Dear Tom,
In a recent column at AOL Autos you wrote about oil changes. In the feedback I noticed that there weren’t any questions about changing transmission fluid. I also noticed that a lot of automotive shops only want to change the fluid and not the filter. Is this a good thing?
Delilah from New Orleans

Delilah,
First of all, it is not a good thing to change the oil and leave the old filter. Always change the filter too, and use a high quality one. Scrimping is this area is penny wise and pound-foolish. As far as the transmission is concerned, the fluid is usually changed at 30-36K miles with a new filter. A lot of shops today use a flush machine. This device can suck old fluid out and pump new fluid in without taking the pan off. I do not recommend this procedure. As a matter of fact, flush machines reverse-flush the transmission fluid, sending dislodged dirt and wear particles back into the transmission. I recommend the standard method, and when you have it done, follow the maintenance schedule and change the filter along with the fluid.
Tom

Judy,
It could be due to a bad switch, a wiring problem, or a faulty heating element. There is a technical service bulletin from GM on this problem. It is TSB number 01-08-50-012B. They advise that you check the switch and wiring and if all is okay, then replace the heating element. TSBs are not covered under warranty.
Tom

Marcie,
All I can tell you is that the warranty you bought is probably an extended warranty on Powertrain/Drivetrain administered by a private company. I would closely check the warranty info and contact the warranty company. They should be able to answer any questions you have. I wish you success.
Tom

Pete,
First off, the carmaker doesn’t mention a light that you describe so you’re probably seeing the “Maintenance Reminder” light, which reminds you that it’s time for an oil change. I see nothing in my data that even remotely refers to a “check with dealer” indicator lamp. Read your owner’s manual on the topic “interior information system.” It should tell you what that light indicates. Best to you.
Tom

Randy,
The GM Oil Life Monitor is accurate to within five percent (5%) of oil life; the algorithm monitors engine crankcase temperature, moisture, and combustion chamber events. Monitoring of these areas accurately predicts oil life, so go ahead and follow its recommendation. Just make sure that you properly reset the system it after changing the oil. Success to you.
Tom

Ethel,
Sounds like the compressor is low on refrigerant and oil, or an idler pulley is going bad on the automatic belt tensioner. It shouldn’t cycle so frequently; you probably have a refrigerant leak that is causing the excessive cycling.
Tom

Milt
Power windows have an electric motor, a wiring harness that feeds the motor, and a switch that controls the motor. Either the motor is bad, or there are bad connections, or the wiring harness is broken to that door, or the switch is faulty. My guess? A faulty switch. Have it checked out by a pro to determine the cause.
Tom

Deb,
How ‘bout them Packers huh?! Cooling systems can be checked with a pressure test. During this process, the tech applies air pressure to the system, trying to force a leak at the weakest point. If it’s the radiator, a leak will spring as soon as the pressure gets beyond the radiator’s capacity to hold it. It’s a pretty simple process. Get a second opinion and have a shop perform the test to see what they come up with. Good luck.
Tom

Find Tom’s new book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever” in local Barnes & Nobel, Borders, and Walden booksellers. Find it online at Amazon.com.

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at noon and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday afternoons – 5PM EST, listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.

Dear Tom,
I own an ‘04 Chrysler Town & Country and the corners of the hood just above the headlamps are rusting through the paint. The dealer says there is nothing they can do because the paint is warranted for three years. I had the van for three years as of this past April. Is there a recall on this rust problem? I have seen this occur on 2000-03 vans and just noticed it this week on my van.
Darren from Depew NY

Darren,
Unless you can prove that the rust is from inside of the panel, you will get nothing from Chrysler. The position of carmakers is that rust occurs from stone chipping or some other means originating from the outside. No car manufacturer or paint manufacturer will guarantee rust from the exterior chipping of paint. The prognosis? It will only get worst if you don’t get it corrected. And now that you have rust on the exterior of the panel, most body repair shops will not guarantee the rust repair. The most effective method of repair at this point would be to replace the rusted body panel. Success to you.
Tom

Winston,
Most problems encountered with outside temperature readings can be attributed to a faulty outside temperature sensor. This sensor is located directly behind the front grill and gets pummeled with all the rain, snow, ice, bugs, road projectiles and any other debris that finds its way through the front grill. Try unplugging the sensor and then start the car. The temperature reading should read –40 degrees. If it does not, this will verify that the sensor is faulty and should be replaced. If the sensor checks out okay, then trace the wiring for a short. If the wiring checks out, then the gauge inside the cluster is bad and the cluster needs replacing. Good luck.
Tom

Barbara,
This light is a “Maintenance Reminder Light.” The light comes on for two reasons: (1) As a maintenance reminder: You can expect the light to come on every 4,800 miles to let you know you are due for an oil change. (2) The brake pads are worn out. The pads have wear sensors on them and when the pads get down to the point of replacement, the sensors make contact with the rotors which turns on this light.
Tom

