What is Vehicle Warranty Cover?

Ideally, when you purchase a second-hand car, it should come with a service history. A vehicle warranty assures you against mechanical failure, where the car fails to function as expected. It provides you with coverage should you need to claim for major repairs from mechanical breakdown.

These are 8 important points to understand about vehicle warranties:

1. It is a contract provided by the dealer or manufacturer (in the case of new vehicles) to the buyer when the car is sold.
2. In the case of a new vehicle, the manufacturer warranty guarantees the buyer that should the vehicle not function properly, it will be replaced or the buyer refunded.
3. Not all warranties are made equal – they differ between sellers in terms of the validity period and what is covered.
4. As warranties are valid for a specific time period only, a used car will naturally come with a shorter warranty period or may have expired.
5. The warranty policy must list the functions and components covered.
6. If you buy a used car with an expired vehicle warranty, you can take out an aftermarket vehicle warranty.
7. Warranties do not necessarily cover the full claim amount – be wary of this and consider taking out an extended or top-up warranty.
8. It is not a maintenance policy, which covers you for wear and tear and damages to your car.

What is Generally Covered by a Vehicle Warranty?

Warrantees and their validity period will differ depending on various factors:

1. The car manufacturer (in the case of new cars)
2. The age of a used car
3. The dealership where you purchased the car

What is Covered	What is Not Covered
Repair of defects within a fixed period of time	Repairs as a result of damages from an accident
Engine, gearbox, and transmission system	Normal wear and tear items such as tyres, brake pads, and clutch
Fuel and ignition system	Routine services and maintenance
Cooling system	Repairs due to misuse of the car
Electrics	Exterior or body panel damage such as dents and scratches
Steering and suspension	Interior damage such as holes, burns, rips, or broken components
Non-frictional clutch
Brake system parts

5 Top Vehicle Warranty Tips

As mentioned, not all warranties are made equal. Some vehicle warranties will cover almost everything on the vehicle while others will only cover breakdowns or failure to major components of the vehicle.

1. Check the service history of the vehicle – if the vehicle you are purchasing has not been recently serviced, ask your dealer to have one arranged.
2. Ensure repairs or parts replacement is done by an approved service provider or your warranty will be deemed invalid.
3. Notify the dealer or manufacturer as soon as you discover a defect – both by phone and in writing.
4. Make sure you service the car within a certain period of time or mileage.
5. Read the terms and conditions –  if you understand your warranty and follow the rules, you won’t be caught off guard without cover where you thought you were covered.

Where you buy your second-hand car matters. Auto Pedigree vehicles come with proven service history and a stringent 116-point check, so you are assured of driving home a quality used car that is affordable.

Once your manufacturer car warranty expires, you can take out an extended warranty such as the Auto Pedigree ultimate care warranty. This will provide continued peace of mind in the event of mechanical or electrical breakdown.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational, or entertainment purposes only. It must not be construed as advice, legal, financial, or otherwise. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information.