You are probably paying good money for the warranty on your new car, so it is best to take steps to ensure it remains in good standing for its duration to help maximize value for your dollar and minimize potential headaches. There are various nuances and differences in warranty coverage across all vehicles and automakers, but understanding what your warranty covers and what it does not is crucial to avoiding common causes of warranty problems. **Warranty Coverage**
Different warranties cover different parts of your car, with EV batteries, hybrid systems, and emission control systems typically coming with the longest coverage, followed closely by engine and powertrain. There’s also a corrosion warranty and basic or bumper-to-bumper warranty. | Warranty Type | Covered Components |
| — | — |
| EV Batteries | Electric motor, battery pack, and charging system |
| Hybrid Systems | Electric motor, battery pack, and fuel injection system |
| Emission Control Systems | Catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and emissions control software |
| Engine and Powertrain | Engine block, crankshaft, camshaft, and transmission |
| Corrosion Warranty | Exterior body panels and chassis |
| Basic or Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty | All major components of the vehicle, including engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems |
When getting to know your car’s warranty, it’s essential to understand what is covered and what is not. This knowledge can help you avoid common mistakes and minimize potential headaches. **Common Causes of Warranty Problems**
There are several common causes of warranty problems, including:
- Modifying the factory programming or software
- Connecting incompatible products to the OBD port
- Installing hardware upgrades that void warranty coverage
- Driving through deep water or using a low-quality snorkel kit
- Lifting or lowering the vehicle without checking warranty compatibility
- Upgrading wheels and tires without proper installation or checking compatibility
Each of these actions can potentially void warranty coverage or lead to costly repairs. **Understanding Factory Programming**
Factory programming sets your car’s engine up for a precisely-selected blend of performance, durability, fuel efficiency, drivability, and emissions performance. Modifying the factory programming is popular among car enthusiasts, but it can lead to wear and damage to the engine, up to and including outright engine failure, which is not covered by warranty.
“If you’re not absolutely sure whether you should plug something into your OBD port, don’t. The stakes are high, and you could cause electronic system damage, trigger anti-theft systems that’ll lock your car’s engine down, or otherwise require a pricey tow-truck ride to the dealership for an even pricier repair that’s not covered by warranty.”
**The Importance of Proper Installation**
When it comes to hardware upgrades, assume that any modifications will void warranty coverage until you’ve got proof to the contrary. Installing a new oil-cooler, remote start, or trailer brake controller can be extremely dangerous for your bank account, with just one wrong splice resulting in thousands of dollars in potential damage. “If you’re considering any modification that requires factory equipment to be opened up, tampered with, or connected to, it’s best to leave it to the pros—and your bank account might just thank you.”
**Driving Through Deep Water**
Driving an off-road SUV or truck through deep water is a great way to ruin its engine, vaporize remaining warranty coverage, and possibly total it. Have fun explaining that one to your insurance company! However, many off-road enthusiasts partake in water crossings regularly with no issue. Still, those gals and guys know exactly what they’re doing, and have the skill and experience that the average first-time off-roader doesn’t. “If you love your vehicle and its warranty, it’s probably best to stay out of the water.”
**Warranty- compatible Suspension Kits**
Lifting and lowering your car or truck can be a great way to make it work better for the way you like to drive. However, before you go slamming that Civic Si or jacking up that new-to-you Silverado Trail Boss, you’ll want to check on warranty compatibility. Certain suspension modifications, and especially those that alter the vehicle’s resting height, can put undue stress on driveline components, inviting accelerated wear, leaks, or failure.
- Available widely for certain vehicles
- Installed by an approved shop
- Require proof of compatibility before installation
By understanding what your car’s warranty covers and what it does not, you can avoid common causes of warranty problems and maximize the value of your purchase. Always research and consult with experts before making any modifications to your vehicle, and keep your warranty manual handy for reference. With the right knowledge and precautions, you can enjoy your new car while minimizing potential headaches and ensuring that it remains in good working condition for years to come.