Ruben,
The window motor has a plastic tape drive. When the switch is depressed, the motor(which has a gear that is meshed with the tape) moves the window up or down. The reason why the motor continues to run? Because it has to sense resistance from the window seating either in the up or down position to turn off. The tape is broken and doesn’t sense resistance, hence the constant running of the motor. Replace the window motor and your problem will be solved.
Tom

ASH,
Most likely when the engine was washed, some sparkplug wires got soaked, which resulted in cross firing. Try driving the vehicle for about 100 miles to see if the miss goes away. If it doesn’t, get the car into a shop to track down the cause of the misfire.
Tom

Joe,
I hate to burst your dream world, but there is no “Reprogram Procedure” for this problem. A blower resistor regulates the fan motor speed on your van. The resistor steps voltage up and down, resulting in variation of fan speed. When the resistor blows or burns up, then there is only one speed left … high. Replace the blower resistor and you restore multiple fan speeds.
Tom

Linda,
The heater box will need to be disassembled and the blend doors checked out. There could be a duct door stuck in the heater box due to a broken door or shaft, a faulty vacuum motor that controls the door, or vacuum loss to the control box. As for the growling fan motor, have the fan case checked for leaves or organic debris. If the fan case is clear, it could be that the motor shaft bearings are worn and the fan motor needs replacing.
Tom

Find Tom’s new book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever” in local Barnes & Nobel, Borders, and Walden booksellers. Find it online at Amazon.com

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. You can hear the live stream of the show at www.americascarshow.com Saturdays at Noon EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.

Dear Tom,
I purchased a used ‘09 VW Jetta, with 8,000 miles. The car has a 2-yr/24k mile warranty, and I was offered an additional warranty of 5 yr/75k miles for an additional $1900. Should I buy the extended warranty, or is the standard one enough?
Arika from San Diego, CA

Arika,
It all depends on how long you are going to keep the car and what is covered in the ‘standard warranty.’ If the standard warranty covers the car bumper to bumper and you’re going to keep the car beyond the two years and 24K miles, then buy the extended warranty after the present warranty expires. If the present warranty lacks coverage on items you would like covered now, then buy the extended warranty now. Before you buy, make sure the warranty company is a solid one. We recommend Warranty Direct.Com on my national radio show and on the show’s website because they have an impeccable history on customer service and claim payouts. Make sure you check this warranty company out before making a decision. I wish you success.
Tom

Michael,
The transmission in your car is shifted via cables between the shifter and the trans. My first guess would be that one of the cables has popped off the linkage or shifter. There is a Technical Service Bulletin from Jaguar (# XT308-04) referring to revised shift cables to correct a noise concern. I suspect you need to have this service performed to correct the problem.
Tom

Paul,
First, I have one question: are you talking about a car or a woman? Wow… talk about having a relationship with your car! I would start by rechecking the battery connections. Check the ground wire at the battery as well as engine and body connections. Check the positive cable at the battery and down at the starter. It could be that the starter went bad or a fuse blew. Oftentimes the starting system on European models is fused with a large fuse under the hood. I also checked my database on your vehicle and came up with recall# 06-01 Group# 27 that was done on March 29th of 2006. It addresses a concern with the alternators on that particular year, make, and model vehicle. Under certain operating conditions, the alternator may discharge, resulting in a dead battery. Have the dealership check your VIN to see if your vehicle is involved in this recall from VW. Good luck!
Tom

Robert,
You have an intake leak. This is common on GM 3800 engines. Have the gasket replaced and make sure, from this point forward, that you have the coolant serviced every 2 years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. Your vehicle uses Dexcool as a coolant. When the level gets low, oxygen chemically reacts with the coolant forming an acid. This acid eats away at the intake gaskets causing a leak. If you keep the cooling system clean with fresh coolant every two years or 24,000 miles this will not happen.
Tom

Nancy,
It sounds like a relay is shorting internally. Also, check the brake pedal linkage to see if a wiring harness has chaffed through and is grounding on the pedal arm. I wish you success.
Tom

Susan,
The best scenario for your “less experienced wintertime drivers” is to put four snow tires on the vehicle. This will ensure maximum traction in all inclement weather. There are many excellent winter tires on the market. I like Hapikolita, Nokian, and Hankook, just to mention a few. Winter treads are designed with special segmentation (and often ice cleats) that aid in winter traction. As for your son being in a hurry because of his sister’s problem with time management, tell him to leave without her a couple of times and she will mend her ways. If he does slide off the road, make him pay for the tow job. We learn best when we get hit in the wallet! Best to you.
Tom

Find Tom’s new book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever” in local Barnes & Nobel, Borders, and Walden booksellers. Find it online at Amazon.com. Great holiday gift for anyone who wants his or her car to run efficiently and last longer

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. You can hear the live stream of the show at www.americascarshow.com Saturdays at Noon EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.

