Manufacturers' Auto Warranties

Powertrain Warranty

When you buy a new car or truck, you may receive a powertrain warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty covers only the engine and transmission after your more comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty expires.

The good news is, a powertrain warranty covers parts and labor for the most expensive breakdowns your car can experience: engine and transmission failure. The bad news is that other repairs are not covered, even when they are more likely to break down. In total, a powertrain warranty covers about one quarter of your vehicle's parts. Coverage will not apply when damage is caused by an accident, lack of proper maintenance, misuse or alteration of the vehicle, or bad fuel.

What You Should Know

A typical manufacturer's powertrain warranty covers:

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

Yes, the bumper-to-bumper warranty is very much like it sounds. This is the most comprehensive warranty you can buy, and may be wrapped up in the warranty package you get from the manufacturer when you purchase your car. However, it is not necessarily included in new vehicle purchases, and you may have to pay an additional premium.

It might amuse you to know that some bumper-to-bumper warranties don't actually cover bumpers. You should know the exemptions and exclusions before you rely on this warranty to protect you against any breakdown. Very often, the bumper-to-bumper warranty covers everything that isn't covered by another warranty.

A bumper-to-bumper auto warranty covers most or all parts of your vehicle, and repairs ranging from major mechanical problems to small details. Manufacturers may pay for some routine maintenance, some wear and tear, and emergency roadside assistance like rental reimbursement, towing and even free fuel.

What You Should Know

Because so much is covered in a bumper-to-bumper warranty, you are more likely to get a list of exclusions than a list of benefits.

Exclusions to bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage include:

• Damage due to neglect or accident
• Rust
• Emissions control
• Tires
• Brake pads, drums and rotors
• Wiper blades
• Hoses and belts
• Light bulbs

In addition to exclusions, you also need to know about the conditions you must meet in order to qualify for coverage. Usually "regular maintenance" means that you are required to visit the dealership to for scheduled maintenance, including oil changes.

Is the warranty transferable?

Be aware that some manufacturers' warranties disappear if you sell your vehicle, even while it is still under contract for coverage. And, the contract period can vary widely, starting at 3 year/36,000 mile warranties. If the warranty is transferable, you may be required to pay an administrative fee. A new car extended warranty from Continental is transferable, making your vehicle more valuable to potential buyers.

Emissions Warranties

Federal regulations require manufacturers to provide coverage to control emissions in all states. The government also dictates the conditions of the Federal Emissions Warranty. The emissions warranty is designed to limit automobile emissions without burdening drivers with the cost of repairs when something goes wrong with the vehicle's emission system.

Vehicles are covered by two types of emissions warranty: the Emissions Design and Defect Warrant and the Emissions Performance Warranty. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides additional information to explain the details and coverage of each warranty, and how to make a claim.

The Emissions Performance Warranty

This warranty typically covers repairs on a vehicle for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, and may vary depending on the state where you live. The coverage applies when your vehicle fails an emissions inspection. Certain parts may be covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles.

Your state's conditions for coverage may vary. However, under general warranty requirements, you qualify for coverage when:

• State law requires you to repair your vehicle
• Your vehicle failed an emissions inspection
• The failure was not caused by your misuse of the vehicle or ignore the manufacturer's maintenance instructions

The Emissions Design and Defect Warranty

If your 1995 or newer vehicle's emissions parts fail during the warranty period, preventing your vehicle from meeting state emissions standards, you may qualify for coverage under this warranty.

Federal law requires that any emissions control or emissions related parts that fail due to manufacturer defect must be repaired or replaced for the duration of the warranty. Coverage is usually in line with the manufacturer's bumper-to-bumper warranty for major emissions control components for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, certain parts are covered only for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles.

Your owner's manual can tell you your exact Emissions Defect Warranty coverage. Again, this may vary from state to state. If you live in California, you may receive additional coverage. For help understanding your coverage or to file a claim, contact a local car dealer or a representative of the vehicle's manufacturer.

What You Should Know

What are major emissions control components?

For 1995 or newer vehicles, these are the parts covered for up to 8 years of 80,000 miles. They include :

• The catalytic converters
• The onboard emissions diagnostic device or computer
• The electronic emissions control unit or computer

What is the difference between an "emissions control part" and an "emissions related part?" You should know, as they are subject to different levels of coverage.

Emissions control parts have a primary function in the emissions system. They include:

• Exhaust Gas Conversion Systems
• Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
• Ignition Systems
• Evaporative Emission Control System
• Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System: PCV valve, PCV solenoid
• Air Injection System
• Air Induction System
• Fuel Metering System
• Early Fuel Evaporative (EFE) System: EFE valve, thermal vacuum switch, heat riser valve
• Other miscellaneous parts (see your local dealer or contact the manufacturer to find out what else is covered)

Emissions related parts aren't directly related to the emissions system but have an impact on how it operates. They include:

• Exhaust System
• Air Induction System
• Fuel Injection System
• Ignition System
• Other miscellaneous parts (see your local dealer or contact the manufacturer to find out what else is covered)

The law protects you from having to pay for emissions repairs that are under warranty. However, there are conditions under which the manufacturer could deny a claim and refuse coverage. Generally these conditions apply when the vehicle has been deliberately misused or tampered with, or improperly maintained.

Emissions warranty protection does cover used vehicles, but it is your responsibility to know whether the car was properly maintained before you became the owner. If it wasn't, you could be denied coverage when you need it. Emissions warranty coverage does not last forever. When it expires, you'll need the protection of an extended warranty.