One check before your car warranty ends could save thousands

Before your car warranty runs out, an independent inspection could identify developing faults that the manufacturer may need to fix. 

New car warranties are longer than ever before, with some car makers offering up to 10 years of coverage. But regardless of how long it runs, before it expires you need to make sure you're getting your maximum value out of it.

That's why experts recommend getting an independent inspection before your warranty expires. It could uncover developing faults that the manufacturer may need to repair while the vehicle is still covered, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.

For starters, you need to know when your warranty ends, as they vary from one car brand to the next. In the not-too-distant past most cars were covered by a three-year warranty, but as the industry became more competitive and car makers looked for ways to woo buyers they introduced five, seven and more recently 10-year warranties.

Ideally, book an inspection several months before the warranty expires. This gives you time to raise any concerns with the dealer and have repairs assessed while the vehicle is still covered.

Don't let your car warranty expire without doing this

But regardless of how long it is, don't just sit idle and allow the warranty to lapse. In the final year of warranty you should get an independent inspection to check all is well with your car. Because even if there are signs of a problem starting to develop, getting repairs done under warranty could save you thousands of dollars.

You need to be clear with your independent mechanic, who should be a licensed mechanic to avoid any issues with warranty coverage (but always check the fine print for your particular warranty), that you want a more detailed inspection than the usual routine check-up.

Beyond the usual check on fluids, brakes, etc, you should let the mechanic know if there are any issues, be it unusual noises or occasional glitches, and get them to take it for a test drive. From there, a good mechanic should take a detailed look at the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, cooling and electrical systems, as well as the body itself, to ensure everything is in good condition and will last well beyond when the warranty expires.

"Honestly, a good dealer service centre should offer you this kind of service," says Mark Short, a veteran mechanic with experience both in dealerships and independently.

"It's in their best interests to look after you, if they're smart. They want your repeat business, and they don't have to pay for warranty repairs, that gets paid from the car company's head office."

Whether or not you get the dealership's service centre to take a look at it, obviously an independent mechanic will give you an unfiltered appraisal.

What mechanics look for before a warranty expires

Your state-based motoring club, the NRMA, RACV, etc, offer vehicle inspections. Typically these are advertised as a pre-purchase inspection, but they will look over all the same areas that you need ahead of your warranty expiring.

Expect to pay roughly $200 for a basic inspection and $500 or more for a comprehensive assessment.

While spending $500 might seem like a big expense, if you pick up the start of a major problem early you could end up saving yourself thousands of dollars in repair bills.

But Short says you need to be realistic about what is covered. While you can get your brakes inspected and find wear, that's not part of the warranty, that's packaged up in the regular servicing costs you need to pay regardless.

"Obviously things like brakes and tyres won't be covered under warranty, that's considered usual wear and tear," Short explains.

"But if there are issues with, say, the suspension starting to show signs of wear or leaks, engine and driveline showing evidence of an oil leak potentially starting, to have that noted down with the manufacturer while under warranty it could help you in the long run.

"If something happens six months after the warranty expires and you have a perfect service record, the dealer will have a greater chance of getting you assistance for the repairs with the manufacturer. Maybe they won't cover the entire cost of the repairs, but any good car company should step up and offer some support, as long as you had it formally noted while it was still covered."

Can you claim repairs after your car warranty expires?

It's important to remember that your car's warranty is actually voluntary coverage from the manufacturer and Australian Consumer Law applies regardless. This provides you with an extra layer of protection should anything go wrong.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) outlines in simple terms that any product, even cars, are expected to "work and do what they're supposed to do" under Australian Consumer Law.

So, for example, if your car has a catastrophic engine failure six months after your warranty expires, you may still have rights under Australian Consumer Law, depending on the age of the vehicle, the nature of the fault and what a reasonable consumer would expect.

Under consumer law, there is an expectation that products will work for a reasonable length of time, and given that cars are a large purchase, this means they are expected to work for an extended period.

So if you do have a problem after your warranty expires, don't just assume the cost is yours to pay. And it will only help matters if you have a report from an independent mechanic that flagged any potential problem while it was still under coverage.

Spending a few hundred dollars on an inspection could be money well spent if it helps uncover a fault before your warranty runs out. Once the coverage ends, the repair bill could be yours.

Get stories like this in our newsletters.