Tom,
I own a 2007 Chrysler Town & Country and the corners of the hood just above the headlamps are rusting through the paint. The dealer says there is nothing they can do because the paint is under warranty for only 3 years. I have had the van for 3 years and 5 months and I just noticed it this week on my van. Is there a recall on this rust problem?
Darren from Depew NY

Darren,
Unless you can prove that the rust is coming through from inside the panel, you will get nothing from Chrysler. The position of carmakers is that rust occurs from stone chipping or some other exterior cause. No car manufacturer or paint manufacturer will guarantee rust from the exterior chipping of paint. The prognosis? It will only get worst if you do not get it corrected. And now that you have rust on the exterior of the panel, most body repair shops will not guarantee the rust repair. So what is the most effective method of repair at this point? Replace the rusted body panel. Success to you.
Tom

Lois,
This condition is not safe. Get your Jeep into a shop ASAP. They should put it up on a lift and check out the steering linkage. It sounds like the vehicle has a loose steering component such as a drag link assembly or a tie rod. Aftermarket companies make a device called a ‘drag link shock.’ This component is like a shock absorber and it attaches to the steering linkage (specifically the ‘drag link’). When the vehicle gets up to a speed where the linkage might start to jump, the ‘drag link shock’ absorbs the oscillation and stops the shaking of the steering wheel. This device is commonly used on 4WD vehicles such as your Jeep. It is often used in cases where the drag link is worn, but not worn enough to need replacing. I wish you success.
Tom

Karen,
At 330,000 miles it’s not surprising that the vehicle is experiencing low oil pressure (caused by engine wear). Your question is impossible to answer without an internal engine inspection. At the very least, have the crank, oil pump, and oil pan inspected for evidence of internal wear and proceed from there. This procedure requires removing the oil pan and measuring the crankshaft journals, oil pump, and inspection for evidence of metal in the pan from engine wear. At this mileage I am quite sure that the engine will need to be rebuilt or replaced with a re-manufactured unit. I like the Jasper re-manufactured engines; they have the best warranty and are high quality. Good luck.
Tom

Way,
you are probably correct in assuming that the fuel pump is failing. This is not a do-it-yourself job because it requires special tools to remove the sending unit retaining ring, and it also requires a lift to get the van up in the air to drain and drop the fuel tank. Get it into a shop to replace the fuel pump.
Tom

Jason,
There is a fairly simple procedure to reset this system and it’s outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual under ‘Oil Changes and General Maintenance.’ Otherwise, you should call your local dealer for the procedure, or go to your local shop. They should be able to access this procedure in their auto repair database. If they don’t have such a system, perhaps it’s time to find another repair shop.
Tom

Scott,
Either the parking pawl is not holding in the transmission, or the transfer case is sticking in neutral, or the shift linkage is not shifting the transmission into park all the way. This is dangerous! Have it checked out immediately. If you bought the truck at a dealer, get it back to their service department and have it fixed under warranty. Good luck.
Tom

David,
Sorry, you cannot replace those bulbs. They are LEDs built into the radio set, so you will have to replace the radio. This is a great excuse to buy a better radio for your truck. Take advantage of it!
Tom

For more articles by Tom Torbjornsen, visit AMERICA’S CAR SHOW web site: www.americascarshow.com

Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals, and many other websites. Hear his radio show AMERICA’S CAR SHOW, on the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Channel – Stars Too – Sirius 108 and XM 139; Sunday nights – 10PM – Mid EST. You can hear the live stream of the show at www.americascarshow.com Saturdays at Noon EST. Send your car questions to his website at: www.americascarshow.com.

Purchase today and save $200 or receive a $0 deductible plan for the $100 deductible price. Visit Warranty Direct to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

This offer is available is available for a limited time. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

Call (877) 759-6861 or visit
www.warrantydirect.com for details

Take advantage of our Father’s Day Promotion to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

This offer is available is available for a limited time. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

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Take advantage of our Daylight Savings Sales Promotion to save on your vehicle service contract (extended auto warranty).

• $100 Off all plans we offer
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This offer is available  until March 15th, 2010 at 8:00 PM EST. (Discount offer not available in Florida or California.)

Call 800-632-4222 or visit Warranty Direct today!

