Coverage differs between shops and between jobs, and a word like lifetime means nothing until you read the terms. This list is for use with any shop. For the terms on your own job, call (775) 829-1333 and ask; the shop will tell you what applies to your vehicle.
At a glance
- Get the terms in writing before work starts
- Ask separately about parts and about labor
- Find out where a claim can be made
- Know what you must do to keep coverage
What should the warranty cover?
- Does it cover parts, labor, or both?
- Does it cover the whole transmission or only the parts that were replaced?
- Are related items such as the torque converter, cooler and seals included?
- Is there a deductible or a per-visit fee?
- Does it cover the cost of a second diagnosis if the problem comes back?
How long does it last, and by what measure?
Ask for the length in months, in miles, or both, and which comes first. Ask when it starts, on the day of repair or the day of pickup. Ask whether it is the same for every job or depends on the type of work. A short, clear term in writing beats a long one you cannot find on paper.
Who honors it, and where?
If you move or travel, can you take it to another location? If only the original shop honors it, that is not a problem for a Reno driver who stays local, but you should know. Ask who pays if you are stranded away from home, and whether towing or a rental is part of the coverage; the Federal Trade Commission notes that some auto contracts do not fully cover towing or rental cars.
What voids it?
Ask whether skipped maintenance, towing beyond a limit, off-road use, or work by another shop changes your coverage. Ask what records to keep. The FTC advises keeping service records and receipts regardless of who did the work. Ask how a claim is made: a phone call, a form, a return trip.
Is it a warranty or a service contract?
The FTC describes a manufacturer's warranty as coming automatically with a product, while an extended warranty or service contract costs extra and may cover different things, and it may be backed by a company other than the maker. If a contract is offered, check who stands behind it, its exclusions, and the claims process. As the FTC puts it, if it isn't listed in the contract, assume that it's not covered.
Putting it together
Write down the answers or ask for them on the estimate. Compare them across shops line by line, together with the figures in the cost factors guide. If you are weighing a rebuild against another path, the rebuild or replace guide adds more. For general expectations, see what to expect at the shop.
