Auto warranties have come a long way since the first ones were introduced in the early 20th century. The first warranties were used to attract buyers to new cars and only covered significant components like the engine and transmission. Over time, as vehicles became more reliable, warranties became less common.

However, they started to make a comeback in the 1970s, as car resale dealers began offering used auto warranties to attract buyers. Today, auto warranties are available from both new and used car dealers and come in various shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for basic coverage or comprehensive protection, an auto warranty is right for you.

Early Beginnings

Many car owners don’t realize that the first recorded instance of an auto warranty dates back to 1904 when Henry Ford offered a two-year, 24,000-mile guarantee on his new Model T. This was an impressive feat at the time and helped to establish Ford as a reliable automaker. It wasn’t until after World War II, however, that auto warranties began to gain traction.

Several factors contributed to this increase in popularity, including the rise of mass production and the growth of the middle class. As more people could afford automobiles, they became pickier about which brand they purchased.

And as cars became more complex, with more moving parts and electronic components, consumers began to demand more excellent protection in case of repairs. Today, most major automakers offer comprehensive warranties on new vehicles, giving buyers peace of mind in knowing that their investment is protected.

Warranties in the 1950s

When you buy a new car, always get a good warranty. You don’t want to be stuck with a lemon, and a warranty gives some peace of mind. Most car companies provide a contract with their new car purchases. However, it wasn’t always this way, though.

In the 1950s, most car companies only offered warranties for the engine and transmission, and the coverage was typically only good for one year or 12,000 miles. But soon after, automakers began extending their range to include other components like brakes and suspension. Nearly all carmakers had adopted some form of warranty coverage by the decade’s end. And that’s good news for car owners like you.

Warranties Today

These days, there are three leading auto warranties: bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and roadside assistance. You can get contracts for your new car or purchase a used car warranty to protect your vehicle. Bumper-to-bumper warranties are the most comprehensive and cover every vehicle component with few exceptions.

Powertrain warranties only cover components like your engine and transmission and are typically offered for more extended periods than bumper-to-bumper warranties. And roadside assistance warranties provide different levels of coverage in case you run into trouble while on the road.

Most new cars come with a factory warranty that covers bumper-to-bumper or powertrain coverage for a set period—usually three years or 36,000 miles. But aftermarket providers also offer extended coverage plans for an additional fee. These plans can often be customized to fit your specific needs and can provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong down the road.

Auto Warranties – All Grown Up

Auto warranties have come a long way since Henry Ford introduced them in 1904. These days, there are three main types of coverage available—bumper-to-bumper, powertrain, and roadside assistance—and most new cars come with a factory warranty that covers one of these areas for a set period. If you’re looking for additional protection beyond your factory warranty, plenty of aftermarket provider options are also available.

So, whether you’re looking to insure your investment or have peace of mind on the road ahead, an auto warranty is a great option to consider. It’s nice to know that if anything goes wrong, you can take your car to the dealership, and they’ll take care of it. And if you ever have any problems while you’re on the road, your roadside assistance coverage will kick in and help you get you back on track. Auto warranties may not be required by law, but for most drivers, they’re worth every penny.

When an Auto Warranty Isn’t a Good Investment

While an auto warranty can be a great way to protect your investment, there are some cases when it might not make sense to purchase one. For example, the factory warranty is probably no longer valid if you’re buying a used car. In this case, you might be able to get an extended warranty from the dealership or an aftermarket provider.

But keep in mind that extended warranties are often not worth the cost. If you’re buying a used car, any significant repairs that need to be made will likely be covered by your insurance policy. So, unless you’re worried about a particular component of your car, it’s probably not worth the money to purchase an extended warranty.

Additionally, you probably don’t need an extended warranty if you’re a good driver and don’t plan on putting many miles on your car. Most factory warranties cover at least three years or 36,000 miles, so unless you’re planning on keeping your vehicle for a long time or driving it cross-country, you probably won’t need the extra coverage.

Ultimately, the Choice is Yours

Before making any big purchase, it’s always wise to do your research and shop around. This is especially true when it comes to auto warranties. An auto warranty is an insurance policy that covers repairs to your vehicle, and it can be a significant investment, depending on your circumstances.

If you’re planning to keep your car for a long time, or if you’re likely to experience a lot of wear and tear, an extended warranty can save you a lot of money in the long run. On the other hand, if you’re only planning to keep your car for a few years or don’t drive it very often, you may not need an extended warranty.

Remember, you can always purchase an extended warranty later if you need it. So doing your research and making an informed decision is the best way to ensure you get the most out of your auto warranty.