Whether you buy a new car through a dealership or a certified pre-owned model off the dealer’s lot, it’ll have at least a limited warranty based on length of ownership or mileage accrued. Amid the pile of paperwork included with a vehicle’s purchase, it’s easy to lose track of whether your vehicle is still under warranty when it comes time for basic maintenance, which means you could miss an opportunity to save money.
How do you check to see if your vehicle is still under warranty? You don’t need to dig through paperwork. Just follow these three easy steps.
- Find the vehicle identification number on your vehicle.
- Note the mileage on the odometer.
- Contact your dealer or any dealership that sells vehicles made by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
The vehicle identification number usually can be found either underneath the windshield wiper on the driver’s side or on a sticker on the driver’s side door. You also should be able to find it on your vehicle’s insurance card, registration and title. If you still can’t find it, call your dealer with your vehicle’s year and model.
Next, look at the odometer on your vehicle’s instrument panel and note the mileage. For newer models, you may have to start the vehicle first, as the odometer is likely part of the driver’s TFT gauge display. Older vehicles have analog odometers you can read even when the ignition is off.
Third, ring up a dealer who sells vehicles made by the same manufacturer. They’ll be able to tell you if the warranty is still valid.
If all else fails, you can pay for a Carfax report on your vehicle that will provide plenty of information on all active and inactive warranties, plus other items like how many owners your vehicle has had, whether it’s been in an accident or stolen and the number of major repairs your vehicle’s had.
Not sure if your vehicle has adequate coverage? Visit evercareprotection.com for more information or call 888.657.6481.