1. Rust-Proofing: Some dealers charge up to $800 for this service, which sometimes amounts to no more than spraying a coating from an aerosol can in the wheel wells.
2. Fabric Protection: For a couple of hundred dollars, some dealers will try to sell you fabric protection for your car’s interior that will repel stains. You know it as Scotchgard.
3. Paint Sealant: This is another instance where the dealership hopes the car buyer will be gullible enough to believe that it’s using some special technique and material that’ll keep your car’s paint looking factory fresh
4. Window Etching: Another easy-money markup for car dealers; they etch your vehicle’s VIN on a window so that your car can allegedly be tracked in case it’s stolen.
5. Alarm System: Many cars come with a basic form of security, such as coded keys, but many dealers will also try to sell you a full-featured alarm system.
6. Extended Warranty: Since vehicles come with longer and more comprehensive warranties these days, extended warranties are usually not worth the extra money. If you plan to hang onto the vehicle for a long time, an extended warranty can be a good investment if and when your car needs major repairs. But don’t buy it from the dealer, since you can often get a better deal through independent insurers, such as Warranty Direct.
7. CD Changer: The price of a CD changer at a dealership can be twice what it is at a car stereo shop or electronics store.
8. Rear-Seat Video: Whether to choose this dealer option is not as easy to decide as the ones above.

Consumer Reports says almost the same thing:

“Dealerships often try to sell you extras that boost their profit margin but are a waste of you money. They can include rustproofing, fabric protection, paint protectant, or VIN etching, in which the vehicle identification number is etched onto the windows to deter thieves. Don’t accept those unnecessary services and fees. If you see those items on the bill of sale and you haven’t agreed to them, simply cross them out and refuse to pay for them. Vehicle bodies are already coated to protect against rust. And recent CR reliability surveys show that rust is not a major problem with modern cars. You can treat upholstery and apply paint protectant yourself with good off-the-shelf products that cost only a few dollars. If you decide you want VIN etching, you can buy a kit to do it yourself for less than $25, instead of the $200 that some dealerships charge. Also think twice about an extended warranty. It can cost hundreds of dollars. But if you buy a model with good reliability or if you expect to have the vehicle only for five years or less, it often isn’t worth the cost.”

Regarding Car Warranties, US News & World Report says:

“The dealer’s extended warranty isn’t necessarily the best deal; in fact, it usually costs more. Plus, you’re in a high-pressure situation at the dealer and might not be able to read the fine print. Finally, if you buy the dealer’s extended warranty, you might be required to return to that dealership to get it honored – which could become a problem if you move.”

So save yourself some money:

• Skip the rust proofing
• Buy your own can of Scotchguard for your cloth upholstery as well as the carpeting and matting
• Say no to paint sealant which is often just a wax job that you can do yourself or pay the neighbor’s kids to do
• For your alarm upgraded stereo and video systems you can often find a better system cheaper at your local car stereo shop or a big box retailer like Best Buy
• Window Etching – check with your local police or sheriff department – a lot of them hold free etching days like the Amhearst Police Department
• Car Warranty or Vehicle Service Contract – contact Warranty Direct at 800-632-4222 for your best deal on an Auto Warranty

Friday and Saturday Only

For the 1st time Ever All Warranty Direct Coverages are Eligible for
$300 Off

Call Now: 877-882-7340

Also, all rates will be changing on Tuesday December 1st.
Lock in your rate at a discount,
while you still can!

Please contact a Certified Warranty Advisor at:
877-882-7340

Holiday Hours:
Friday 11/27 10am to 2pm EST
Saturday 11/28 10am to 2pm EST

When calling, please have your VIN Number
and current odometer reading available

According to US News & World Report, you don’t need to purchase a warranty the moment you buy the car. If you want one, you can easily buy it later from a reputable third-party company. “The dealer’s extended warranty isn’t necessarily the best deal; in fact, it usually costs more. Plus, you’re in a high-pressure situation at the dealer and might not be able to read the fine print. Finally, if you buy the dealer’s extended warranty, you might be required to return to that dealership to get it honored – which could become a problem if you move.” So contact Warranty Direct and buy direct from us and save.

If you need a vehicle service contract (generally known as an extended warranty), call Warranty Direct first and let us help you get protected  from unexpected repair bill costs when a break down occurs. You can reach us at (800) 632-4222 or visit www.warrantydirect.com to find out more.

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To find out more about Susan G. Komen For the Cure please click here. That’s the Warranty Direct difference, a total “BLANKET” of protection for your vehicle and a peace of mind for you.

One thing we haven’t heard much about, however, is how Chrysler owners will be effected by the bankruptcy filing.  Being in the extended warranty business, we’re frequently fielding the following questions:

• How will my factory warranty coverage be effected by Chrysler’s bankruptcy?
• The President said that Chrysler purchasers would be protected even if Chrysler filed bankruptcy.  Are there any caveats?
• Does my extended warranty coverage immediately go into effect if Chrysler’s factory warranty is terminated?

