Understand the different types of warranties

These warranties cover motorists for manufacturing defects, such as paint, structural, mechanical or electrical component issues.

Motorists should be aware that there are different types of warranties that offer different levels of coverage.

Manufacturer’s warranty

All new vehicles are sold with a manufacturer’s warranty, which is provided by the vehicle manufacturer or importer of that particular brand of vehicle. If the vehicle does not do what it is supposed to do, any defect will be repaired or replaced by the manufacturer at one of its dealerships.

There is a limit to what components are covered and each manufacturer will have their own level of coverage. In most cases, mechanical faults in major components such as engines and gearboxes will be covered. However, most manufacturers’ warranties do not cover wear items such as tires, brake pads, rotors and shock absorbers.

In most cases, breakdowns or failures will be fully covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, but various factors may void this warranty. These include driver abuse or misuse of the vehicle, such as in motorsport applications, as well as modifications or alterations outside of what is permitted. For example, fitting aftermarket exhaust systems or tuning the ECU will void your warranty. Motorists should also comply with the maintenance intervals specified by the manufacturer to ensure that their warranty remains valid for the entire period.

It’s a good idea to make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your warranty so you know what’s covered, what’s required and what may void your warranty before you take delivery to make sure that you are not left with an unnecessary and expensive repair bill if something goes wrong.

Extended warranty

A supplementary or extended warranty is available to supplement the limitations of the manufacturer’s warranty by covering the cost of repairs or parts for an extended time or distance traveled. These warranties are available from dealerships or warranty companies and insurers. Extending a used vehicle’s warranty is a great way to protect against a range of unexpected costs.

Consumer Protection Act Warranty

Another form of protection available when purchasing a vehicle is that offered by the Consumer Protection Act (LPC). This implied warranty of quality is valid for six months.

The CPA guarantee cancels the voetstoots clause and applies to all vehicles, except those sold at auction. The warranty offered by the CPA obliges the seller to remedy any breakdowns or failures that may occur unless it is sold with a specific provision.

In the event of a breakdown or breakdown within the first six months of ownership not caused by the fault of the motorist, the vehicle will be repaired, replaced or reimbursed.

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