Everyone has experienced it. Instead of the quiet hum of the engine when starting your vehicle, you hear the dreaded clicking. It always seems to happen at the worst possible time. When you are running late to work or trying to get the kids to school. This clicking sound indicates that your vehicle’s alternator, which charges your car’s battery, has a problem. You may be left wondering: Are alternators covered under warranty?
Are Alternators Covered Under Warranty?
Typically, your vehicle warranty will cover an alternator because it is not a maintenance item. However, once your manufacturer warranty expires, the financial burden of repairing or replacing your alternator is on your shoulders. That’s why it is always a good idea to protect yourself against unexpected and expensive auto repairs with a vehicle protection plan.
An autopom! vehicle protection plan will cover repairs to your alternator. During your coverage term, you’ll simply need to keep up with the manufacturer’s recommended service and maintenance schedule. No more out-of-pocket costs for unexpected vehicle repairs!
What Are Some Signs of a Bad Alternator?
Now that you know that alternators are covered under warranty, how can you tell if the issue is the alternator and not another problem?
The only way to know for sure is to have the problem diagnosed by a certified mechanic who can do the appropriate tests. However, there are some signs to watch out for, including:
- A check engine or battery light
- Grinding or whining noises
- The smell of burning rubber or wires
- Slow-moving electric seats or mirrors
- Dimmed lights
- A stalled engine
When you partner with autopom! for your vehicle protection plan, you have access to over 2,600+ certified repair facilities that can help you diagnose your car troubles. Want to learn more about this exclusive perk for autopom! customers? Request a free quote!
Could Your Battery Be the Problem?
The dreaded clicking noise is a sign that your battery does not have sufficient charge to start your engine. The alternator is a likely suspect and could be the problem. That’s what keeps your battery charged, after all. However, your battery itself could also be the problem.
You should check if the battery is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Many factors can cause a battery to fail before the end of its warrantied lifetime, including defects and extremely hot or cold weather. If the battery is the culprit, the manufacturer or installer should take care of the total cost or a prorated cost, depending on how much time remains in the warranty period. Check with an authorized repair shop to have it professionally assessed.
Please note that a bad battery that is out of warranty is a maintenance item. This means it isn’t covered by a vehicle protection plan. However, a battery is typically less expensive to replace than an alternator.
When Are Alternators Covered Under Warranty?
So, when are alternators covered under warranty? Alternators are not covered after a manufacturer’s warranty expires. This is where a vehicle protection plan comes in. autopom! takes the anxiety out of vehicle ownership after your manufacturer warranty ends. Your satisfaction is our priority, so we provide a 30-day money-back guarantee on all our plans. Contact us today to see which protection plan best fits your needs.
