All new and many used vehicles arrive with a warranty covering unexpected repairs. Be sure to understand the duration and covered components of the warranty. A typical warranty might be written "48/50,000" meaning that coverage lasts either 48 months from the initial purchase or until the vehicle has 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Depending on what is being repaired, the length of a factory warranty varies. Often a comprehensive "bumper-to-bumper" warranty covers everything outside of schedule maintenance. This is generally the shortest warranty period. A usually longer powertrain warranty covers engine and transmission defects. Anti-corrosion protection often lasts even longer. Finally, some manufacturers offer roadside assistance for a limited time.
Warranties are often transferable, meaning that a vehicle inside its mileage and duration caps will maintain its factory warranty.
topBy performing required service at the proper intervals and responding if something clearly goes wrong. Your owner's manual explicitly lists service intervals, although cars are often equipped with "check engine" dashboard lights that signal needed maintenance.
You just need to take the vehicle in for service when the time arrives. Factory-authorized technicians must perform service and any other outside maintenance can potentially void a warranty.
Many warranties cover the parts and labor costs involved in fixing unexpected repairs but place the burden of expected maintenance on the customer. Certain repairs may be covered by some manufacturers and not by others.
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