Law

Should I Pay for Vehicle Service If my Vehicle Is Under Warranty?

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Purchasing a vehicle, whether used or new, is one of the most exciting things. After all, you get the flexibility of driving from one place to another with little to no limitations. However, the car being an investment requires regular inspections and maintenance to operate properly. This means that taking your vehicle to a dealership or vehicle repair center is imperative to retain its functionality. 

But, as a first-time vehicle owner, you may wonder, “if my car is under warranty do I have to pay for a service?” And trust us; you aren’t alone thinking about it. Every first-time vehicle owner has this concern. 

Let’s dive into this blog to determine how the vehicle warranty actually works. But first, let’s clear our basics –

What is a vehicle warranty?

A vehicle warranty is a written guarantee provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle. As per this document, the manufacturer agrees to cover various faults and damages in your vehicle that may have occurred over time. 

This warranty can sometimes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, most coverages in terms of repair and replacement are the same. 

So, if you are wondering, “if my car is under warranty can I take it to any dealership,” then keep in mind that if the dealership is authorized to offer services, you are good to go for it. Also, if the issue displayed in your vehicle is covered in the warranty, then you won’t have to pay anything for the service. 

For more information on arbitration and other frequently asked vehicle warranty questions, click here.

Below mentioned are three types of car warranties – 

1- Factory warranty – This type of warranty offers coverage for defective parts that are a result of a manufacturer error or poor workmanship. Factory warranty is meant for certified pre-owned vehicles or new vehicles. 

Factory warranty for used cars depends upon the manufacturer and dealership. 

2- Bumper-to-bumper warranty – This type of warranty deals with exhaustive coverage for the vehicle and is sometimes also referred to as manufacturer or exclusionary warranty because some vehicle components don’t get covered under this warranty. 

You require purchasing this New Car warranty for your used or new vehicle. 

The coverage includes – 

  • AC and heating issues
  • Major vehicle systems 
  • Safety systems
  • Electrical systems 
  • Steering
  • Fuel system

3- Extended warranty – This type of coverage provides complete coverage along with a regular vehicle warranty. 

An extended warranty manages to cover different parts of the car. However, they cost a lot and can vary in terms and conditions from each other.  

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An extended warranty can be purchased from a third-party provider or the manufacturer.

How long will your warranty last?

Even though the answer to your question, “if my car is under warranty can I take it to any dealership?” is a “Yes,” it is worth noting the length of each warranty. 

Factory warranty – 36,000 miles or 3 to 5 years

Manufacturer’s warranty – 36,000 miles or 3 years

Extended warranty – 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5 to 10 years. 

Signing off

We are confident that the information mentioned above was able to answer your question, “if my car is under warranty do I have to pay for a service?” 

In case your appeal to claim the car warranty was rejected by the dealership even though your vehicle is under warranty, consider connecting with experts at Allen Stewart. They can offer guidance and help to contest the rejection.

This information brought to you by Allen Stewart P.C.