A car warranty is a guarantee by a manufacturer that it will replace or repair certain parts of your vehicle, and it’s usually based on a number of years, or a number of kilometres travelled, whichever comes first. A warranty is the same as any contract and if you don’t uphold your end of the deal, you could lose out on your warranty.
In February 2021 a new law was passed, giving consumers certain new freedoms with regards to their car warranties. The new law stated that consumers are now allowed to choose the supplier they wanted to repair their car, rather than being dictated to by warranty providers.
While this gives consumers certain freedoms when it comes to their car warranty, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the Ts and Cs of your contract, to ensure you never void your car warranty. While you might now be able to choose the best supplier to repair your car, there are other mistakes you could make that would void your car warranty.
What does a car warranty cover? It depends on the type of warranty you choose, but most warranties usually cover engine defaults, gearbox, differential, air conditioning, cooling system, suspension, wheel bearings, prop shafts, CV joints, clutch and turbo assembly.
What voids my car warranty?
- Missing a service
Keep a close eye on the recommended time frame or kilometres between car services. While most warranties allow for a grace period, if you miss out on a service your warranty could become invalid.
- Vehicle misuse
If you use your car for off-roading and it’s not an off-road vehicle, or if you decide to enter some drag race, or you’re moving home and you overload your vehicle – these are all considered vehicle misuse. If your car is damaged while you are “misusing” it, any warranty claims could be denied.
- Modifications
If you alter your vehicle’s bodywork or engine, your warranty might become void. However, some modifications are allowed, so once again it’s important to check the warranty Ts and Cs before making changes to your vehicle.
- Vehicle write off
If your car is written off, your warranty is too.
What is an extended car warranty?
When your initial warranty expires, an Extended Car Warranty will continue to provide you with financial assistance in the event of an unexpected mechanical breakdown or electrical failure of your car. If you want to make sure that your car is taken care of along its journey, consider taking out an Extended Car Warranty through MotorHappy.
An Extended Car Warranty through MotorHappy gives you peace of mind knowing that unexpected mechanical breakdowns are covered with fixed, affordable monthly payments. Some of the benefits of an Extended Car Warranty through MotorHappy include towing, car hire or overnight accommodation, message relay, tyre change, fuel run, jump-start and key lockout services.
2022 Hyundai Kona delivers on style, comfort, and power
VW Polo Vivo Comfortline Auto - A sweet spot in the Vivo range
