Many car owners are unsure of the scope of a new car’s powertrain warranty. Your car’s engine, transmission, and drivetrain all fall under the category of the powertrain, so for around five years or 60,000 miles, you could expect that a warranty will cover the cost of maintaining or replacing these components.
If you are offered any warranties at all when looking for a secondhand automobile, it will probably be a powertrain warranty. Well, in this reading, we’ll explore what a powertrain is, its warranty, and how a powertrain warranty works. We’ll explore things to consider, parts the warranty covers, and how long it lasts.
Let’s begin!
What is a Powertrain?
A powertrain is an assembly of every component that pushes your vehicle forward. The powertrain in your car uses the engine to generate power that is then sent to the wheels on the ground.
In other words, the components that supply the mechanical energy needed to move a car forward make up the powertrain.
These parts include the supercharger, turbocharger, driveshafts, transfer case for all-wheel and four-wheel-drive cars, engine, cylinder block, transmission, and differentials.
All of the moving parts of the car, including the engine, transmission, and all of the components that transfer power to the wheels, are covered by powertrain warranties. Powertrain warranties are created to provide customers confidence when they buy a car.
If the powertrain isn’t working properly, the seller, manufacturer, or both may offer to repair or fix the problem.
The internal components of the engine, such as the crankshaft, pistons, timing belt and gears, gaskets, intake and exhaust valves, and oil pump, are also a part of the powertrain.
Your car’s powertrain, which has numerous moving elements that may eventually decide to cease working, is crucial for its correct operation. A powertrain warranty can be helpful in this situation.
Related: Powertrain vs bumper-to-bumper warranty: Their Differences
What is a Powertrain Warranty?
A powertrain warranty is a type of limited warranty that pays for the repair or replacement of the engine, drivetrain, and transmission, among other powertrain parts.
Given that the powertrain’s components are frequently the most expensive to restore, the warranty could protect you from pricey repairs.
In other words, a type of warranty provided by automakers that covers the main parts of the powertrain of the vehicle is known as a powertrain warranty.
The engine, transmission, and drivetrain are often included in the powertrain, along with other relevant parts such as the driveshaft, differential, and transfer case.
It’s crucial to comprehend the specifics of the powertrain warranty and any additional warranties or extended service plans that might be offered when considering purchasing a car.
How Does a Powertrain Warranty Work?
An insurance policy called a powertrain warranty protects particular parts of a car’s powertrain, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Depending on the manufacturer and particular warranty plan, the precise components covered may change. The owner can normally take the vehicle to an authorised repair facility for diagnosis and repair if a covered component fails within the warranty period.
In order to ascertain if the repair or replacement is covered by the warranty, the repair facility will then consult with the warranty provider.
The warranty provider will normally cover the cost of the parts and labour needed to resolve the issue if the repair or replacement is covered. Some warranties might also cover automobile rentals or pay for other forms of mobility while repairs are being made.
It’s crucial to be aware that a powertrain warranty may have some restrictions and limitations, such as coverage for only particular failure types or a cap on the overall amount of coverage.
Before acquiring any warranty, it’s crucial to carefully check the terms and conditions to be sure that it matches your needs and offers sufficient coverage.
Why Should You Consider a Powertrain Warranty for Your Car?
The engine, transmission, and drivetrain—three of your car’s most crucial and expensive components—can be protected in a significant way with a powertrain warranty.
These components are essential to your car’s smooth operation, and if they break down, the cost of repairs could be high. In the long run, a powertrain warranty can assist in covering the price of these parts’ repairs or replacements, saving you money.
A powertrain warranty might also provide you peace of mind by protecting you from unplanned and expensive repairs. It might also raise your car’s resale value because buyers could be more interested in a car with a guarantee that covers crucial parts.
Before acquiring any warranty, it’s crucial to carefully check the terms and conditions to be sure that it matches your needs and offers sufficient coverage.
What Parts Does the Powertrain Warranty Cover?
Just as earlier mentioned, a powertrain warranty covers repairs and replacement parts when the engine, drivetrain, or gearbox malfunctions mechanically.
In contrast, a bumper-to-bumper warranty, the second most popular kind, provides longer coverage for more systems and parts than a powertrain warranty.
An automobile’s manufacturer and specific model might have an impact on the duration and coverage of a powertrain warranty.
