When you buy a new car, you will probably have been told you have a Powertrain warranty for a certain number of years or a specified number of miles. Most of you will only be concerned with the details of how long your Powertrain warranty lasts for. An engine warranty is one of two available with a new vehicle. A bumper-to-bumper warranty covers more items on your new car but is limited in time.
What is a Powertrain?
Your Powertrain is the part of your vehicle that provides forward momentum. Most manufacturers describe the Powertrain as:
- engine
- transmission
- cylinder block
- driveshaft
- turbo and superchargers
Your Powertrain includes many of the moving parts of your engine and transmission. A Powertrain warranty usually includes these parts of your engine:
- Crankshaft
- Pistons
- Timing belts
- Gears
- Gaskets
- Exhaust
- Oil pump
When you look at the details of your warranty, you will find most manufacturers provide similar coverage. Among the moving parts covered under the engine warranty are the differentials. The differentials are parts of your vehicle that help you turn easily. The axles of your vehicle are usually covered by the Powertrain. Most vehicles have two axles, which are rods passing through the center of your wheels.
Powertrain Vs Bumper-to-Bumper
When you purchase a new vehicle you can feel bombarded with warranties and options to consider. Bumper-to-bumper warranties will provide you with a substantial amount of coverage for your vehicle. Your engine warranty should be looked upon as coverage to keep your vehicle moving forward. The bumper-to-bumper warranty for your vehicle would be classed as covering you for any problems that ideally would be identified before your vehicle leaves the manufacturer’s factory.
What is not Covered by Your Warranty?
When you discuss your warranty options at your local dealership you may feel a warranty is your best option. Your Powertrain warranty should be addressed before you sign on for any extended period. A Powertrain warranty will include many of the moving parts of your engine and transmission. You need to be aware of what is not covered by your engine warranty. Among the parts of your vehicle not covered by your Powertrain are:
- Engine sensors
- Cooling hoses
- Radiator
- Electrical connectors
- Wheel bearings
- Hub bearings
Certain situations can nullify a Powertrain warranty. Each warranty is different but it is safe to think you will not be covered if:
- You are involved in a collision
- Fail to complete proper maintenance
- Use contaminated fuel
- Corrosion occurs due to rust
- Air conditioning and heating issues occur
- You make alterations warned about in the manufacturer’s warranty
Not all Powertrain Warranties are Created Equal
Different manufacturers offer different options for investing in an engine warranty. Some vehicle manufacturers offer a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Those offering the longest warranties include Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Mitsubishi. Tesla’s warranty usually lasts for eight years but the number of miles covered differs for each model. In the past, the majority of vehicle manufacturers offered five-year, 60,000-mile warranties. The changing face of the auto industry is being reflected in the expansion of Powertrain warranties for longer periods. Among the auto manufacturers extending their warranties to six years or 70,000 miles are:
- Acura
- Cadillac
- Lexus
- Infiniti
- Lincoln
There are plenty of auto manufacturers offering the traditional five-year, 60,000-mile warranties, including Dodge, Ford, and Honda. Subaru and Chevrolet also offer five-year Powertrain warranties.
Avoid the Expense of Powertrain Parts and Labor
One of the main reasons drivers purchase an extended Powertrain warranty is the high cost of parts associated with your Powertrain. Your Powertrain includes some of the most expensive parts in your vehicle. Among those that can push the cost of repairs up are your transfer case. A transfer case replacement in a four-wheel-drive vehicle can cost between $2,400 and $3,000. The high price of many parts associated with your Powertrain can be seen in some of the lower-priced options, including a transmission mount costing up to $267.
The rising cost of parts and the precious metals used to manufacture them is driving up the cost of repairs. An engine warranty for an extended period will help you to avoid the rising costs of repairing your vehicle. A warranty will cover the cost of some of the most expensive parts you will need to buy to keep your vehicle on the road. As your car ages it will become susceptible to maintenance problems and general wear and tear. Purchasing an extended warranty will continue to cover you against this form of damage for the long-term.
Why Should You Consider an Extended Warranty?
No matter what kind of vehicle you own, the chances are your repair bills will be rising each year. You will want to have peace of mind that you will be able to keep your vehicle on the road when you are affected by maintenance problems. A repair to the engine or transmission of any vehicle is expensive and time-consuming. Knowing that your repair bill will be lowered by an extended engine warranty gives you confidence to drive your vehicle as much as possible.
There are some benefits to p[urchasing an extended warranty that you may not see at first glance. Some warranties provide you with roadside assistance, towing, and rental car reimbursement. Extended warranties can be more flexible than those provided by a manufacturer. A manufacturer’s warranty will usually require you to return your vehicle to the dealership to complete repairs. Most extended warranties are more flexible in their approach to repairs and allow you the opportunity to choose who completes your repairs.