How to Make Your Car Last Forever: Avoid Expensive Repairs, Improve Fuel Economy, Understand Your Warranty, Save Money

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This kind of activity further reinforces the view that a warranty is an
entitlement and not an agreement. Because of this underhanded practice, car
manufacturers closely scrutinize every warranty claim that comes across their
desks. Whenever anything questionable comes up, the magnifying glass comes
out with laser-like intensity. The customer misreads this action, assuming that
the manufacturer is trying to back out of the agreement. When, in fact, the repair
in question doesn’t qualify under the terms. A repair may not quality for a
number of reasons, ranging from abuse, expiration of the warranty because of
time or mileage, or a part that isn’t covered.
What parts and services are covered under a warranty? The car
manufacturer is responsible for the parts it makes: the engine, transmission,
suspension, steering, computers and emission control devices, instruments,
chassis wiring, and a myriad of other parts that they manufacture. These
components and systems may have different times and mileage coverage.
Maintenance items such as filters are not covered. In addition, wearable items
such as belts, hoses, brake friction material, and rotors, tires, and the likes are
expected to wear out and are therefore not covered under the manufacturer’s
warranty.
There is one exception when wearable items might be covered in a warranty
claim. If a part fails that is under warranty and this causes the failure of a
wearable item, then the warranty will probably cover the replacement of the
wearable item as well. For example, a brake caliper (covered under the
warranty) seizes and will not release, causing both the brake pads and rotor to
wear out. In this case, the pads and rotor will probably be replaced at no charge
to the customer because the part with the warranty caused the damage.
There are many parts that are installed on your vehicle at the time of
manufacture that are not made by the car manufacturer. Items that fall into this
category include tires, aftermarket stereo systems, and conversion components.
If you read the paperwork you receive at the time you purchase your car, you
will find that these items are covered under their own manufacturer’s warranty.
So often I hear stories from consumers and service personnel alike about
warranty nightmares where it was assumed that the part was covered and when a
claim was filed reality struck. The key to avoiding this dilemma is to educate
yourself.

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