boats and watercraft.If you have any questions about whether you qualify for coverage under the lemon law, Johnson & Buxton are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with The Lemon Law Guys to help guide you through any warranty or lemon law issues you may have.
