In general automobile warranties come into two varieties – one for the new car fresh from the manufacturer and extended warranties that cover specific things that could go wrong with a car.  When you buy a new car you are immediately given a manufacturer’s warranty that will protect you from having to spend a lot of money if something has happened.

Here are a few examples of the types of manufacturer warranties that you will be offered along with your new car –

Basic Warranty

These types of guaranteeing documents  are based on terms that are established by each different car manufacturer.  No two basic warranties are the same so you need to do research on each before you buy a car.

However there are some generalities about auto warranties that can be Meade. Typically the warranty for a domestic car is three years or 36,000 miles and for Asian vehicles it is four years or 50,000 miles.  The warranty basically guarantees that the manufacture will repair the car within a specified amount of time. 

Usually items that wear out like wiper blades, tires and the battery are not covered and instead are covered by something called the bumper-to-bumper warranty.  Bumper to bumper warranties are not transferable either and they vary greatly from car manufacturer to car manufacturer as well. Mostly they are offered as a selling point to make the car deal more attractive to you in the first place.

Powertrain Warranty

As basic warranties are not that big of a selling point more and more car manufacturers are offering warranties that last for a longer term than basic warranties historically ever have. After your basic warranty expires this type of warranty typically begins to offer you some additional coverage. Many auto sellers offer the powertrain warranty on a car as a marketing incentive.

The Powertrain warranty is usually a limited form of warranty and covers only the engine, drive axles and transmission of a new automobile. Some powertrain warranties have a deductible and one thing your should look for are powertrain warranties with low deductibles before you buy. Most cannot be transferred to the new owner of a car if you sell it.

Emissions Warranties

These types of warranties are based on federal regulations in fifty states across the United States. They address the stricter Emissions laws in some states such as Connecticut, California, New York and Massachusetts.  Basically this type of warranty makes sure that certain parts of your car like the catalytic converter and electronic emissions controls are covered for up to eight years or 80,000 miles.

Corrosion Warranty

This is the type of warranty that will cover rust that occurs on a car. However most of these types of warranties only cover rust that actually perforates the metal and causes small holes. Smaller examples of damage from rust such chips, scratches, peeling and nicks in the car’s metal are not covered under a corrosion warranty. Usually what is covered with regards to this is outlined very specifically in your Owner’s Manual.