When purchasing a new vehicle, understanding the warranty coverage is essential for peace of mind and financial protection. Chrysler offers a range of warranties designed to cover different aspects of their vehicles, from bumper-to-bumper protection to powertrain coverage and roadside assistance. In this guide, we’ll break down Chrysler’s warranty offerings, what they cover, and how you can make the most of them.
1. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
Overview:
Chrysler’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, also known as the basic or comprehensive warranty, covers almost every part of the vehicle, excluding wear-and-tear items and certain exclusions.
Coverage Details:
- Duration: Typically lasts for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Components Covered: Covers defects in materials and workmanship for most parts of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, and electrical systems.
- Exclusions: Does not cover routine maintenance items like oil changes, brake pads, or tires. It also excludes damages caused by accidents, misuse, or lack of maintenance.
How to Use It:
- Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to ensure coverage remains valid.
- Authorized Repairs: Ensure repairs are performed at an authorized Chrysler dealership or service center to maintain warranty validity.
2. Powertrain Warranty
Overview:
The powertrain warranty covers the essential components that provide power to the wheels, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
Coverage Details:
- Duration: Typically lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Components Covered: Includes major powertrain components such as the engine, transmission, transfer case, and drive axles.
- Exclusions: Does not cover wear-and-tear parts or damage resulting from neglect or improper maintenance.
How to Use It:
- Report Issues Early: Address any powertrain issues as soon as they arise to prevent further damage and ensure warranty coverage.
- Service Records: Keep detailed service records to demonstrate regular maintenance if needed.
3. Roadside Assistance
Overview:
Chrysler’s roadside assistance program offers support for various issues you may encounter while on the road, such as breakdowns or emergencies.
Coverage Details:
- Duration: Typically lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Services Provided: Includes services like towing, flat tire changes, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance.
- Limitations: Roadside assistance coverage may vary by model and location. Check with your local dealership for specific details.
How to Use It:
- Contact Information: Keep the roadside assistance phone number handy. It’s often included in your owner’s manual or can be found on Chrysler’s website.
- Eligibility: Ensure your vehicle is within the coverage period and that the issue qualifies for assistance.
4. Corrosion (Rust) Warranty
Overview:
Chrysler offers a corrosion warranty to protect against rust perforation on the vehicle’s body.
Coverage Details:
- Duration: Typically lasts for 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Components Covered: Covers rust-through issues on body panels, excluding surface rust or cosmetic issues.
- Exclusions: Does not cover rust caused by damage, improper care, or modifications.
How to Use It:
- Regular Washing: Regularly wash and wax your vehicle to prevent corrosion and maintain warranty coverage.
- Inspection: Have any rust issues inspected promptly to determine if they are covered under the warranty.
5. Emissions Warranty
Overview:
Chrysler provides an emissions warranty to cover components related to the vehicle’s emissions control system, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Coverage Details:
- Duration: Varies by state and model but generally lasts for 2 years or 24,000 miles, with additional coverage for specific components like catalytic converters lasting up to 8 years or 80,000 miles.
- Components Covered: Includes parts of the emissions system, such as the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and related components.
- Exclusions: Does not cover damage caused by neglect or misuse.
How to Use It:
- Compliance Checks: Regularly check your vehicle’s emissions system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- Authorized Repairs: Have emissions-related repairs performed at an authorized dealership to ensure warranty coverage.
6. Extended Warranty Options
Overview:
For added protection beyond the standard warranties, Chrysler offers extended warranty options that can be purchased separately.
Coverage Details:
- Duration: Varies based on the plan chosen, with options to extend coverage for additional years or miles.
- Components Covered: Can include additional coverage for parts not included in the standard warranty or extended coverage for existing components.
How to Use It:
- Purchase: Extended warranties can be purchased from Chrysler or authorized dealerships.
- Review Terms: Carefully review the terms and conditions of any extended warranty to understand what is covered and any limitations.
Conclusion
Chrysler’s warranty coverage provides valuable protection for your vehicle, ensuring peace of mind and financial security against unexpected repairs. Understanding the details of each warranty type and how to utilize them effectively will help you maintain your Chrysler in top condition and make the most of your warranty coverage. Regular maintenance, prompt reporting of issues, and adherence to warranty terms are key to ensuring that you receive the full benefits of your Chrysler’s warranties.