WORDS TO DRIVE BY

Understanding your warranty can help avoid nasty surprises, Jil McIntosh writes.

When your vehicle needs repair, the three most beautiful words are: “It’s under warranty.”

Not everything is, of course, so knowing how warranty coverage works can help to avoid nasty surprises.

The vehicle’s warranty covers component failure or manufacturing defects for a specified time and/or mileage as set by the automaker. It must be a failure in the product: Your heater repair is no charge if the core is defective, but a mouse nest jamming up the system isn’t covered.

Comprehensive warranty is often known as “bumper to bumper.” This generally covers just about anything that fails during the period specified. Most automakers offer warranties ranging from three to five years.

A few components are expected to wear down as part of their normal operation, such as brake pads and wiper blades. They’re usually only covered for one year or 20,000 kilometres.

Tires are covered under a separate warranty issued by the tire manufacturer. If they fail, you’ll have to deal with the tire company or its authorized representative yourself.

Powertrain warranty takes over when the comprehensive warranty expires. It covers the driveline, which includes the engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive components. Although these major components will be no-charge under the coverage, you may have to pay for associated parts that are required for the repair, but aren’t covered themselves, such as belts or hoses.

There are also specific warranties for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles to cover the hybrid system and the battery. These are usually around eight years or 160,000 kilometres. Roadside assistance is no-charge towing and aid for a specified period.

Many automakers send help for flat tires, boosting a dead battery, locked out of your vehicle, or if you’ve run out of fuel. If your vehicle breaks down, you may only be covered for a tow to the nearest dealer.

An emissions warranty covers specific items responsible for reducing tailpipe emissions.

Major components, such the catalytic converter or engine control module, are usually under a long warranty that outlasts the powertrain coverage. Many people take their vehicles to other repair facilities once their warranty is up.

If you do, and your vehicle needs an emissions-related repair, check your warranty; the repair might be a no-charge fix at the dealer. Corrosion warranty is also a long warranty, but the rust must start from within and eat a hole through a body panel.

A rusty bubble under the paint isn’t sufficient for a claim.

All of these warranties are included in the price of the car, and start from the day you take delivery. Any authorized dealer for the brand is expected to honour them. However, in some circumstances, you may have to show proof that you did the scheduled maintenance, such as receipts for oil changes if there’s an issue with the engine.

Beyond the factory coverage, you can buy extended warranties. Essentially, they’re a type of repair insurance.

Extended warranties usually require you to pay a deductible, and it’s important to read the fine print to see what isn’t covered.

The more the plan covers, the more it costs.