Learning About Car Warranty Basics
A car warranty is a commitment made by a manufacturer or dealer to fix or replace flaws in your vehicle, or to ensure that your vehicle is of a given standard, for a set length of time.
Warranties aren’t always in writing and aren’t necessarily for new autos. Even used cars purchased “as is” are sometimes covered by warranties. If you take the time to learn about the warranties that come with your automobile, what repairs they cover, and how to enforce them, you may be able to save a lot of money when your car requires repairs.
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Express Warranties
Express warranties are precise guarantees by the manufacturer or seller to fix your car or assurances regarding the quality of your car that are written or verbally disclosed to you. Advertisement promises can also be used to create an explicit warranty. For instance, an advertisement declaring “This car is built of pure steel!” is a written announcement that the automobile is made out of steel. If you find out that the vehicle is made of plastic, you can ask that the warranty be voided and the vehicle be returned to you.
A manufacturer’s warranty covers most repairs for a predetermined length of time on all new autos. Some pre-owned vehicles may come with an extended warranty. If the car is less than a year or two old, for example, the manufacturer’s warranty may still be valid. Alternatively, the seller could provide a guarantee that covers certain systems or repairs.
Implied Warranties
Implied warranties are not written or spoken warranties that apply automatically when you buy an automobile (unless the car is sold “as is”). The implicit warranty of merchantability and the implied warranty of fitness are the two sorts of implied warranties.
Implied Warranty of Merchantability
Given its age and condition, the implied warranty of merchantability ensures that an automobile will perform as intended. This usually indicates that the vehicle is in good condition for the amount paid and is suitable for safe and dependable transportation. It does not imply that the car will be flawless.
Implied Warranty of Fitness
You obtain an implied warranty of fitness when you buy an automobile with a specific purpose in mind. The implied warranty of fitness ensures that the vehicle will fulfill your demands if you advise the seller of your intended use for the car—for example, to climb your steep driveway—and trust the seller’s judgment in selecting a suitable vehicle.
In most places, implied assurances are indefinite. In a few cases, however, the implied warranty lasts the same duration as any express warranty that comes with the car.
Enforcing Car Warranty Rights
If you believe your car warranty does not live up to its terms, you must usually tell the manufacturer. You may lose your right to enforce the warranty if you continue to use the car without notifying the manufacturer of the fault. Notify the manufacturer as soon as you identify the flaw, and repeat your complaint in writing if the company ignores you the first time. Alerting an authorized dealer usually entails notifying the manufacturer—but double-check your Owner’s Manual to be sure. All warranties require you to give the manufacturer a chance to correct the problem.