It’s become somewhat of a joke - a meme - that letter or phone call asking you about your extended warranty. But when it comes to your vehicle, did you ever wonder if maybe you should get one?
The Folsom Auto Mall breaks down the benefits of an extended warranty so you can make an educated decision.

You can purchase an extended warranty for your vehicle directly from the manufacturer or a third party provider. Both options are available right at the dealership.

With a new car, the benefits of buying a manufacturer’s warranty at the dealership are that your repairs will be completed by a factory-trained mechanic with original factory parts. If you sell your vehicle, a manufacturer warranty is typically transferable, too. The certified repairs and transferable warranty will make your vehicle more valuable when it’s time to sell or trade.

The best time to buy an extended warranty is while your vehicle is still under its original factory warranty, if possible. In this case, the additional coverage will be less expensive.

With a used vehicle, there are several third party providers that offer additional warranty coverage - and you can buy these right at the dealership too. The peace of mind may be worth the relatively inexpensive add-on. Many times, your warranty can pay for itself after just one major repair.

Most extended warranties cover malfunctions of major systems like the powertrain. Some cover minor things like dent repair or key replacement. A bumper-to-bumper warranty can cover more systems like heating and air conditioning, brakes or steering; many bumper-to-bumper warranties also cover technology like safety and entertainment systems. Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and third party providers have several options to choose from. Some plans run for specific period of time while others are based on mileage. At the end of the day, though, the main purpose of an extended warranty is to cover major mechanical repairs (engine, transmission, electrical & drivetrain).

To understand the benefits of a straightforward extended warranty, think about the cost to replace these covered items:
An engine can cost anywhere from $3000-$5000 to replace; transmissions typically cost $2500-$3500; electrical systems can be up to $2000 and an air conditioning replacement can cost up to $1200 - or more!

Sometimes extended warranties cover additional benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, battery replacement or rental car coverage. It’s nice to know that if you run out of gas or get a flat tire, you’re warranty can cover it.

Remember, extended warranties typically do not cover damage caused by abuse, neglect or car accidents.

There are a lot of choices when it comes to extended warranties. Do your research and read the fine print. The bottom line is that extended warranties are actually an insurance policy for if/when sometimes major goes wrong. You just have to ask yourself if the price is worth your peace of mind.

Visit the Folsom Auto Mall to ask any questions and see what your options are to protect your vehicle. We’re happy to help you navigate your choices!
Categories: tips, Maintenance, Car Care