CAR WARRANTY
Why do I need a car warranty?
After buying a car, there are potentially hundreds of things that can go wrong, from a water pump to a whole engine, leaving you with a big bill to pay.
A car warranty is a form of insurance policy. If the car breaks down due to mechanical or electrical failure or suffers failure of parts covered, the car warranty will cover the costs of replacement parts and labour.
That means that you can continue to drive your car secure in the knowledge that any bills will be paid for by the insurance company.
What does a car warranty cover?
A good car warranty will cover major mechanical components: engine, fuel and ignition systems, cooling system, electrical system, gearbox, clutch, transmission system, steering, suspension and brakes.
Most warranties include a form of breakdown recovery due to a covered part failing.
What are the exclusions?
Most warranties exclude normal wear and tear to wheels, tyres, exhausts, catalytic converter, clutch and brakes. Damage to bodywork, paintwork, glass or headlights are also excluded.
Some electronic or electrical items such as audio equipment or car phones are excluded, although some warranties cover the air conditioning system.
The period of cover is usually twelve months with optional extensions offered for up to three years. Older cars or cars with high mileage may be offered warranty for a three month period only.
Personal warranties tend to cover you against failure caused by wear and tear of covered items, ask the warranty company if they have a 'wear and tear' exclusion.
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