Are lifetime powertrain warranties worth it?

Buying a car that comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty can provide you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the most important parts of your car are covered for good. If you can find a car that comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty, that's definitely a plus for that car.

How valuable is a powertrain warranty?

Even basic powertrain repairs can end up costing thousands of dollars in labor and parts, so a good powertrain warranty can be especially valuable as your vehicle ages. For example, it can cost upwards of $6,000 to replace the transmission on a 2018 Honda Civic, according to RepairPal.

What does a limited lifetime powertrain warranty cover?

What Is a Lifetime Limited Powertrain Warranty? Simply put, it is a warranty that provides protection for as long as you own the car to the key component groups that are essential to keeping your vehicle running: the engine, transmission/transfer case/all-wheel drive assembly, and drivetrain assembly.

How many miles does a powertrain last?

Powertrain coverage is typically for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. That number might differ slightly for different car makes or specific vehicles, though.

Are lifetime warranties really lifetime?

A lifetime warranty can mean the life of the product; once a manufacturer stops making replacement parts, the warranty ends. It can also mean as long as a company is in business, or as long as you are the first owner.

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What is the difference between lifetime warranty and lifetime guarantee?

Difference between Warranty and Guarantee

People associate the term 'guarantee' with a full refund or replacement of the product itself, whereas a warranty often points in the direction of repairs and maintenance to the same product.

What does a lifetime guarantee really mean?

“Lifetime guarantees” are a slippery concept which could mean the lifetime of the customer, the product or the manufacturer. The terms and conditions should make the distinction clear, but yours do not. Thomas Pertaia, legal adviser at DAS Law, reckons that the term itself could compromise consumer rights.

What voids a powertrain warranty?

Misuse of vehicle: If you use your vehicle for anything other than day-to-day driving, such as off-roading or racing, your warranty will be voided. This also includes using improper fluids. Total loss: If your vehicle was given a salvage title after a severe accident, your warranty is void.

Is timing belt covered under powertrain warranty?

A powertrain warranty also covers the timing belt for older cars. Often, the wiring and sensors aren't covered under a powertrain warranty. These are considered wear and tear items, which are replaced with normal use.

Is oxygen sensor covered under powertrain warranty?

Does Powertrain Warranty Cover Oxygen Sensors? As a general rule, powertrain warranties do not cover sensor wear and tear.

Does a powertrain warranty cover oil leaks?

Ultimately this depends on where the oil is leaking from and why, but generally, most oil leaks are covered under the powertrain warranty. If you're experiencing an oil leak and are unsure whether you're covered, check your terms or speak with your provider.

Is timing chain part of powertrain?

In general, the powertrain warranty covers the: Engine (cylinder block, cylinder heads, fuel pump, engine mounts, injection pump, manifold, oil pump, seals & gaskets, thermostat, timing chain, etc.)

Is a starter covered under powertrain warranty?

The starter must have a powertrain warranty as well. A powertrain warranty does not cover the starter, which gets the gasoline engine started. instead, if you purchased an extended warranty, you could do so under the “electrical” section of the factory warranty.

Is a rear differential covered under powertrain warranty?

What Does a Powertrain Warranty Cover? Simply put, this is a warranty on components of the vehicle's propulsion system, including the engine, transmission, and other related pieces such as the differential.

Does powertrain warranty cover catalytic converter?

Wheel bearings, catalytic converters, oil pumps, and water pumps are other parts that are potentially not covered. A good rule of thumb is that anything considered to be a wear item is not covered by a powertrain warranty.

Are spark plugs covered under powertrain warranty?

Here are other components and instances the carmaker's powertrain warranty doesn't cover: Wear-and-tear parts like spark plugs, air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, clutch, brake pads, and CV joints.

Is a head gasket covered under warranty?

A powertrain warranty will not only cover the head gasket but the entire powertrain components. This plan is necessary since repairing and fixing most powertrain parts is usually very expensive.

Is a wheel bearing covered under warranty?

Wheel bearings cannot be covered under extended warranties since they are considered as wear and tear parts.

Does cold air intake void warranty?

Will a Cold air Intake Void my factory warranty? No. In the United States, for the manufacturer of a warranted product (in this case, a vehicle) to void or deny warranty coverage of a repair due to the use of an aftermarket part (a Cold Air Inductions, Inc.

Do I have to service my car at the dealer to keep the warranty valid?

In order to keep your car's warranty valid, your car will need to be serviced using approved parts. You can get your car serviced anywhere, but by going to a main dealer, you can be sure those all-important approved parts are used.

Does changing tires void warranty?

NOTHING will void your warranty. Warranty claims can be DENIED if an aftermarket part can be proven to have been a direct cause of the problems. It doesn't mean that dealers won't go as far as they can to deny your claim - but you have clearly documented rights. Wheels and tires aren't a concern at all.

How many years is a limited lifetime warranty?

Limited lifetime warranty is a warranty against manufacturer defects, not normal wear and tear. It is for the lifetime of the part and not of the vehicle.

Do brake pads have lifetime warranty?

One part that is commonly available with a lifetime guarantee is your vehicle's brake pads.

What is the legal difference between warranty and guarantee?

The Legalities

Linguistically, both a warranty and a guarantee are promises to the customer. The difference is their legal standing. Guarantees are more or less verbal promises whereas most warranties are written contractual agreements that are more legally binding to protect both parties.

What does unlimited lifetime warranty mean?

But the actual scope of a lifetime warranty may mean the item is covered for its lifetime on the market (until it is discontinued) or it may last only for as long as the original buyer owns it, but it rarely comes without conditions.