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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

What Is A Powertrain And A Powertrain Auto Warranty

By David Cunningham

The powertrain includes all of its components used to transform stored energy into kinetic energy for propulsion purposes. This includes the utilization of multiple power sources and non-wheel-based vehicles. Powertrain refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, air or water. This includes the engine, transmission, differentials, drive shafts, and the final drive. An automobile`s driveline consists of the parts of the drivetrain but not includeing the engine and transmission. It is the portion of an automobile, after the transmission, that changes depending on whether an automobile is rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

When you buy a new or used car you must look over the auto warranty for powertrain coverage. Make sure you read the entire contract before the 30th day after you made a down payment. New Car Warranties are very clear on what the driver must do. Is the Powertrain covered and for how many miles and for how many years? Be clear on how long the new car has been on the lot. Drivers are not aware that factory warranties do not start on the sale date but when the car came off the factory floor.

Most Powertrain Warranties pay the mechanic over the phone directly however a few Administrators still require the policy holder to pay the facility and then get reimbursed. So make it clear with your agent that you do not want a reimbursement policy. Another thing thats is not universal with all warranties is the ability to use any mechanic you please. Make sure you can use any repair facility in case your mechanical failure occurs out of town.

Some Factory Warranties cover the Powertrain for 5 years and 100k miles but most only cover for 3 years and 36k miles. Many Extended Auto Warranty and Car Service Contract companies offer Powertrain Warranties. You may even qualify for a Full Comprehensive policy but if money is tight the Powertrain components cost the most when you do breakdown so at least purchasing a Powertrain only policy will give you the peace of mind that most of the expensive parts like the engine, transmission, drive axel and drive shaft are covered. An accredited Auto Warranty Company will have agents that walk a customer through what and what is not covered.

Powertrain Warranties are something a high mileage or older model car owner must take into consideration. When the Powertrain has failure you either pay lots of money to have it fixed or send it to the junk yard. There is however a third option and that is preventative measure`s. Many companies sell Powertrain Warranties and many have different levels of powertrain coverage. The latest policy to land in the Extended Warranty arena is a Powertrain Enhanced Warranty. Along with the Powertrain it also covers most of the Air Conditioning systems and some electrical components. Regardless of the level of coverage a Powertrain Warranty is a great way to protect your budget.

The important items requiring special attention on the car warranty contract is the mandatory requirements like waiting period and mileage needed to drive before a policy takes effect. Be aware of what extra`s the coverage has like;towing, roadside assistance, trip interruption, auto deductible, rental coverage and out of state coverage. If these items are not contained in the warranty it could cost you or leave you stranded. Also look for the auto warranty "rights of refusal" to repair.

Right of refusal to repair is only enforced when a customer does not follow their recommended maintenance outlined in every user`s manual. This includes regular oil changes every 3 to 5 thousand miles as well as flushing fluids and rotating tires. Also, most manufacturer's recommend changing your timing belt at 80k or 90k miles. As long as you follow your recommended factory maintenance in your owner`s manual you should never have a claim denied for this reason. Acts of God are not covered and listed in most policies as such.

Prior to purchasing your car warranty do some research on the internet which provides the best place to obtain information about the company. They also have consumer ratings or contain content as to problems that may have occurred. In any event purchasing the right extended auto warranty to protect your vehicle and especially the powertrain will be the best investment you make.

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