At Warranty Direct, we’ve been examining the Chrysler bankruptcy issue and want to assure our customers that we can provide them with solid answers.  Starting next week we’ll be posting information on our blog to help Chrysler owners better understand what happens in a bankruptcy situation.

If you’re a Chrysler owner and you can’t wait, feel free to call us at (800) 632-4222 with any questions you might have.

Most extended warranties define “mechanical breakdown” as a defect in parts and workmanship as supplied by the manufacturer, or a defect that makes the part unable to perform the function for which it was designed. Often, they will state that the gradual reduction in operating performance (wear-and-tear) is not covered. Service contracts that exclude wear and tear will not cover repairs needed because a part’s performance has gradually deteriorated because of normal wear and tear, unless a mechanical breakdown has occurred.

The more miles on a car when a repair becomes necessary, the more likely it is that the repair will be needed because a part wore out, rather than because the part broke due to poor manufacturing. Again, many extended warranties do not cover parts that wear out.

Before buying an extended warranty for your car, you should carefully review what is covered and not covered to see whether wear and tear claims are excluded from coverage. That way, if it is not clear whether a repair is needed due to a manufacturing defect or simple wear and tear, it is more likely that the service contract company will pay for the repair. It is a mistake to assume that a repair agreement will cover every repair your car may need.

Read more about wear and tear from the California Department of Insurance.

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard. Coverage is available in all 50 states and many parts of Canada.

For a free, instant online extended warranty rate quote, please click here.

1. How long have you been in business?
2. Do you pay the claims or are you a broker? What company actually is responsible for paying the claims?
3. Are you able to offer coverage in all 50 states?
4. Are you a Better Business Bureau accredited business?
5. How many warranty contracts has your company sold?
6. Do you sell through car dealers and financial institutions or only on the Internet?
7. Do you cover wear and tear failures or only mechanical breakdowns?
8. Do you cover seals and gaskets?
9. Do you cover damage due to overheating?
10. Do you include $100 towing benefits with your plans? What about a full roadside assistance plan?
11. Can I preview the actual contract online?
12. What companies endorse your company?
While there are many other questions one can ask in evaluating warranty companies, the 12 above will provide a great start.

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard. Coverage is available in all 50 states and many parts of Canada.

For a free, instant online extended warranty rate quote, please click here.

Bumper-to-bumper: Often called the basic warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers virtually every component on a new car. Most exclude regular maintenance, like fluid top-offs and oil changes, but a few luxury brands — most notably BMW and Saab — have separate free-maintenance provisions. Bumper-to-bumper warranties usually expire faster than powertrain warranties. American and Japanese cars typically come with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty while luxury and more upscale brands carry a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty.

Powertrain: Don’t be fooled, a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn’t promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine, transmission and drive axles. This represents about 20% of your vehicle. Some systems NOT covered include air conditioning, electronics, steering, suspension and high tech electronics.

Roadside Assistance: Most automakers include roadside assistance with their new car warranties. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump starts and towing.

Corrosion: This covers body panels that have rusted through. Such policies generally last five to six years and have no mileage limits. They only cover complete perforation — a relatively rare occurrence with today’s rust-proofing — so you’ll probably be denied a claim for sheet metal that’s only partially rusted.

Emissions: Since 1972, the government has required all cars to have emissions controls like oxygen sensors and catalytic converters. Two types of warranties exist: performance warranties and design and defect warranties. Performance warranties require automakers to repair or adjust emissions controls for at least two years or 24,000 miles if the car fails an emissions test. If emissions controls fail independent of a test, the design and defect warranty covers them for at least two years or 24,000 miles. Major components like catalytic converters and engine control modules are covered for performance and defects for eight years or 80,000 miles. On some items, California residents are eligible for additional coverage.

Hybrid components: Components in the hybrid drivetrain include the high-voltage battery pack along with the hybrid assist motor and the electrical connections in between.These components may be prohibitively expensive to repair or replace, so automakers offer generous warranties, in most cases 8 years and from 80,000 to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Seat belts and airbags: A lot of carmakers include seat belts and airbags with powertrain or bumper-to-bumper warranties. Others make separate provisions, and the warranties sometimes carry no expiration date. Seat belts are generally covered for operating usability only, so don’t expect a replacement for discoloration or other cosmetic defects.

There are many different levels of coverage available.

Exclusionary Warranties – These are the highest level of coverage one can obtain and are often referred to as bumper-to-bumper warranties. Like a new car warranty, they will cover ALL parts of your vehicle except a small list of exclusions. The exclusions are typically for routine maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups), cosmetic items (seat fabric, carpeting, body molding), and consumable items (battery, brake pads, wiper blades). Read the exclusions carefully as they can differ widely among warranty contracts. Some companies will exclude commonly repaired items like stereo systems, oxygen sensors and more.

