There are many different types of warranties and each has its own advantages since it’s nice to have coverage for parts that break so you aren’t paying out of pocket for every expense. However, warranties don’t cover everything and it helps to know the difference, especially when it comes to new or preowned cars. Warranties are all going to have different expiration dates and some will be only good for a certain number of miles or certain number of years.

Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This is a type of warranty that all new cars have. It can also be called a comprehensive warranty and this coverage typically replaces many different vehicle components if there are any functional or manufacturing defects. For example, if the HVAC system starts leaking or the audio system has a glitch, you won’t have to pay for any repairs as long as you go to a certified repair shop and follow other warranty guidelines. This warranty won’t cover normal wear and tear and regular maintenance, such as air filters or oil. It won’t cover any damage caused by accidents. Since this coverage is pretty comprehensive, an automaker only offers it for a shorter period of time. The range will vary based on the maker but can range between three years and six years or 36,000 to 60,000 miles.

Powertrain Warranty
This type of warranty covers components that are necessary for the car to operate. Parts covered include the axle, engine, driveshaft, and transmission. Some other items related to the powertrain, such as belts and the battery, aren’t covered. An automaker is more generous with this type of warranty and it is offered for 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.

Corrosion Warranty
Your car is a big investment so you expect it to survive the initial year without deterioration. If this does happen then this warranty replaces metal panels that suffer from rust-induced perforations.

Emissions Warranty
Due to government regulations, your car will have many sensors and parts that regulate and monitor its emissions. If the components fail then the vehicle produces more emissions than may be legally allowed. You are responsible when this happens but an automaker can offer a warranty that will fix this problem.

Accessories Warranty
If you choose to purchase OEM upgrades or other add-ons for the vehicle then you may get these covered under an accessories warranty. Normal bumper to bumper warranties don’t cover accessories that weren’t part of the car when it was first sold. If you do add these enhancements through a retailer then they come with their own warranty.

Battery Warranty
In a gas-powered car, the battery will be considered normal wear but it’s a very important part of the powertrain for an electric vehicle. This means that electric-powered vehicles will have a battery warranty to cover the electric motor, battery pack, and other components. Just like the powertrain warranty, this coverage lasts for a while and provides a good incentive to get an electric vehicle.

CPO Warranty or Transferred New Car Warranty
A normal bumper to bumper warranty won’t always transfer to the next owner when you sell the car. Dealerships instead offer pre-owned warranties. In order to get a transferred new car warranty, the vehicle will need to meet certain criteria that the manufacturer decides. It if earns this certification status then it includes a warranty that substitutes for the original coverage.

Aftermarket warranty transfers are sold by a company that is not the original manufacturer. There are different types of aftermarket warranties and some are able to be transferred. Whether or not it can be transferred will depend on the original contract. A single warranty company offers both types of warranties that can and can’t be transferred.

Extended Warranty
All warranties do have an expiration date so if you want coverage for longer or want more coverage on items not normally covered then you have the option for an extended warranty. You don’t usually get these warranties from the automaker but instead companies will sell these to you for a small price. You could be asked if you want to add this coverage when you buy your car.

Used Car Warranties
Used cars also come with warranties but the warranties will differ based on your car dealer. Warranties will be good for an agreed-upon set of miles or time period. You likely want to purchase some kind of warranty when buying a used car to stay protected.

Adjustment Warranties
These warranties are typically provided by the dealer and cover items such as rattles, squeaks, alignments, and other types of small adjustments that you may find you need during the first few weeks of owning your car. There is a typically a time limit of 90 days for these warranties. These warranties are only provided by the dealership that sells you the car and they are the only ones that will be able to fix the problem. If you buy a car far from home then you need to make sure to do a thorough test drive since this warranty won’t be useful to you unless you drive back to the dealership to get any problems fixed.