Powertrain parts bring stationary cars to movement. These are the parts that are directly related to moving the car forward or backward like the engine (powerhouse), transmission, and drivetrain. The best part is that the certified car dealers in the USA give a “powertrain warranty” on new cars – extended by the manufacturers. Within the premise of this warranty, there is the exchange and replacement of all powertrain components in case any of them stops working.
To those who are planning to purchase a car and seek maximum benefits on the purchase policies, this piece of information is for you. Several new four-wheelers come with manufacturers or factory warranties that cover 5 consecutive years or 60,000 miles drive (whichever comes first). If any of the powertrain components fail to function, the manufacturer pays (if not all) then most of the cost of repairing/replacing them. On the contrary, there is a bumper-to-bumper warranty that covers even non-powertrain parts but comes with a lesser time span.
Powertrain or Bumper? Focus on the facts, rather than flipping the coin. Know what and what not is covered under the powertrain warranty.
What does Powertrain Warranty cover?
There is a different powertrain warranty set for different car types, manufacturers and models, though most of them cover engines and their internal parts (heads/seals, gaskets, fuel injectors, water and oil pumps), transmission, driveshaft, drive system, and control modules in their protection plans.
Some warranties might include engine mount, valvetrain, flywheel, timing belt, four-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel-drive components. In cars with turbocharger or supercharger components, these are also included in the warranty.
In a car, all the powertrain parts relate in a way that none could work if one fails to function. Like the engine gives power to the car, the transmission delivers the engine’s output to drive wheels, the drivetrain delivers power to the wheels and differentials allow them to rotate.
What Powertrain Warranty Does Not Cover?
In general, anything that does not relate to moving the vehicle forward or backward is not included in the powertrain warranty. The list includes – air conditioners, electricals, safety mechanisms, entertainment systems, suspensions, and body panels.
Most of the plans do not include auxiliary parts like sensors, cooling lines, electrical connectors, and hoses. Even the clutches, oil filter tires, and windshield wipes are not covered in the protection plans.
Also, the powertrain warranty does not involve any third-party or aftermarket parts replacement. No coverage against environmental damages, the powertrain warranty covers only the defaults that arrive due to faulty materials, workmanship, or designs.
Bumper V/S Powertrain Warranty
Powertrain | Bumper |
| Only related to parts that include moving of the car. | The list is more comprehensive. |
| 5 years or 60,000 miles warranty | 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty |
| Some warranties cover a larger arena. | There is a fixed set of warranty parts (more than Powertrain though) |
| Coverage for critical components even after the bumper to bumper expires. | No coverage for powertrain parts. |
| Does not cover roadside assistance or towing. | Might or might not cover roadside assistance or towing. |
Final Thoughts
Once you get out to buy a new car, hold on to your excitement and check for the powertrain warranty and the coverage it gives. Warranty is an agreement between the buyer and the manufacturer but it holds a lot of conditions that limit the liabilities of the manufacturers. Make sure you get proper assistance on warranties before purchasing a car.