Named Component Warranties – These types of coverages will provide a list of the parts covered and are available in many different levels. In order to do a proper comparison, you must read the detailed list and not just the system categories. 

Roadside Assistance – Better extended warranties will provide complete roadside assistance membership with each contract. Membership will provide you with 24×7 access to a toll free number to call for help for such things as towing, flat tire assistance, lost key and lockout service, battery jump start, fluid delivery and more. These plans have no deductible and are not tied to covered repairs only.

Lesser warranties provide limited towing benefits (often $50 or $75) that are only available to you for a covered repair. These will require that you arrange for towing on your own and seek reimbursement for the fees you pay.

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard.

There are as many variations in warranty contracts as there are models of cars.  If you know where to look, comparing them is quite easy. Never take the marketing hype on a web site or the explanation of a salesperson as to exact coverage details. Read the contract – the devil is in the details.

Definitions…

Each car warranty contract will have a section called “Definitions”. The terms defined here are used throughout the contract. Knowing what they mean and what to look for will allow you to judge the level of coverage offered.

The warranty administrator will be named here; now you know what company to research.

How a contract defines what it will pay for is often found here. Look for the term(s) failure, breakdown or mechanical breakdown. Read these definitions very carefully as they determine the type of coverage you will be receiving.

The broadest and best level of coverage, commonly referred to as wear-and-tear is what you want. Wear-and-tear coverage will often be defined as “a Failure will be deemed to have occurred when a covered part has worn beyond the manufacturer’s tolerances”. Few warranty companies offer wear-and-tear coverage for the full term of the warranty. Some offer no wear-and-tear coverage and others only cover wear-and-tear failures until the odometer reaches 50,000 miles.

Lesser coverages will only pay for mechanical breakdowns. These extended warranties define “mechanical breakdown” as a defect in parts and workmanship as supplied by the manufacturer, or a defect that makes the part unable to perform the function for which it was designed. Often, they will state that the gradual reduction in operating performance (wear-and-tear) is not covered. Service contracts that exclude wear and tear will not cover repairs needed because a part’s performance has gradually deteriorated because of normal wear and tear, unless a mechanical breakdown has occurred. As vehicles age, most repairs fall into this category.

The more miles on a car when a repair becomes necessary, the more likely it is that the repair will be needed because a part wore out, rather than because the part broke due to poor manufacturing.

Terms and Conditions…

Term of contract – Does coverage start the day you buy coverage or the in-service date (the original purchase date of the vehicle)?

Parts and Labor – Does the extended warranty contract restrict payments to national labor guides? If so, plan on sharing in the cost of each repair needed. Does the warranty contract allow the use of new parts or does it call for used and recycled parts? Will diagnostic charges be paid for? What about sales tax?

Deductible – If you select a plan with a deductible, how is it applied? The best extended warranties will apply the deductible on a repair visit basis. In other words, no matter how many items need to be repaired, you will pay only one deductible. Beware of plans where you are required to pay a deductible on each part needed for a repair.

Complaint Resolution – The best extended warranties will offer third party (often the American Arbitration Association) complaint resolution if a dispute can not be handled between you and the warranty administrator.  Beware of warranty contracts that severely limit your rights should a dispute arise. Often, you will be required to handle disputes in the county the warranty company is located in.

Exclusions- It is vitally important to read through the list of excluded items. This is an area where many things can be hidden.

Some companies hide their wear-and-tear exclusion in this section of the contract (i.e. the gradual reduction in operating performance is not covered).

Common parts and repair costs can also be excluded from repairs (CV boots, seals & gaskets, stereo systems and speakers, shop supplies, fluid removal fees, nuts/bolts/fasteners [often a cause of the failure], repairs where a Technical Service Bulletin has been issued,

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard.

As more consumers learn that there are alternatives to the high price of dealer sold extended warranties, the number of companies and web sites offering them have exploded. How do you know which companies you can trust? How can you research the companies? What resources are available to you?

Warranty Direct, the oldest and largest provider of direct-to-consumer automobile warranties provides you this comprehensive guide to researching and selecting your warranty provider. We understand how difficult a process this can be. We welcome your phone calls to discuss the issues below in even greater detail.

Warranty Pricing…

A question we are often asked is why there is such a wide range of prices for extended warranties. The best advice we have heard to date is this, “Good extended warranties are not cheap; cheap extended warranties are not good”. As you read this White Paper, you will see the many areas that coverage costs can be lowered. Bear in mind that lower cost coverages cover less and will leave you paying out of pocket on most claims.

