Being a car owner comes with many responsibilities and having some information, which can be overwhelming at times. One of the topics that confuses many drivers is the car warranty, so let's find out together what it includes, what it actually is and what are the essential things you need to know about it.
Contents:
2. What does the car warranty include?
3. What do I do in case of loss of car warranty?
1. What is a car warranty?
The car warranty works just like the warranties on other items we buy. It is, in fact, an assurance to the buyer that if the purchased item does not meet the conditions or condition stated in the sales contract, the buyer must either get the product repaired or replaced or the money back. So, it's a very important aspect to know if you've been researching car sales lately and want to buy a car.
Even if you buy a second-hand car, you can benefit from a warranty, usually offered by manufacturers or dealers. Of course, its validity can differ greatly for both new and used cars, depending on several factors such as the brand, capacity, condition of the car, its age, etc.
2. What does the car warranty include?
As already mentioned, warranty can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer or dealer to dealer. Generally, for a new car, you can expect the warranty to cover a maximum of 2-3 years or a set number of kilometers (usually between 100,000 and 150,000). Some brands choose to offer other types of guarantees, more specific: for original accessories (2 years), for spare parts (2 years), for paint defects (3-5 years) or anti-corrosion (10-12 years).
In most cases, in order to benefit from the full validity of the warranty, you must comply with certain conditions. For example, it is only valid on the territory of our country and applies only to the first buyer. Some warranties only cover the powertrain, while others become void if you take your car to a non-authorized service center. Moreover, it is important to respect the dates when you have to do the overhaul or the ITP, otherwise the warranty becomes void.
Also keep in mind that most warranties don't cover damage that normally occurs to your car as a result of normal use and wear and tear. It is also void if a breakdown occurs as a result of your (or the car's driver, if you are not) negligence or improper use. That's why it's important to read the machine's owner's manual and make sure you're using it correctly.
One last point is that the warranty does not cover absolutely every type of overhaul or problem that may occur within the specified time frame. For some interventions, it can only partially cover the costs for certain damages. So, carefully read the documents that come with the car you buy to understand exactly what the car warranty means. It is also recommended to avoid warranties that contain vague expressions and unclear terms, as you may have surprises later when you have a real need to use it.
3. What do I do in case of loss of car warranty?
As we said above, the warranty can be lost if you do not respect any of its contractual terms. Read carefully what the car warranty includes and be careful not to make unauthorized changes to the car (tuning), go to authorized services or approved by the manufacturer/dealer, and there make sure that the mechanics use authorized parts. Driving must be done according to regulations, and any handling must be done with care. Otherwise, you will lose the warranty and will no longer benefit from compensation for repair costs.
What do you do if you lose the warranty? If the manufacturer or service representative has found that any of the terms of the warranty have been violated, there is not much you can do. In the worst case, you will have to pay out of pocket for repairs and other costs that are necessary for the car.
Of course, you can appeal to the competent authorities to complain about the refusal of the guarantee, if you consider that, in fact, you have not violated its terms. But this is a waste of time and money that may be unnecessary if you are really guilty.
In conclusion, the most important thing is to be informed about what is involved in the car warranty that you receive when you purchase your car. Comply with the provisions and you will be able to save expenses on possible repairs or problems that you may have in the future.
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