The Lowdown on Automobile Warranties
Learn about express and implied warranties and how to enforce a warranty.
An automobile warranty is a promise by a manufacturer or dealer that it will repair or replace defects in your car, or that your car will be of a certain quality, for a specified period of time.
Warranties are not just for new cars and are not always in writing. In some cases, even used cars purchased “as is” are covered by warranties. If you take the time to find out what warranties come with your car, what repairs those warranties cover, and how to enforce your warranties, you may save yourself a significant amount of money when your car needs repair. (To learn about automobile service contracts, also called extended warranties, see When Do You Need an Automobile Service Contract?)
Express Warranties
Express warranties are specific promises to repair your car, or statements about the quality of your car, that are written or orally communicated to you by the manufacturer or seller. An express warranty can also be created through promises in advertisements. For example, an ad claiming that “This car is made of pure steel!” is an express warranty that the automobile is made of steel. If you discover that the car is made of plastic, you can demand that the warrantor take the car back because it has breeched the warranty.
All new cars come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers most repairs for a specified period of time -- usually three year to four years or 36,000 -48,000 miles, whichever comes first. Some used cars also come with an express warranty. For example, if the car is less than a year or two old, the manufacturer’s warranty may still be in effect. Or, the seller may offer a warranty that covers certain systems or repairs.
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