The Warranty Company…

Warranty Seller – In most instances, this company is a broker offering coverage(s) from regional, third-party warranty administrators. Once the warranty is sold, you will not deal with the seller again. You want to make sure the warranty seller remits payment to the warranty administrator and your coverage is in force. Warranty brokers typically look for the cheapest coverage available so their markups can be higher. Often, they are not concerned with the quality or level of coverage. As they frequently change the companies they represent, they do not develop long-term business relationships that are most beneficial to consumers.

Few warranty sellers are direct administrators of their warranty coverage. Purchasing direct from an administrator is beneficial because you know where your money is going. You maintain the relationship with the company throughout the life of your extended warranty; in other words, the direct administrator will sell you coverage, provide customer service, offer financing and handle all your claims. Buying direct from an administrator also makes it easier to properly research the company that will be responsible to pay for your repairs over the next 3, 4, 5 years or longer.

Administrator – This is the company that actually issues the warranty and is responsible for paying any claims. This is the company that should come under the closest scrutiny by consumers. Buying coverage direct from an administrator offers the most security as your money goes directly to the company responsible for fulfilling the obligations under the warranty contract. You will also be able to obtain the same coverage they sell through car dealers and avoid the car dealer’s markup. Administrators will offer you pre-sale counseling and after sale support.

There are many warranty administrators (national and regional) with varying business models. You should select a company that offers their coverage through many different channels and not just the Internet. Like insurance companies, the larger the pool of warranty holders, the more likely the company is financially stable and has adequate funds to pay future claims.

Regional warranty administrators tend to be small and have a smaller base of customers. National warranty administrators will offer coverage through car dealers, financial institutions (banks, credit unions) and may even handle warranty programs for manufacturers. With a larger, more diverse customer base, these companies are more financially sound. When a warranty administrator handles coverage for banks, credit unions and manufacturers, you can bet those companies did a lot of research before selecting a warranty partner.

More and more states are regulating the sale of extended warranties. Larger states like California, Florida and New York have licensing requirements and have done the homework for you. If a company is licensed in all of these states, that is a good indication of a stable company and one dedicated to compliance.

Internet Only Warranty Companies – Based on our 14 years of selling coverage direct to consumers on the Internet (and 28 years through car dealers, banks and credit unions), we have seen companies with this business model come and go. While the Internet allows consumers to buy products at more affordable prices than traditional selling channels, companies that only do business on the Internet present a risky business model.

Internet only companies are loosely regulated and some are not regulated at all. As they do not sell through car dealers or other channels, they are able to bypass the regulatory requirements that more and more states are implementing to protect consumers. These regulatory requirements most often deal with the company’s financial health.

By only selling warranties on the Internet, these companies are not able to amass a large customer base and often are not able to set aside appropriate funds to pay future claims. They take in money on Monday to pay claims on Tuesday. Couple this with a lack of regulatory over-sight and you have a recipe for disaster.

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard.

My personal thanks to Andree for her professionalism, courtesy and the overall way in which she handled this particular claim.

I chose Warranty Direct after much research and reading a review by a car consumer guru of sorts that described you as the Rolls Royce of Warranty Companies. My experience with Andree confirms that and much more and I will continue to use you in the future and recommend you to anyone considering an extended warranty!!

Kindest Regards

C. LaBreche
Click here for a free, instant online extended warranty quote.

Better extended warranties will NOT exclude damage due to overheating.
Warranty Direct does NOT have an overheating exclusion in its contracts.
While many warranty providers shy away from damage caused by overheating, Warranty Direct takes a much different approach. Although damage sustained when a vehicle overheats can be severe, we take care of all repair costs for covered components provided the vehicle does not overheat due to negligence and provided you act immediately to prevent unnecessary damage when your vehicle overheats.

 In fact, if your vehicle overheats and you require a tow or fluid replacement, Warranty Direct’s FREE 24×7 Roadside Assistance makes sure you get taken care of… fast!

Click here to obtain an instant, online automobile extended warranty quote.

We understand that you may have a warranty from the manufacturer. Our coverage is simply an extension of that, not double coverage. The manufacturer’s warranty has been factored into your price quote. The more factory warranty you have remaining, the lower the cost and greater the length of the warranty extension. In other words, you are paying for tomorrow’s coverage at today’s rates. In addition, our Roadside Assistance benefit, with $100 towing limits may prove to be invaluable during the Manufacturer’s Warranty period.

FACT: The newer your vehicle, the lower the rates for extended coverage.
Please click the link below to view a chart that illustrates this:

http://www.warrantydirect.com/when_to_buy_your_coverage.asp

Waiting may also carry other risks. Coverage costs rise as repair rates do. Labor rates have been steadily rising over the past few years. It is not uncommon for a repair facility to charge $100 or more per labor hour. As more repair data becomes available for your vehicle, its costs may also rise. These factors can cause the rates for your vehicle to rise should you elect to delay purchasing coverage.

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard.

