Everything is a “Wear Item” — But Are They Covered?

Every vehicle warranty comes with plenty of fine print and exclusions. Since most factory defects show up within the first few years of ownership, manufacturer warranties work well for brand-new cars. But this leaves a gray area for parts that fail for other reasons — that’s where the term “wear item” causes confusion.

Technically, every part of your vehicle is a wear item because all components eventually wear out. Many people, however, mix up wear items with maintenance items — but those are two different things. When you extend your factory warranty, you’re also extending its same limitations. That means you’re still not covered for normal wear and tear, which defeats the purpose of having extra protection.

A factory warranty only covers defects in materials or workmanship. What you really need is coverage that helps when something breaks down simply because of use and time. That’s where an Extended Service Agreement comes in.

Why You Need an Extended Service Agreement

An Extended Service Agreement makes it simple and affordable to protect yourself from costly repairs. Unlike a factory warranty that only covers defects, an Extended Service Agreement can cover failures caused by wear and tear.

The best plans are exclusionary, meaning they only list what isn’t covered — if it’s not on the list, it’s protected! With more than 20,000 moving parts in the average vehicle, that kind of coverage provides serious peace of mind. Check out the brochure above to see the exclusions and understand just how comprehensive this protection can be.

Other types of plans, called stated component or inclusionary coverage, list the specific parts that are covered — which is the opposite approach. Exclusionary coverage offers broader protection since it covers everything except what’s specifically excluded.

Still Taking Chances Against the Engineers?

When you buy a vehicle, there’s a lot to consider — and it’s easy to overlook the importance of an Extended Service Agreement. If you decided against one at purchase, it’s not too late to reconsider. Modern vehicles rely on complex electronics and computer systems that are expensive to repair.

Before assuming nothing will go wrong, get a quote and see how easily coverage can fit your budget. Otherwise, our service department and experienced technicians (at $135 per hour) are always ready to handle any repairs that come your way.

Don’t take the risk — make sure you’re covered!