Why You Must Read And Understand Your Car Warranty
For most of us in Malaysia, our car is the most or second-most valuable thing we own or for some Malaysians, it might be the first (as home ownership sometimes gets delayed) and the prices of new cars are high because of import taxes and our low Malaysian currency exchange against the US dollar.
In the Malaysians car market today, whether you buy a new local made or assembled or a used reconditioned approved permit imported car (yes, AP holders must provide a warranty but how valid it is the question that only buyers with issues can share with us), you are likely to come across a car warranty booklet.
A car warranty is essentially a repair and replacement of parts contract limiting a car owner’s financial risk for a given period of time (most cases in Malaysia is between 3 to 5 years).
However, having a car warranty might just protect you from paying for expensive worn and defective parts. But not all manufacturers warranties are the same. In fact, not all warranties are even worthwhile when you consider what is happening right now with some car brands in Malaysia.
Yes, in Malaysia, the car buyer has little protection from our ageing consumer laws. The ‘Lemon Law’ is not in use in Malaysia and this is why we have weekly emails from car owners complaining about defective cabin parts, defective in car entertainment units and more.
Even worse when you look at high end plug-in hybrid vehicles which have a high rate of technology failures. Owners have to live with visiting the service centers every few months and having a tow truck service provider on speed dial.
So what is covered under a car warranty?
Your car’s warranty, whether it’s a manufacturer’s, dealer, extended or used-car warranty should and must typically cover the vehicle and its accessories in relation to safety, reliability and roadworthiness.
However, it will NOT cover cosmetic damage or normal wear and tear. Extended car warranties are all different. Make sure you understand what’s covered, as well as any costs and conditions. Please read your warranty document to better understand your rights as a vehicle owner.
Do I have to service my car at the dealership to keep my warranty?
You MUST and have to service your car at the dealership you bought it from (or another of the brand’s service departments) to maintain a manufacturer’s warranty. The service center you take it to must use genuine or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts or you will void your manufacturer’s warranty.
This is why it is important to check that your car has BEEN serviced as some service center employees (not the owners) have been caught NOT servicing cars and keeping the parts for sale later.
This will have a long term negative effect on your car and by the time you find out, your warranty will be finished and your engine and gearbox might be severely damaged and need complete replacement or overhaul.
