How to use your car warranty successfully
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Overtime maintenance is required on all vehicles, and having a good warranty can come in handy when your vehicle needs parts or service. Most warranties cover a number of different repairs over a period of time after the vehicle is purchased. However, knowing how to enforce your warranty is an important step in making sure you get the coverage you were promised. Dealer warranties can differ significantly from manufacturer warranties, so be aware of which one you have.
Below are a few simple steps that will show you how to cover your bases when using the warranty and make sure it is honored when it comes time to use it.
Part 1 of 4: Read the Warranty Terms
One of the most important steps in using your warranty is understanding its terms. A warranty is essentially an agreement between the owner of the car and the company that makes the car. Each warranty will have certain conditions that the car owner must follow in order for the warranty to remain active.
Step 1: Read the entire warranty. Make sure you understand all terms and conditions that may void your warranty in the future. It is usually included with the user manual.
The following are some general terms of the agreement that may be helpful to consider when considering a warranty:
Term 1: Liquids. Make sure you understand what fluids are required for your vehicle under warranty. For example, car manufacturers may refuse a warranty if you do not follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Check how often the manufacturer recommends changing your fluids to make sure you follow their recommendations.
Term 2: Modifications. Look for any conditions regarding modifications to your car or truck. As a rule, car manufacturers will not honor warranties if you make modifications to your car that cause a part to break. This includes modifications to the body, engine and tires.
Term 3: Time. Unfortunately, guarantees don't last forever. Make sure you know how long your warranty is.
Term 4: Exceptions. Look for any services or parts that are excluded from the warranty. Wear and tear is often included in exceptions.
Term 5: Service. Understand how the warranty covers repairs and service, especially noting if they require you to repair it first and submit an invoice so they can reimburse you for the cost of the service.
Step 2: Ask for clarification. If you do not understand something in the warranty, be sure to contact the warranty company for clarification.
- FunctionsA: Contact the Federal Trade Commission for federal laws regarding all warranties.
Part 2 of 4: Follow the Service Schedule in Your Warranty
Most warranties require consumers to service their vehicles regularly. Be sure to follow this schedule or your warranty may be voided.
Step 1: Service your car regularly. Maintain your vehicle regularly and be sure to use the recommended products.
Step 2: Keep service records and receipts for all services.. Having a folder specifically for these records is the best way to keep them in one place so they're easy to find if you need to show them when using your warranty for repairs.
- AttentionA: Many warranties cover individual parts and certain brand products. However, the warranty company does not have the right to deny a claim just because you choose to use a remanufactured or "aftermarket" part (an aftermarket part is any part that was not made by the vehicle's manufacturer). If the part was installed incorrectly, or is defective and damages another part of the vehicle, then the warranty may be void.
Part 3 of 4: Provide maintenance and repair records
When using your warranty for repairs, be sure to bring your records. If you cannot prove that your vehicle has been serviced at the recommended intervals and with the recommended parts, the warranty will not be honored.
Necessary materials
- Warranty
- service records
Step 1. Bring your records to the dealership.. This may include any documents you have for your vehicle, including your title and registration.
- Functions: Keep your notes in an envelope so they are easy to find. Make sure to put them together before you go to a car dealership.
Step 2: Bring a copy of the warranty for reference. It is recommended that you keep the warranty along with other important documents such as title and registration, or in the glove compartment of your vehicle. It will be helpful to have warranty details with you when you go to the dealership.
Step 3: Submit original dated copies of completed work.. You must keep all service receipts after work is done on your vehicle, including routine maintenance such as oil and fluid changes.
If you've made repairs, keep your receipt. It is recommended that you keep them together in one place and bring them with you to the dealership in an envelope so that you have proof of any work done on your vehicle.
Part 4 of 4. Talk to the manager
If you are denied warranty coverage, ask to speak with a manager at the dealership. Referring to the manual and submitting your records will help clear up any confusion about your warranty coverage.
Another option is to contact the warranty company. Contacting the warranty company directly by phone or in writing may help you resolve warranty discrepancies.
Step 1: Save Letters or Emails. Be sure to keep a record of any emails or letters you write to the warranty company. These notes may come in handy later if you need them for any legal action.
- FunctionsA: In addition to maintaining service records, you should also keep receipts for any repairs other than regular vehicle maintenance. This is especially important for any work you have done outside of the dealership, such as a repair done by one of our mechanics.
The warranty can come in handy when you need your car repaired. However, it is important to read your warranty carefully to understand its terms. If you do not, you may find yourself in breach of the terms or requesting coverage for a service or part that is not covered by your warranty. If you are not sure about the terms of your warranty, be sure to ask someone from your dealer for clarification on any questions.