Warranty Direct does NOT have an overheating exclusion in its contracts. While many warranty providers shy away from damage caused by overheating, Warranty Direct takes a much different approach. Although damage sustained when a vehicle overheats can be severe, we take care of all repair costs for covered components provided the vehicle does not overheat due to negligence and provided you act immediately to prevent unnecessary damage when your vehicle overheats. In fact, if your vehicle overheats and you require a tow or fluid replacement, Warranty Direct’s FREE 24×7 Roadside Assistance makes sure you get taken care of… fast!

About Warranty Direct

Founded in 1980, Warranty Direct is the direct-to-consumer division of one of North America’s leading providers of service contracts and extended warranties for automobiles. Through its automobile extended warranty portals, www.warrantydirect.com, www.carwarranty.com, www.warrantyinfo.com and www.warrantydirect.ca , Warranty Direct leads the industry in efficient and expedited claims handling, impeccable customer service and a technology infrastructure that far surpasses the industry standard.

Most extended warranties define “mechanical breakdown” as a defect in parts and workmanship as supplied by the manufacturer, or a defect that makes the part unable to perform the function for which it was designed. Often, they will state that the gradual reduction in operating performance (wear-and-tear) is not covered. Service contracts that exclude wear and tear will not cover repairs needed because a part’s performance has gradually deteriorated because of normal wear and tear, unless a mechanical breakdown has occurred.

The more miles on a car when a repair becomes necessary, the more likely it is that the repair will be needed because a part wore out, rather than because the part broke due to poor manufacturing. Again, many extended warranties do not cover parts that wear out.

Before buying an extended warranty, you should carefully review what is covered and not covered to see whether wear and tear claims are excluded from coverage. That way, if it is not clear whether a repair is needed due to a manufacturing defect or simple wear and tear, it is more likely that the service contract company will pay for the repair. It is a mistake to assume that a repair agreement will cover every repair your car may need.

Read more about wear and tear from the California Department of Insurance:

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0060-information-guides/0010-automobile/guide-to-automobile-repair-agreements.cfm

Next to your house, your automobile is probably your biggest investment. Finding the right company to entrust your vehicles repairs is easy if one knows where to look. The following resources can assist you in selecting the right company.

Better Business Bureau – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides online access to a company’s BBB Reliability Report at http://search.bbb.org/ . The report will show pertinent information about the company as well as its complaint history. The BBB also has a special site for automobile warranty issues at http://lemonlaw.bbb.org/ .

WebAssured.com – WebAssured Business Background Reports give online buyers valuable insight into the companies behind the web sites. They show you instantly how responsive a company has been to complaints filed with WebAssured, whether a company is covered by their On-line Purchase Protection insurance, and other information about its physical location, management, and financial condition. Using this information, on-line buyers no longer need to take a leap of faith when ordering from a website for the first time. WebAssured also publishes verified customer testimonials. You can search for a company at http://www.webassured.com/search/search.cfm .

Dun & Bradstreet – Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is the world’s leading source of business information and insight. Through the use of their D&B Web Log program, companies can become D&B listed by providing pertinent business information to them. Member companies will prominently display this logo on their web site.

Federal Trade Commission – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published an Auto Service Contracts FTC Facts for Consumers guide at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/autoserv.pdf

State Regulatory Agencies – Many of the 50 states have licensing/registration requirements to make sure auto warranty companies are financially sound and/or properly insured. A growing number of states have very strict requirements when it comes to issuing licenses. While your state may not have these requirements, finding a company who meets the requirements in those states can provide you with peace of mind. California, Flroida and New York provide the most stringent licensing requirements. If a company can offer their products there, it may be an excellent indication of the quality of the company.

Internet – The Internet provides vast resources for consumers to access information. A simple web search at Yahoo.com or Google.com can unearth a lot of information about a company including consumer feedback.

The information above was provided by WarrantyDirect.com

Warranty Direct is the consumer division of one of the oldest and largest independent automobile warranty providers in the US. Their expertise in car warranties is unmatched with 28 years of experience, nearly 2 million automotive warranty contracts sold and over $500,000,000.00 in paid claims. In addition to offering their warranties direct to consumers, over 2,200 manufacturers, dealers, banks and credit unions choose to market their coverage. Why pay the dealer’s markup when you can select similar coverage direct from “the source”?
Click here for a free, instant online extended warranty quote.

I shared with him about Warranty Direct and the tremendous reliability that I have experienced with your company over the years with no deductible. So my effort on my lap top computer was an effort to bring you new business.

 The guy I talked to will not be coming to Warranty Direct immediately since he has other coverage, but he left thanking me and said his next car is going to be insured with your company. He said that will probably be early next year.

 Tom Waters 
A Very Happy Policy Holder
Get an instant, online extended warranty quote by clicking here.