What Does A Powertrain Warranty Cover
What Does a Powertrain Warranty Cover? A powertrain warranty is a type of Limited Warranty that covers the cost of repair or replacement for parts of the powertrain, such as the engine and transmission. Because these are some of the most important parts of the vehicle, they can be the costliest to fix. For some drivers, powertrain warranty coverage protects their wallets and their peace of mind.
The Powertrain Warranty Usually Covers
- Transmission. The second-most important component in the powertrain after the engine, the transmission translates engine output into motion that transfers to the driver shaft. Many of today’s front wheel drive cars use a continuously variable transmission, which uses pulleys and belts to accomplish what a traditional transmission does with a clutch and gears.
- Transfer case. For vehicles with all wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, the transmission hands off engine torque to a transfer case. Which in turn sends that output to the front and rear axles through driveshafts.
- Driveshaft. A rod-like component that transports engine torque from the transmission (or transfer case) to the differential on the drive-wheel axle.
- Differential. This is a gearbox sitting on the rear axle, controlling the rotation of the wheels. Making a turn or taking a curve, it’s important that the outside wheel rotates faster than the inside wheel. It’s the job of the differential to ensure that happens. On FWD vehicles, this box sits next to the transmission and is called a transaxle.
- Axle. This is the rod-like component responsible for actually rotating the wheels.
The Engine and Its Parts
Several parts comprise the engine. It’s the most expensive of the powertrain components. Usually, a powertrain warranty will cover nearly all of its parts. These include:
- Oil pan
- Cylinder block
- Heads
- Valvetrain
- Fuel injectors
- Timing belt
- Flywheel
- Fuel, water, and oil pumps
- Gaskets and seals
- Other internal parts
For the most part, the warranty covers major failures of the powertrain components.
What’s Excluded From A Powertrain Warranty?
In general, a powertrain warranty covers the engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axles on vehicles. However, it excludes damages caused by the following:
- Accidents or collisions
- Insufficient or improper maintenance
- Vehicle misuse
- Maintenance services like oil changes and tire rotations
- Contaminated or low-quality fuel
- Corrosion or rust
- Wear and tear parts like brake pads
- Environmental causes
- Aftermarket products
- Alterations you were warned against
- Systems like air conditioning and heating
The sections of the powertrain warranty may vary depending on your warranty provider, as well as on your car make and model. In general, powertrain warranties cover the engine, transmission, transfer case, and axle assemblies on vehicles.
How Long Does a Powertrain Warranty Last
Powertrain warranty coverage is based on the number of years you’ve owned your vehicle and/or mileage. Factory powertrain coverage lasts between four years/50,000 miles and 10 years/100,000 miles, depending on the automaker. Typically, powertrain warranties offer 5 years/60,000-100,000 miles.
There is also the option to extend a powertrain warranty. Extended powertrain warranties last for as long as your contract states or as long as you continue making monthly payments. Extended warranties can be purchased at your vehicle’s dealership or from a third-party extended vehicle warranty provider.
Should I Extend My Powertrain Warranty
As your factory warranty comes to a close, you may find yourself wondering whether your car is safe without an extended powertrain warranty. It’s smart to consider the following as you think of what a powertrain warranty covers on used cars as well as high-mileage vehicles:
- Is your car dependable?
- Can you afford unexpected repairs without a warranty?
- How much longer will you keep the car?
- Is a bumper-to-bumper warranty a better choice?
- Can you handle the stress of unexpected repair bills?
If you’d prefer to pay one monthly payment upfront instead of having repair costs sneak up on you, an Extended Car Warranty may be a wise choice.
Factory Vs Extended Powertrain Warranties
Exactly how your powertrain warranty works may depend on where you get it.
- Manufacturer powertrain warranties, also called factory powertrain warranties, are included with every new car sold in the United States. They typically last for at least four years or 50,000 miles from when the car was first sold, although some manufacturers offer powertrain warranties that last 10 years or 100,000 miles. Factory powertrain warranties follow the car, not the owner. Which means there’s a good chance you still have some factory powertrain warranty left if you purchase a newer pre-owned vehicle.
- Extended powertrain warranties are optional add-ons that can provide coverage after your factory warranty expires. Most manufacturers sell their own extended warranties, but you can also purchase them from third-party warranty companies, like Endurance. Extended Powertrain Warranties typically provide coverage that’s similar to your factory warranties, though some plans may also cover extra parts, like your air conditioner and water pump.
The other key difference between a factory powertrain warranty and an extended powertrain warranty is that factory warranties require you to visit the dealership for warranty repairs, while the latter will usually let you visit the ASE-certified mechanic of your choice.
