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Buying a used car is a major investment, and at Summit Garage, we understand the importance of peace of mind when making that purchase. That’s why all our used cars come with a full safety inspection, a new 12-month MOT, and a class-leading 15-month warranty – unless the car already comes with at least 15 months of manufacturer’s warranty remaining.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about used car warranties – what they cover, how they work, and why they matter when buying a used car in the UK.

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What Is a Car Warranty?

A car warranty is a type of insurance that covers the cost of certain repairs or parts replacement if your vehicle develops a fault. This can include both mechanical and electrical components depending on the type of warranty. Warranties are designed to protect you from unexpected costs during ownership.

How Does a Car Warranty Work?

If a covered part of your car fails, you can claim under the warranty. In most cases:

  • You contact the warranty provider (in our case, AU Warranties) or us.
  • The issue is assessed by an approved garage or repair centre.
  • The repair is completed, and the cost is either fully or partially covered based on the warranty terms.

What Does a Car Warranty Cover?

Coverage depends on the level of warranty, but a typical used car warranty can include:

  • Engine and gearbox
  • Suspension
  • Steering
  • Clutch and brakes (excluding wear and tear)
  • Cooling system
  • Fuel system
  • Electrical components
  • Air conditioning (in some plans)

Some warranties also include breakdown assistance, car hire cover, or onward travel.

Can You Buy a Warranty for a Used Car?

Yes, many dealers and third-party providers offer warranties for used cars. However, at Summit Garage, it’s included in the screen price – saving you time, hassle, and money.

How Long Is a Car Warranty?

New cars often come with 3 to 7 years of manufacturer’s warranty

Used car warranties vary, but most are 3 to 12 months

At Summit Garage, you get 15 months as standard – giving you longer coverage than many other dealers

AU Warranties cover at summit garage

What Warranty Comes with a Used Car?

At Summit Garage, every used car comes with:

  • ✅ 15 Months AU Warranties cover
  • ✅ Full Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI)
  • ✅ 12-Month MOT
  • ✅ HPI Clear status
  • ✅ Full professional valet
  • ✅ All included at the screen price

If the vehicle still has 15+ months of manufacturer warranty, we’ll honour that instead.

Should I Get a Warranty on a Used Car?

Absolutely. Even well-maintained vehicles can develop issues unexpectedly. A warranty gives you:

  • Financial protection
  • Peace of mind
  • Confidence in your purchase

That’s why we go the extra mile and include a 15-month warranty as standard.

Is a Car Warranty Worth It?

Yes, especially for used cars. Repairs can be costly, and a warranty protects you from sudden mechanical or electrical failures. Our 15-month warranty is class-leading, giving you more cover than many standard 6 or 12-month warranties offered elsewhere.

Is Extended Car Warranty Worth It (UK)?

It depends on your car’s age, mileage, and reliability – but for most people, the peace of mind is worth it.

How to Check if Your Car Is Still Under Warranty

You can:

  • Check the paperwork from the dealership or manufacturer
  • Contact the manufacturer directly with your registration or VIN
  • Log into your online service account (for example, Toyota, Ford, etc.)

If you bought your car from us, we’ll provide full details of the warranty and any remaining manufacturer’s coverage.

Do I Have to Get My Car Serviced at the Dealership to Keep the Warranty (UK)?

Not necessarily. In the UK, thanks to “Block Exemption” laws, you are legally allowed to get your car serviced at any VAT-registered garage without voiding the warranty, provided the garage uses manufacturer-approved parts and follows the correct schedule.

If My Car Is Under Warranty, Can I Take It to Any Garage?

Most third-party warranty providers, including AU Warranties, will allow you to use any VAT-registered garage, but always check your specific warranty terms to be sure.Do I Have to Get My Car Serviced at the Dealership to Keep the Warranty (UK)?

Not necessarily. In the UK, thanks to “Block Exemption” laws, you are legally allowed to get your car serviced at any VAT-registered garage without voiding the warranty, provided the garage uses manufacturer-approved parts and follows the correct schedule.

If My Car Is Under Warranty, Do I Have to Pay for a Service?

Yes – car servicing is not included in your warranty. Regular servicing is your responsibility, and in most cases, maintaining the service schedule is required to keep your warranty valid.

Does Car Warranty Cover Battery?

Usually, starter batteries are not covered, as they’re considered a wear-and-tear item. However, batteries related to hybrid systems or electric vehicles may be covered depending on the warranty terms.

Can I Cancel My Car Warranty?

Yes – many third-party warranties can be cancelled within a certain cooling-off period. If you have questions about your AU Warranty from Summit Garage, just speak to us directly.

Take a Look at Our Current Used Cars for Sale in Dudley

Ready to find your next car with full peace of mind? All our used vehicles are:

  • Professionally prepared
  • Safety-inspected
  • HPI clear
  • Supplied with a 15-month warranty and 12-month MOT

👉 Browse our current stock of used cars here

Speak to the Team

Still have questions about used car warranties or need help finding the right vehicle? Get in touch with our friendly team at Summit Garage today – we’re here to help every step of the way.

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