Who Needs a Car Care Warranty?

My dad never needed a car care warranty. So why should I bother with one? About once a month I get something in the mail telling me about some new warranty service for my car. My car is only 4 years old. I take it to the shop regularly. Why would I need a warranty? I don't even know what good it is, anyhow.  Find out which extended auto warranty company we recommend.

You see, my dad was very thorough and very mechanically inclined. If ever a car had a problem, he solved it and usually quite quickly. Because he took such good care of his cars there were rarely any serious issues. Well, there are exceptions. Like the time we were on vacation in 1962 driving a 1957 Dodge sedan and the transmission died somewhere in Wyoming. It seemed like the end of the world. Dad did not say much except, "The warranty ran out". Then he went for a walk. I never understood that. Well dad can't fix my cars any more, so maybe I do need to find out more about this warranty business.

So, what is a car warranty? It is a legal document from the people who made the car that says what the vehicle is and that they made it. It is also a kind of protection for you and for the car dealer. It is like a guarantee that is specific to the vehicle or its parts or to some service that the car dealer provides.

All warranties are not identical. Limitations are built into car care warranties. It is important to learn what your car care warranty really covers. Your car dealer can show you the details. Things that are subject to normal wear and tear like your tires or windshield wipers are not usually covered. Nor do they cover things that might be caused by your abuse of the vehicle. Most car warranties will cover major systemic parts and repairs, like the transmission, engine, drive shaft and electrical systems like power windows or doors.

If your car is still under warranty and something goes wrong, the dealer generally does not charge you to repair it. Also while your car is under warranty from the manufacturer you can get it serviced by any dealer, not just the one where you bought it. So if you are buying a new car, check out what the warranty covers. If you are buying a used car, like I usually do, that warranty may be as valuable as the title and registration papers.

The time to get your warranty is when you are right there at the dealership when you buy your car. It might seem like a lot of extra money for nothing, but in the long run it will save you money if your car ever gives you trouble. Most manufacturers’ warranties are valid for up to 3 years.

It has been a long time since I actually changed the oil in my car, like dad always used to do. So, maybe since dad is not around to take care of my car I really do need a car care warranty.

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