Your vehicle is your second largest investment next to your home. Everyone has fire insurance on their home, and yet the chances of using it are far less (thank goodness) than a warranty for your vehicle.…

There Are Different Types Of Extended Warranty

Your vehicle is your second largest investment next to your home. Everyone has fire insurance on their home, and yet the chances of using it are far less (thank goodness) than a warranty for your vehicle. It is vital to prepare for any emergency.

Extended warranty on your car is important because there are many expensive replaceable items on your vehicle. While the average vehicle has about 30,000 components if you count every nut and bolt, not all of these will be covered. Also, extended warranty will typically not cover wearable items such as brake components, air filters and fluids designed to wear as you use the vehicle and are considered regular vehicle maintenance.

There are different types of extended warranty, one is from the manufacturer of your vehicle that you can purchase from your dealership, the other is warranty from a third-party provider, though I am not as familiar with these options.

Mechanics repairing a car
A mechanic with a clipboard inspecting the suspension

I choose to buy my extended warranty from my dealership at the time of my purchase, although you can buy it any time as long as you are under the manufacturers’ original warranty. 

There is a fee the longer you wait, so it’s best to buy straight away if you want to extend your warranty.

If you choose to sell the vehicle prior to the extended warranty running out, you can in most cases transfer the balance of that extended warranty to a new owner.

Mechanic with a clipboard

So essentially you can sell that insurance with the vehicle and regain back some of your money while still having that full protection.

Today’s vehicles are truly a technological marvel. With the amount of sensors, safety systems and even the media options, the costs of repairs have risen dramatically. Most basic manufacturer warranty will include a longer powertrain, but if you plan to keep the vehicle beyond three years it’s so important to buy extended warranty, particularly just for oxygen sensors, CO2 sensors, the screens that runs your navigation, etc.

Lastly, an extended warranty from your dealership will ensure you get the manufacturer parts back on your vehicle and that it is worked on at the dealership by trained professionals who are skilled on your brand and model.

Important note, doing the regular maintenance on your vehicle outlined by the manufacturer will help keep both the warranty that came with the vehicle and the extended warranty valid. Think about how long you plan to keep the vehicle you buy and decide which extended warranty is right for you.

Until next time, drive safe.

Sincerely, The Car Lady.

Christine Mitchell, owner and principal of The Car Lady,  spent many years in the automotive industry as a technician, service advisor and salesperson. In 2001, she put her knowledge and experience together to start The Car Lady brand. She has driven hundreds of thousands of kilometres to help dealerships across Canada build customer relationships that increase both customer retention and customer satisfaction.

When asked to pinpoint the location of the cabin filter in your vehicle, most would struggle to answer confidently. Typically hidden away in your glovebox compartment or nestled near the engine bay, this…

Changing The Cabin Filter Keeps Your Car’s Air Fresh and Clean

When asked to pinpoint the location of the cabin filter in your vehicle, most would struggle to answer confidently. Typically hidden away in your glovebox compartment or nestled near the engine bay, this small but mighty filter plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the air you breathe while driving.

The cabin filter’s job is to capture all kinds of debris – from brake dust and soot to hair, pollen and leaves. When you switch on your vehicle’s heater or air conditioner, the air circulating through your vents is courtesy of this hard-working filter. Over time, it accumulates a lot of this unwanted debris, which means it needs regular replacing to keep the air inside your car clean and fresh.

Easily overlooked due to the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality, many car owners don’t learn about the cabin filter until they bring their vehicle to a technician when they start experiencing issues. An ignored cabin filter can lead to obstructed airflow, as well as mold buildup and unpleasant odors, turning your car into a less-than-pleasant environment. Given how much time we spend behind the wheel, keeping that air clean isn’t just about comfort – it’s about maintaining a healthy space for you and your passengers.

Experts recommend changing your cabin filter every 10,000-15,000 kilometers or approximately every nine to 12 months. However, this can vary depending on your lifestyle. For instance, if you frequently drive through construction zones, you will encounter more dust and may need to replace the filter more often.

Comparing a dirty cabin air filter to a new one.

In our shop, assessing the condition of your cabin filter is a part of our routine maintenance check and can be as simple as shining a bright light through it or holding it up to sunlight. If enough light passes through, your filter is still doing its job. If not, it’s time for a replacement to ensure unrestricted airflow.

 

Customers should be aware that routine checks on cabin filters might not be part of every shop’s standard procedure. Some shops may only check the cabin filter if specifically instructed. Therefore, it’s important to discuss this with the service provider when taking your car in for maintenance.

Cabin filters typically range between $30-$100, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. It’s a small price to pay for the significant benefit of clean air inside your car.

In a nutshell, regularly checking and replacing your cabin filter might seem like a small detail, but it’s a game-changer for maintaining your car’s air quality. Think of it as giving your vehicle a breath of fresh air, ensuring every drive is not just enjoyable but also healthier for everyone inside!

Photo of Armen Jakjakian

Armen Jakjakian, the owner/operator of Speedy Auto Service Mississauga West, brings over 20 years of experience in the auto repair industry. Known for his dedication to quality service, Armen likes to say he has oil in his veins – a testament to his lifelong passion for all things automotive.