Ever wonder what a bumper to bumper warranty covers?

New cars include a warranty that is anywhere from 3 years/36,000 mile to 10 years.  This is usually conditional coverage and will not cover most wear and tear items.  The warranty also requires that you keep up the regular maintenance (i.e. oil changes) or it could prevent the manufacturer from covering issues that may arise.  

Bumper to bumper warranty may cover everything from roadside assistance, free gasoline if stranded on the side of road, major mechanical repair and electronic equipment.

The list of specific items may vary a little, but the most common exclusions are brake pads, wiper blades, aftermarket accessories, exhaust system, hoses, belts, light bulbs,  drums and rotors.  Natural wear and tear during normal operation is not covered by the warranty.  Damage caused by an accident, negligence or deliberate abuse is also excluded.  You can check with your dealer to find out exactly what would be covered under the warranty.

Bumper to bumper should not be confused with the drive train warranty which covers the cost of repairs if any part of the vehicle’s transmission system stops performing as designed.  Consumers may also purchase extended warranties for their vehicles after their initial warranty has expired.

Bumper-to-bumper: Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance, like fluid top-offs and oil changes, but a few luxury brands — most notably BMW and Saab — have separate free-maintenance provisions. Bumper-to-bumper warranties usually expire faster than powertrain warranties. ~Cars.com