Auto Repair Savings

by Vic Hurlstorm on August 19, 2009

Save money on auto repairs by not paying for things that are considered covered repairs. This may sound easy, but the warranty supplied by car makers has evolved through the years. It is up to the automobile owner to learn all the details about what the warranty covers.

It is also the drivers responsibility to keep up on vehicle maintenance So that this car warranty can be enforced. As an example if the owner does not stick to the maintenance schedule some repairs may not be covered. If an engine fails due to an internal problem this will not be covered under warranty unless the automobile owner has proof that the engine oil was changed according to the recommended schedule.

Just to let you know most dealership service departments will not ask for proof unless they see lack of maintenance. If the engine is filled with sludge and the failure was due to lack of lubrication. This is an indication of lack of maintenance. When this happens the dealers repair center will notify the manufacturer. And negotiations for the repair costs will begin from there.

Save money on car repairs

This is particularly important when buying a new car that will now have the 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Over this long period of time there are even greater chances for covered repairs. Being pro active with maintenance is more inportant. If you do your own maintenance and repairs make sure to save all the reciepts.

Also the manufacture warranty will not cover accident damage, flood damage, misuse, modifications or problems associated with bad gas. If your electronic fuel injector rusts from water in the fuel then this might not be a covered repair.

Some times vehicle owners will make modifications to their automobile with out thinking it through. Example if you remove the factory air cleaner assembly and replace it with a high performance, cold air intake like a K&N unit, you must save the vehicle’s original parts for possible warranty service.

With car loans lasting for seven years and warranty coverage for 10 years and one hundred thousand miles people are keeping their cars longer. Learning the details about your warranty and not paying for things that are covered have the opportunity to save a lot of money during the vehicles 10 to 15 year life span.

The owners manual will have the most needed information about the warranty that covers your vehicle. When ever you have a question about what the warranty covers. Review this section of your owners manual carefully. When in doubt use the 1-800 number in your owners manual.

The expenses for the 1-800 help line number are included in the final price of the car. Why not get what you paid for and use this service to learn more about your specific vehicle. And what auto repairs may be covered.