If you bought a new car, it can be a little scary to think about what happens if something should go wrong, like your starter not working or your battery dying when you’re late for work. Fortunately, most cars bought come with some type of warranty to ensure you’re taken care of at the dealership if there is something wrong with your car.

Most Common Types of Car Warranty Coverage

Although every car manufacturer has their own terms and conditions they offer on their warranties, there are a few common types that are offered. Some of the most common types of warranties include:

  • Bumper to bumper. This type of warranty is offered on new cars. It covers components from bumper to bumper, including your air conditioning system and major electrical components, up to a certain number of years or miles. These do not cover regular maintenance, like oil changes or tune-ups unless specified.
  • Powertrain. This type of warranty covers major functional parts of your vehicle, like the engine and transmission, that make your car to move. Usually, these are offered for 10 years or 100,000 miles on a car.
  • Extended warranty. This type of warranty offers to give you extended coverage after the bumper to bumper or powertrain warranty runs out. This is an add-on feature that can be purchased from the dealer that sold you the car for any amount of time after you buy the car. Restrictions vary by car manufacturer and dealership.
  • Roadside assistance. This type of warranty covers everything from flat-tire changes to towing. Some manufacturers add roadside assistance to a bumper to bumper warranty or sell it as a separate warranty.

Many of these warranties are offered on new cars (although some can be offered on used cars), but what happens if your (new) used car is not covered under a warranty?

Used Car Coverage

In New Mexico, there are protections put into place for owners of used cars after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. This is more commonly known as the New Mexico Lemon Law. Some of the most important points to know about this law include:

  • No car can be sold as-is. If the car is bought in New Mexico, it comes automatically with a 15-day or 500-mile warranty, whichever comes first.
  • The dealership has the opportunity to fix the car. If the car is undriveable for any reason, the dealership has the first opportunity to fix the vehicle.
  • You can cancel the contract. If the car needs major repairs and the dealer refused or was not able to repair the car, you have the right to cancel the contract.

The Lemon Law protects the used car buyer from potentially predatory practices by private sellers or dealerships.

Effects on Registration

If the car is undriveable for any reason, especially if the problem has to do with the engine, the car may covered under warranty. The dealership where you bought the car can help with warranty information.

A solid warranty offered by the dealership or the manufacturer will protect you, the consumer, against being sold a car that isn’t working properly and the opportunity to fix the car at a more reasonable cost to you.

Unparalleled Customer Experience

It’s not just about getting your MVD needs taken care of quickly and effectively, but treating people with dignity and kindness in every situation.

Book Appointment

Schedule Your Appointment to help you Get In, Get Done, and Get Going!

Titles & Registration

Whether purchasing a new vehicle or transferring ownership, contact us.

MVD Locations

Visit one of our many convenient locations throughout the state of New Mexico.

Driver's License Services

We can handle all of your MVD-related matters quickly and efficiently.