When you have just purchased a brand new car, or even a "new to you" car, you want to be absolutely certain that you have got plenty of coverage in case the unforeseen happens. Many people buy new cars today feeling quite secure that they have purchased a vehicle with a 100,000 mile warranty, or even just a 60,000 mile warranty- but these very long term warranties can be misleading.

When you buy a vehicle it is very important that you are aware of precisely the type of warranty, if any, that will be included with your vehicle. Most of the very long term warranties are "powertrain only." This essentially means that only your motor, the differential, and the transmission will be covered in the event of breakdown. However, as any regular driver knows, there is a great deal more to a car than the powertrain. Any vehicle has many parts that can cause problems for the owner, from the ignition switch to the automatic power doors and windows.

When you purchase your vehicle you may be offered a different type of vehicle warranty: The extended vehicle warranty. In some cases you can also purchase an extended vehicle warranty after you have had your vehicle for some time. With an extended vehicle warranty, you will be purchasing additional protection for your car, in many cases the "bumper to bumper" type of protection that a brand new car warranty will give you. With most new car warranties, the bumper to bumper warranty will expire after three years or a certain mileage limit (typically about 36,000 miles) so vehicles will then be either uncovered or will transition into the powertrain type of warranty.

Many new car buyers feel that it is worth an investment in an extended vehicle warranty so that they are able to drive their car in the future years without fear of breakdown. When an issue with the car occurs, either the original warranty, the extended warranty, or the powertrain warranty (in the case of the engine, transmission, or differential breakdown) will cover the problem and give the owner a chance to get back on the road in the fastest time possible. Vehicle Warranties are a smart investment and will pay off in the years to come, both in peace of mind and in future potential auto repairs.