Auto repairs can be expensive … there’s no doubt about that. That’s why many people choose to buy a safeguard, such as a powertrain warranty, to help prevent high dollar repairs whenever possible. But, is the extra cost associated with that purchase necessary, or even a wise buying decision? Let’s take a look at what a powertrain is, what a warranty will cover, and some of the other options available to you.

What is a powertrain?

A powertrain is very much like how it sounds – a group of vehicle parts that work together to give your vehicle power and keep it in motion. The three major components are the engine, drivetrain, and transmission.

You may have already experienced how expensive repairs of these systems and their parts can be. It’s no surprise, then, that many people choose to purchase a powertrain warranty to give them a little extra peace of mind.

What does a powertrain warranty cover?

Unfortunately, a powertrain warranty doesn’t cover everything, but it does cover a lot of major parts that can be very expensive to fix. These include things like:

• The engine and its internal parts – pistons, valves, oil pump, gears, etc.
• Your transmission and its interior workings – clutches, gears, torque converter, etc.
• Other miscellaneous parts – catalytic converter, power steering, wheel bearings, transfer case, and more.

One important thing to remember is that not all powertrain warranties are the same. Be sure to read all of the fine print to get a full understanding of inclusions and exclusions.

Other warranties to consider

Vehicle owners have a choice between a variety of different warranties, not just a powertrain warranty. If you’re looking for peace of mind in the form of an extended warranty, you can also consider:

• A bumper-to-bumper warranty: This is the most comprehensive vehicle warranty, covering just about everything from bumper to bumper. What’s NOT included are normal wear-and-tear items like the upholstery, for example.
• Drivetrain warranty: This type of warranty covers similar items as a powertrain warranty but excludes the engine and its parts. And, it’s not as common as it once was so your vehicle manufacturer may not even offer it anymore.
• Corrosion protection warranty: This type of warranty could be helpful if you like to keep your vehicles for a very long time. It covers damage to metal components from things like rust or corrosion.

Beyond the manufacturer warranties listed above, your favorite auto repair shop may offer a warranty on work completed by their technicians. The industry standard is 24 months or 24,000 miles, but a top quality shop that takes pride in their work may offer a 5 year/ 60,000 mile warranty.

The bottom line is … do what’s necessary to make you feel comfortable about the care your vehicle needs. If spending the money on an extended warranty gives you peace of mind, do it! Or, if you’d rather budget for necessary auto repairs, that’s okay, too. Either way, be sure to communicate your preferences with your favorite mechanic and auto repair shop so your vehicle gets the service it needs.