While some powertrain warranties may cover you for a number of years or up to a set number of miles, others can cover you for an infinite number of miles for a specific amount of time.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a powertrain warranty frequently excludes normal maintenance tasks like changing the oil or replacing worn-out filters or other wear-and-tear parts.
Additionally, it might not be responsible for the harm brought on by abuse, neglect, or poor upkeep.
How long does the powertrain warranty last?
The duration of powertrain warranties varies greatly between providers. Some of the better automakers give coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, if you buy a new car with a powertrain warranty. Other manufacturers, such as Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Honda, Subaru, and others, provide powertrain warranties that are valid for 5 years/60,000 miles.
What You Should Know About the Ford Powertrain Warranty?
Many Ford vehicles come with a powertrain warranty that covers particular powertrain parts for an agreed-upon period of time or miles, whichever comes first. The following are some essential details regarding Ford’s powertrain warranty:
- Coverage
- Length of Coverage
- Transferability
- Exclusions
- Repairs
Coverage
The drivetrain, including the front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive systems, are covered by Ford’s powertrain warranty. Depending on the particular model and year of the vehicle, the coverage duration and mileage restrictions may change.
Length of Coverage
The powertrain warranty for brand-new Ford vehicles normally covers the parts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty is extended for certified pre-owned Ford cars to 7 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Transferability
The Ford powertrain warranty is transferable to the car’s subsequent owners, which may raise the car’s resale value.
Exclusions
Regular maintenance tasks like brake pads, tire rotations, and oil changes are not covered by the powertrain guarantee. Additionally, it excludes damage resulting from abuse or negligence, such as racing or towing more weight than the vehicle is capable of.
Repairs
Any authorised Ford dealership or service facility will be able to diagnose and fix any covered component that breaks down while under warranty. Ford normally covers the price of the components and labour needed to address the issue if the repair is covered.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Car Bumper?
Powertrain warranty FAQs
How many miles is a powertrain warranty good for?
A powertrain warranty often has a longer duration than a bumper-to-bumper warranty of five years or 60,000 miles. Included in this type of warranty is: Engine. Transmission.
What voids a powertrain warranty?
Misuse of vehicle: Your warranty will be void if you use your car for anything besides regular driving, like off-roading or racing. This also applies to employing unsuitable fluids. Complete loss Your warranty is null and worthless if your car received a salvage title after a serious collision.
What is the powertrain on a car?
A powertrain is an assembly of every component that pushes your vehicle forward. The engine of your car generates power, which the powertrain then transfers to the wheels on the ground. The engine, transmission, driveshaft, axles, and differential are the main parts of a powertrain.
What is the difference between a factory warranty and a powertrain warranty?
In simple terms, a factory warranty is a comprehensive warranty that covers most of the components of a new car for a certain period of time or mileage, while a powertrain warranty covers only the major components of the powertrain, such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain, for a longer period of time or mileage.
What does a powertrain warranty include?
A powertrain warranty is an added guarantee that includes protection for a car’s transmission, engine, and other important drivetrain parts. Drivers are protected by powertrain warranties against significant mechanical breakdowns.
What are the benefits of a powertrain warranty?
Almost everything that is used to transmit power to the wheels is covered by a powertrain warranty. Your powertrain warranty will replace or repair any of these vital car components for free if they malfunction or become useless.
What car has the longest powertrain warranty?
The longest warranties on the market right now are offered by Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mitsubishi, and Honda. Their powertrain warranties each offer coverage for 10 years/100,000 miles, while their bumper-to-bumper warranties each offer coverage for 5 years/60,000 miles.
Is an alternator part of the powertrain?
Suspension and steering parts, braking parts, wheels and tires, radiators and hoses, alternators, air-conditioning compressors, and accessory drive belts are among the things that are not covered by powertrain warranties. The majority of manufacturers permit second and subsequent owners to transfer the basic and powertrain warranties.
What does a lifetime powertrain mean?
In addition to the automaker’s limited powertrain warranty, there is a lifetime powertrain warranty. The limited number of miles/years offered under the automaker’s powertrain warranty is increased, and the coverage is now extended to include coverage for the duration of the vehicle.
Is the powertrain warranty worth it?
A powertrain warranty is worthwhile if it offers the correct level of coverage to meet your demands and financial constraints and gives you the peace of mind that protection offered by an extended warranty may provide. If you’re only interested in protection for vital parts like the engine, you should think about an extended powertrain warranty.
