Car warranties protect new vehicle owners from costly repairs but vary widely in coverage and duration. Here’s what you need to know about the types of warranties available and what they typically cover.

Types of Car Warranties

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
- Covers: Most nonwear items like power windows, infotainment systems.
- Excludes: Wear-and-tear items (e.g., brake pads, tires) and routine maintenance.
- Duration: 3 years/36,000 miles (standard); luxury brands may offer 4 years/50,000 miles.

Powertrain Warranty
- Covers: Major components like the engine, transmission, drive axles, and electric motors.
- Duration: Typically 5–6 years or 60,000–70,000 miles.
- Notable Brands: Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi offer 10 years/100,000 miles.

Corrosion Warranty
- Covers: Perforating (holes) and surface rust.
- Excludes: Rust caused by flooding or road salt exposure.
- Duration: Varies by brand; examples include:
- Ford: 3 years/36,000 miles (surface), 5 years/unlimited mileage (perforation).
- BMW, Porsche, Volvo: 12 years (corrosion).

Emissions Warranty
- Covers: Components ensuring the vehicle meets emissions standards (e.g., catalytic converter, emissions control unit).
- Duration:
- Federal Requirement: 2 years/24,000 miles for most components.
- Major Components: 8 years/80,000 miles.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Warranty
- Covers: Batteries for hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs.
- Duration: 8 years/100,000 miles (common).
- Some manufacturers replace batteries if charging capacity drops below 70%.

Important Warranty Details

• Included in Price: Factory warranties are built into the vehicle’s cost, unlike extended warranties.
• Voiding Risks: Misuse (e.g., off-road driving, poor maintenance) can void your warranty.
• Coverage Varies: Luxury brands often offer more generous warranties.

Tips for Buyers

• Research warranties when comparing vehicles to ensure they meet your needs.
• Keep up with recommended maintenance to avoid voiding coverage.
• Know that rust caused by external factors isn’t covered, so consider extra protection if you live in areas with harsh winters.

A car warranty can save you thousands in unexpected repair costs—choose a vehicle with robust coverage for peace of mind!

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