Being familiar with the warranty coverage for every vehicle in a construction fleet not only helps maximize driving performance, but it also can make a difference in determining where the vehicle is sent for repairs and whether certain repairs qualify as warranty work. Unfortunately, warranty information, which usually is included in the vehicle owner’s manual, is frequently stored in the glove box until there’s a problem—when it may be too late.
Manufacturers’ warranties usually cover everything except normal wear-and-tear items like tires, brake pads and filters. In addition, vehicle neglect or abuse, as well as failure to complete and maintain detailed records of regularly scheduled maintenance, can jeopardize the warranty.
Warranty coverage can vary by manufacturer, as well as by year and model. For example, although most warranties run three years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), other warranty coverage can be four years or 50,000 miles. To better understand warranties, start by becoming more familiar with some of the definitions and coverage breakdowns.
- Basic warranty. Limited to a specified length of time or mileage, such as “12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first,” the warranty covers the costs of most repairs or adjustments a vehicle might need because of defects in materials or workmanship.
- Bumper-to-bumper warranty. For most makes, this warranty covers a majority of the vehicle’s components with the exception of maintenance and wear items such as brake pads, alignment and fluid replacement services.
- Powertrain warranty. Covered components generally include everything from the engine and transmission-transaxle-transfer case to front-wheel and rear-wheel drive assemblies. However, this coverage can be voided if the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance is not completed.
- Air-conditioning warranty. The sealed portion of the factory-installed air-conditioning system might carry its own warranty under the basic warranty or bumper-to-bumper coverage. Parts covered usually include the compressor, condenser, evaporator core, orifice tube, accumulator, A/C lines and O-rings.
Other warranties may cover emissions and safety components, sheet metal corrosion and rust-through. Additional provisions sometimes are made for roadside assistance, towing for mechanical breakdown, and transportation assistance if a vehicle is inoperable and must be kept overnight for any warranty repairs.
Most manufacturers’ warranties have separate mileage and time parameters for different parts of the vehicle. This can mean that the same vehicle has a bumper-to-bumper or full warranty for one time or mileage period, while the powertrain or rust-through protection and emissions system may be covered for a longer time period.
The bottom line is that while all manufacturers offer warranties, there can be wide variations in coverage. Being familiar with the vehicle’s warranty can save a contractor money when a repair has to be made, and it can end up saving time by allowing a repair to be scheduled when it is most convenient for the company.