When purchasing a higher mileage used car, the dealer may offer to sell you a powertrain warranty. What is a powertrain warranty, and why do you need one?
There are many different levels of vehicle protection, ranging from basic powertrain coverage to exclusionary, with a few options in between. All plan levels provide coverage to different parts of your vehicle, so it’s important to know what kind of plan you have and just how much coverage that plan provides you.
In this article, we’ll teach you precisely what a powertrain warranty covers, how long it typically lasts, and what it won’t cover.
What Is Covered Under a Powertrain Warranty?
Powertrain coverage plans are some of the most popular warranty options designed for used or higher mileage vehicles. The vehicle powertrain is made of three key components that provide power to your wheels and set the vehicle in motion: the engine, transmission, and drive axles. A powertrain warranty’s purpose is to protect these vital components of your vehicle.
What does the powertrain warranty cover, specifically? Here are some components commonly covered in your powertrain, as well as their average repair costs without a warranty:
Engine
- Cylinder Head Replacement – $3,030 to $3,362
- Turbocharger Assembly Replacement – $2,363 to $2,772
- Timing Chain Replacement – $1,297 to $1,545
- Water Pump Replacement – $458 to $602
Transmission
- Transfer Case Replacement – $2,724 to $2,821
- Transmission Control Module Replacement – $867 to $933
- Full Transmission Replacement – $5,104 to $5,281
Drive Axle
- Axle Shaft Replacements – $845 to $926
- U-Joint Replacements – $224 to $274
- Constant Velocity (CV) Joint Replacement – $1,344 to $1,397
Seals & Gaskets
There are many seals and gaskets within every section of your vehicle, and they can be quite expensive to replace. Seals and gaskets are either covered in conjunction with other covered parts or covered on a stand-alone basis. Every powertrain warranty covers seals and gaskets differently, so read the fine print to know how you’re covered in this category.
How Long Does Powertrain Coverage Last?
Many manufacturers offer extended powertrain warranties that vary from 4 to 5 years up to the lifetime of the vehicle. This is great for the original vehicle owner, but it is important to note the factory powertrain warranty does not always transfer to the next owner. As a used vehicle owner, you may not have that same coverage.
If you aren’t covered by the factory, there are many coverage options available on the market. For example, at autopom!, we offer extended warranty alternatives commonly referred to as vehicle protection plans. Varying by vehicle, a 5-year/100,000 additional mile plan is one of the longest powertrain-level vehicle protection plans we have.
When shopping, you should consider how many years you want coverage for and approximately how many miles you drive per year. For example, if you drive less than 12,000 miles each year, a 5-year/60,000-mile plan option suits your driving habits better than the 5-year/100,000-mile option.
What Is NOT Covered Under a Powertrain Warranty?
A powertrain warranty is focused on the key, essential parts of your vehicle that get you on the road. If you’re looking for additional coverage for things like your air conditioning or electrical systems, you need to consider a Powertrain-Plus or higher level of coverage.
Systems typically not covered by a basic powertrain are:
- Air Conditioning (some plans include AC as “Powertrain Enhanced”)
- Cooling
- Steering
- Braking
- Suspension
- Fuel Delivery
- Electrical (some plans include limited electrical as “Powertrain Enhanced”)
What Voids a Powertrain Warranty?
Failing to follow proper maintenance, neglecting necessary repairs, or modifying your vehicle in certain ways could lead to the loss of coverage. Here are a few common actions that can void your powertrain warranty:
- Unauthorized or Excessive Modifications: Adding aftermarket parts or making significant vehicle changes.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Failing to perform required maintenance or keep records.
- Commercial Use: Using the vehicle for business or ride-sharing.
- Accidents or Misuse: Enduring damage from accidents, off-roading, or negligence.
It’s important to read and understand the specific terms of what your powertrain warranty covers. If you’re ever unsure about what a powertrain warranty is or what could jeopardize your warranty, reach out to your warranty provider for clarification.
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Is a Powertrain Warranty Worth It?
For many used car buyers, especially those with higher mileage vehicles, a powertrain warranty is a smart investment. Repairs to critical components like the engine, transmission, or drive axle can cost thousands of dollars, and a powertrain warranty helps protect you from those unexpected, budget-busting expenses.
But what makes a powertrain warranty really worth it for most people is peace of mind. While it doesn’t cover every part of your car, it provides a safety net for the most essential and expensive systems that keep your vehicle moving. If you plan on keeping your car for several years or simply want to avoid surprise repair bills, a powertrain warranty is often well worth the cost.
How Do You Know If Your Car Has a Powertrain Warranty?
Determining if your car has a powertrain warranty is simple, and there are a few key steps you can take to confirm your coverage:
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Your car’s owner’s manual should outline any existing warranties, including the powertrain coverage. Look for the section on warranties to see what’s covered.
- Review the Manufacturer’s Warranty: If your vehicle is still within the original manufacturer’s warranty period, it likely includes powertrain coverage. Manufacturer warranties typically last 3 to 5 years or longer, depending on the make and model.
- Contact the Dealer: If you’re unsure or buying a used vehicle, contact the dealership where you purchased the car. They can confirm if there’s any existing powertrain coverage and if it’s transferable to you as a new owner.
- Check the Vehicle History Report: For used cars, a vehicle history report might include warranty information, especially if the vehicle was serviced at authorized centers.
- Consider an Extended Warranty: If your car no longer has powertrain coverage, consider purchasing an extended warranty or vehicle protection plan from companies like autopom! to fill in the gap.
What Is a Powertrain Warranty? Peace of Mind for Your Budget
Here at autopom!, we strive to provide you with a coverage plan that best meets your needs. Whether you’re looking for powertrain coverage or an exclusionary plan, we can help you review your options for a vehicle protection plan.
Now you know the basics of what a powertrain warranty is, but if you’re still unsure which coverage level you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Our team is ready to answer any questions you have and help you find the best plan for your vehicle, budget, and automotive peace of mind!
