Extended Car Warranties

Frequently called the basic warranty, a bumper-to-bumper warranty covers practically every component on a new car.

Most leave out standard maintenance, like fluid top-offs and oil changes, but a a small number of luxury brands - particularly BMW and Saab - have separate free maintenance provisions.

Bumper-to-bumper warranties generally expire faster than powertrain warranties. American and Japanese cars usually come with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty while luxury and more expensive brands carry a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty.

Don't think that a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty promises a decade of free repairs for your car.

It usually covers only the engine, transmission and drive axles. This represents about 20% of your car or truck.

Some systems NOT covered include air conditioning, electronics, steering, suspension and high tech electronics.

If you buy an extended new car warranty from Warranty Direct instead of from the dealership, you'll save money and you won't have to worry about costly repairs after your basic warranty expires.

Most car manufacturers include roadside assistance with their new car warranties.

These programs include anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump starts and vehicle towing.

With a Warranty Direct extended auto warranty, you'll have Roadside Assistance for many years to come - no more changing tires for you!

Since 1972, the government has mandated that all vehicles have emissions controls like oxygen sensors and catalytic converters.

Two types of warranties exist:

1) Performance Warranties - Performance warranties oblige car manufacturers to fix or fine-tune emissions controls for a minimum of two years or 24,000 miles if the car doesn't pass an emissions test.

2) Design and Defect Warranties - If emissions controls fail independent of a test, the design and defect warranty covers them for at least two years or 24,000 miles.

Key components like catalytic converters and engine control modules are covered for performance and defects for eight years or 80,000 miles.

On some items, California residents are entitled to further coverage.

The corrosion warranty covers body panels that have rusted all the way through.

Such policies commonly last five to six years and have no mileage restrictions.

They only cover full perforation - a somewhat infrequent occurrence with today's rust-proofing - so you'll most likely be turned down for a claim for sheet metal that's only moderately rusted.

Components in the drivetrain in hybrid vehicles include the high-voltage battery pack along with the hybrid assist motor and the electrical connections in between.

These components may be extremely costly to repair or replace, so car manufacturers provide liberal warranties, usually 8 years and from 80,000 to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

You can get an extended vehicle warranty for hybrid cars, too.

Most car makers incorporate seat belts and airbags with powertrain or bumper-to-bumper warranties.

Others make separate provisions, and the warranties sometimes carry no expiration date.

Seat belts are normally covered for operating usability only, so don't anticipate a replacement for discoloration or other cosmetic defects.

You can get a free no obligation extended car warranty quote from Warranty Direct by calling (800) 632-4222 or completing the online quote form - you'll get an immediate quote.

Warranty Direct is a division of one of the largest independent extended automotive warranty providers in North America.

We let you use the repair facility of YOUR choice (dealer, national chain, local mechanic) and pay your claim quickly and efficiently over the phone via our corporate credited card.