The last thing any used car driver wants is to experience a avería mecánica on the road. Not only is this situation dangerous, but it can also lead to an expensive repair bill. Many used and new vehicles come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty upon purchase, though the coverage may only be limited to major parts under the hood. This may leave you wondering whether other parts, such as the car’s exhaust system, are included in the warranty.

Some drivers may have also settled on investing in an extended warranty to gain even more coverage beyond their standard warranty, though it may still be unclear what’s covered and what isn’t. Learn everything you need to know about your coverage, depending on the type of warranty you have on your vehicle.

What Does a Standard Vehicle Warranty Cover?

The coverage offered by standard manufacturer warranties can vary drastically depending upon the type of warranty on the vehicle. Generally, the most common type of basic warranty provided on new cars is a powertrain warranty. This type of warranty covers all components comprising, you guessed it, the powertrain. This powertrain system contains any part of the vehicle that assists it in being thrust forward. Therefore, the engine, transmission, driveshaft, axles, and differential are most commonly included under this warranty.

The other typical form of manufacturer warranty offered is bumper-to-bumper warranty, also known as comprehensive coverage. As the name implies, this type of warranty usually covers everything on a car except for the bumpers themselves. Seals, gaskets, the exhaust system, electrical components, and sometimes even the car seats themselves fall under the scope of this coverage. However, all manufacturer warranties differ, and what one company includes in the coverage, another may not.

Decoding Extended Warranty Coverage for Exhaust Systems

The other type of warranty that a driver may consider adding to their vehicle is an extended warranty. Unlike a manufacturer warranty, an extended warranty is offered by a third party and offers financial protection against covered mechanical breakdowns. One thing that sets extended warranties apart from standard warranties, though, is that they often provide a greater depth of coverage.

Extended warranty options also have ranges, as with standard warranties, meaning that high-level contracts will not offer coverage for parts such as the exhaust system. However, extended warranty contracts that are more comprehensive will likely cover some, if not all, of the exhaust system. The level of this coverage will vary, but read the fine print to see if the following parts are included:

• Exhaust manifold
• Tailpipe
• Muffler
• Catalytic converter
• Flex pipe
• Oxygen sensors
• Resonator assemblies
• Pipe accessories

Standard Exclusions to Be Aware Of

While it’s true that some extended warranty and standard warranty packages will offer coverage for the various components that make up the exhaust system, there are specific exclusions to keep in mind. These exclusions don’t just have to do with the exhaust system or emissions and will often void any type of warranty coverage whatsoever. First and foremost, in the event you are in a car accident, it’s essential to be aware that your warranty will not be able to help pay for any repairs related to the incident. That’s the purpose of car insurance.

Additionally, if you have chosen to make modifications to your vehicle after you purchased it, which can substantially impact the performance, it likely voided your warranty. Always be sure to read the terms and conditions of your warranty prior to making such modifications. Finally, there are some instances in which corrosion stemming from the way in which you drive your vehicle may void the warranty coverage. For example, if you frequently take your vehicle off-roading and do not clean it or maintain it afterward, corrosion can occur over time. Many warranty providers will be unlikely to provide you with the financial coverage you may need for parts within the exhaust system.

Ensuring Coverage: 6 Tips for Exhaust System Maintenance

As mentioned, there are particularly rare situations that may void your warranty, such as if your vehicle is overtaken by corrosion. However, a failure to maintain your vehicle and take it in for proper check-ups can increase the risk of mechanical breakdown, which is why most warranty providers void your coverage if you do not take care of these tasks. Luckily, there are a number of helpful tips you can follow on a regular basis to ensure that your exhaust system stays properly maintained:

1. Inspect for rust and corrosion on the parts of your exhaust system multiple times throughout the year.
2. Listen for unusual noises coming from the back of the vehicle as you drive, particularly when accelerating.
3. If you have a digital gauge, inspect your fuel efficiency and note any sudden changes.
4. Take your vehicle in for regular mileage milestone checkups.
5. Clean the exterior by taking your vehicle to the car wash periodically.
6. Remove carbon deposits that have accumulated.

Documentation and Claims: Keeping Exhaustive Records

Ensuring your vehicle is kept up to date is one thing, but you also need to ensure that you keep records of all the service tasks you get done on your vehicle. These receipts will serve as proof that you were acting responsibly as the owner of the vehicle and getting it serviced regularly. When you go to submit a claim should a mechanical breakdown occur, they may ask to see proof that you kept your vehicle properly maintained.

Whether it’s simply the receipt from the dealership where your vehicle was serviced or even proof that your car is in solid condition and passed the smog check, any type of proof will help you in your claims submission process.

How Extended Warranties Enhance Exhaust System Protection

Those who already have a standard manufacturer’s warranty or factory warranty on their vehicle may see no benefit in investing in an extended warranty contract. However, because extended warranty contracts often offer a deeper level of protection for smaller parts compared to standard warranties, they can be an excellent addition to fill in coverage gaps.

For perspective, if your standard warranty only offers exhaust system protection for large components, such as the catalytic converter, an extended warranty contract might offer coverage for parts such as seals and gaskets. By combining the benefits of both, you can ensure that you are fully protected when driving on the road. Be aware that extended warranty contracts often have the same exclusions as standard warranties, which means aftermarket adjustments to your vehicle, car accidents, corrosion, and a lack of maintenance are all common reasons why your warranty may be voided.

Gain Peace of Mind with an Endurance Warranty

No driver wants to be stuck with a massive repair bill after a mechanical breakdown, but this is often the reality for those who don’t have protection on their vehicle. Even some drivers who do have protection via a manufacturer’s warranty or extended warranty may come to find that their protection is not enough for niche parts such as the exhaust. This is why it’s essential to partner with an extended warranty provider such as Endurance.

At Endurance Warranty, we offer a variety of extended warranty contracts with a wide range of customizations – with standard benefits like Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption reimbursement. Whether you’re just seeking basic and high-level stated coverage with our Secure Plus plan, something more comprehensive such as our near bumper-to-bumper Supreme plan, or something in between, there’s a contract for you.

Additionally, enjoy our extra Beneficios de élite for a small activation fee, which provides you with bonus perks such as key fob replacement, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, and so much more.

To learn more about how Endurance can help protect your vehicle, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS. Tú también puedes tienda en linea now to see your price right away.

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