Owning a car comes with the responsibility of regular maintenance to ensure it remains in optimal condition. One of the most significant benefits of purchasing a new car or a certified pre-owned vehicle is the warranty, which protects you from unexpected repair costs for a specific period or mileage. However, maintaining this warranty often requires regular car inspections and adherence to a maintenance schedule. Failing to do so could void your warranty, leaving you unprotected when major repairs arise.
In this blog, we’ll explore why regular car inspections are crucial for maintaining your warranty, what happens when you skip inspections, and how to make the most of your warranty coverage.
1. Meeting Manufacturer’s Maintenance Requirements
Most car manufacturers include detailed maintenance schedules in their warranty agreements. These schedules outline specific services, such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and more, that must be performed at regular intervals to keep the warranty valid.
By sticking to these service schedules, you ensure that:
- Warranty remains valid: Many warranties are voided if you miss required inspections or services, meaning you’ll be on the hook for expensive repairs.
- Early problem detection: Inspections catch small issues before they become major problems, helping to avoid costly repairs that could impact the performance of your car.
How Inspections Help:
- Engine checks during inspections ensure the car is operating efficiently, preventing engine damage that could lead to warranty claims.
- Fluid level checks (oil, transmission, brake fluid) are critical since many warranties require regular oil changes and proper fluid levels to avoid engine or transmission failure.
2. Proof of Proper Care
Warranty claims often require you to show proof that your car has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Regular inspections give you a paper trail that proves your vehicle has received the necessary care. Without documented proof, the manufacturer might deny coverage for repairs.
Keeping a record of:
- Inspection reports
- Receipts for parts or services
- Mechanic’s notes on the vehicle’s condition
This documentation shows that you’ve taken care of your car according to the terms of the warranty, making it easier to get any warranty claims approved.
3. Avoiding Common Warranty Voids
Warranties are designed to protect car owners from defects in materials or workmanship, but they don’t cover damage caused by neglect or improper use. Failing to get regular inspections or neglecting maintenance could lead to issues that aren’t covered by your warranty.
Common causes of voiding a warranty:
- Skipping oil changes: Neglecting oil changes can cause engine wear, which is typically not covered under a warranty.
- Ignoring warning lights: Failing to address issues indicated by dashboard warning lights can lead to mechanical problems that void your warranty.
- Using non-approved parts: Some manufacturers specify that only original parts or certified aftermarket parts can be used in repairs. Using unapproved parts during inspections or repairs may void the warranty.
By getting regular inspections, you ensure that:
- Any potential issues are addressed early.
- Only certified parts are used, which protects your warranty.
4. Extending the Lifespan of Your Car
While warranties typically last for a few years or a set number of miles, the habit of regular inspections can extend your car’s overall lifespan. Proper maintenance helps your car run smoothly long after the warranty has expired, saving you from significant repair costs in the future.
Key Benefits of Regular Inspections:
- Prevention of wear and tear: Inspections catch signs of wear early, reducing the need for major repairs later.
- Boost resale value: A well-maintained vehicle with documented inspections holds its value better than one without.
5. Warranty Compliance for Used and Certified Pre-Owned Cars
For certified pre-owned vehicles (CPO), warranties are often shorter than those for new cars but still provide valuable coverage. Regular inspections are equally essential for maintaining these warranties. Buyers of used cars with remaining warranties must follow the same inspection schedules to ensure continued coverage.
When buying a used or CPO vehicle:
- Check the maintenance history: Ensure the previous owner kept up with inspections.
- Follow the existing schedule: Continue with the inspection schedule to avoid any lapses in coverage.
6. Protecting Against Wear-and-Tear Exclusions
While warranties cover defects, they don’t usually cover wear-and-tear items such as tires, brake pads, and wiper blades. However, regular inspections help you monitor the condition of these parts and replace them before they become a safety issue. While these parts may not be covered by the warranty, keeping them in good condition helps protect other components that are covered.
For example:
- Worn-out brakes could lead to damage in other parts of the braking system, which might not be covered under warranty if regular inspections weren’t performed.
7. Ensuring the Warranty Transfers to the Next Owner
If you plan on selling your car before the warranty expires, regular inspections increase the chances of successfully transferring the warranty to the new owner. A well-documented inspection history is a selling point and helps you get a better resale price.
For warranties that are transferable:
- Complete inspection records make the transfer process smoother.
- Maintained vehicle condition through regular checks increases the car’s value.
Conclusion
Regular car inspections are not just about keeping your vehicle in good working order—they are essential for maintaining the validity of your warranty. By staying on top of maintenance schedules, keeping detailed records, and addressing potential problems early, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure that your warranty provides the coverage you need.
