What Does a Car Warranty Cover?
Buying a car is a huge investment that must be made after thorough research and deliberation. Apart from the technical aspects, other factors can affect the car resale value and its performance. Selecting the right car warranty tops this list. This guide on how car warranty works in the UAE will help you decide which vehicle warranty is most suitable for your needs.
Types of Warranty
The first thing to consider about a vehicle warranty is its type. Most manufacturers provide a basic warranty usually valid for a 3 year period or 5 years in the promotional season. However, there are certain conditions the buyer will have to follow. Another vehicle warranty option is the extended vehicle warranty. The following information will help you make the distinction:
1. Basic Car Warranty
Most car manufacturers in the UAE provide a basic car warranty to buyers. These car warranties cover electronic components such as navigation, sensors, console displays and core mechanical components such as transmission and engine. Also, the warranty will cover all the manufacturing defects for the given period – either 3 or 5 years.
However, this type of car repair warranty mostly does not cover consumables such as oil discs, brake pedals, tyres etc. Moreover, this car warranty works only if the buyer follows the manufacturers’ conditions. These conditions include service checks at regular intervals and no damage due to rough usage. If your car was in an accident or the damage to any part has been due to negligence on your part, then the basic warranty is unlikely to cover the repairs.
Therefore, be careful when buying used cars as they usually do not come with a warranty. However, certified pre-owned cars have warranties from the manufacturers.
2. Extended Car Warranty
Many car dealers offer the customers a kind of vehicle warranty called extended automobile warranty. This usually covers the same parts as the basic warranty but works for an extended period. You can avail of this option by paying an extra fee – a deductible. Once you have acquired this warranty, you can visit the manufacturer’s service stations for vehicle repair at a nominal price.
An extended car warranty is recommended for drivers who use their cars a lot. If you do not drive your car too much, then you may not need this warranty.
Car Warranty Vs Car Insurance
Another point you need to consider is that vehicle insurance and vehicle warranty serve different purposes. Car insurance in the UAE may not suffice for all kinds of car damage. Similarly, a warranty may not cover repairs because of damage from an accident.
Car insurance is for car damage inflicted by accidents. On the other hand, an auto warranty covers damages from an external source, such as seasonal wear and tear.
Also, find out details about how car insurance works in Dubai.
From Where to Buy Your Vehicle Warranty?
Vehicle warranty from the manufacturers is always preferred over third party car warranties. The manufacturers will not scam you, and the replaced car parts will always be authentic. The same cannot be said about the third party. However, you can only extend the vehicle warranty with the manufacturers before the expiration of your current warranty. Once it expires, you can no longer extend the warranty. In this case, you will have to rely on third-party sellers. If it ever comes to that, make sure you choose a garage that is authentic and reliable.
Car Warranty Cancellation
If you want to continue using a warranty you need to extend it before its car warranty expiration date. However, apart from expiration, there are a few other situation where your vehicle warranty becomes null and void or some part of it becomes inapplicable. It is recommended to check the policy for the particular warranty you opt for. Yet, there are some general cases where warranty cancellation may occur. These are:
- Ignoring car maintenance services at the intervals suggested by the manufacturers
- Using a car even after there is a warning light blinking on the dashboard
- Driving a vehicle despite knowing of any electrical or mechanical problem
- Car modifications and use of non-manufacturer and substandard car parts for repairing
- Putting wrong fuel in the vehicle such as an incorrect grade coolant
- Failing to adhere to warranty policy
This concludes our guide on the extent of vehicle repairs covered by a car warranty. Now you are all set to get one that suits your needs the best. Since the car repair warranty doesn’t cover consumables, you might want to buy car parts in the UAE and make a DIY job out of it.
Also, if your vehicle doesn’t function properly even after repair, look at these used cars for sale to buy one as per your needs.
For more information on cars, repairs, road safety and reviews, stay tuned to the UAE’s best auto blog.