Understand the conditions of your warranty

All new and many used vehicles arrive with a warranty covering unexpected repairs. Be sure to understand the duration and covered components of the warranty.

A typical warranty might be written "36months/36,000 miles" meaning that coverage lasts either 36 months from the initial purchase or until the vehicle has 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Why are multiple warranty periods listed?
Depending on what is being repaired, the length of a factory warranty varies. Often a comprehensive  warranty covers everything outside of schedule maintenance. This is generally the shortest warranty period. A usually longer powertrain warranty covers engine and transmission defects. Anti-corrosion protection often lasts longer. Hybrid warranties and emission warranties last even longer

Are used vehicles still covered under factory warranty?
Warranties are often transferable, meaning that a vehicle inside its mileage and duration caps will maintain its factory warranty.

How do you maintain the warranty?
You just need to take the vehicle in for service when the time arrives. Keep receipts documenting the services are done at the correct intervals per the owners guide.

Will a warranty pay for all expenses?
Many warranties cover the parts and labor costs involved in fixing unexpected repairs but place the burden of expected maintenance on the customer. Certain repairs may be covered by some manufacturers and not by others.

Engine oil
Changing your engine's oil and filter is one of the most vital maintenance procedures possible. Oil keeps friction down in the engine and prevents the motor from seizing up. Typical intervals for new cars are between 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

Engine coolant
Water and antifreeze keep your engine from overheating and freezing during extreme temperatures. Intervals for  replacing coolant vary, as some manufacturers promise long lasting antifreeze good past 100,000 miles. A general timeframe would be every few years or 30,000 to 40,000 miles.

Spark plugs
Older vehicles required the replacement or adjustment of spark plugs much more often than new vehicles do. Manufacturers today promise over 100,000 miles before a tune-up that includes changing the plugs. Still, checking the plugs at 50,000 to 60,000 miles is not a bad idea.

Air filter
The interval for changing the filter depends on the quality of filter, type of vehicle and environment in which most driving occurs. Traveling on dirt roads will surely clog a filter faster than paved highways. Also, local pollution can determine filter life. Checking the filter every 5,000 miles is recommended

Battery
Again, the interval of changing a battery depends on the type of battery, type of vehicle and local climate. Super cold regions may require a more powerful battery for cold starting. Also, rechargeable batteries that have completely lost their charge at some point often never reach full potential again.

Windshield wipers
Wipers need to be replaced, especially in climates with ice and snow. Sometimes just the blade needs replacing, while other times the entire wiper unit should go. Some customers may choose different types of wipers for better performance.

Tires
The type of vehicle, specific tire and driving style determine the life of a tire. Many are rated to last 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but an aggressive style can wear out tires in 15,000 miles.

How can I find correct snow tires?
No tire is perfect, as extra competence in one category often means compromise in another. For example, a tire that is great in snow may be so-so on dry pavement and average in the rain. Try to find reviews on a tire to determine if it meets your criteria.

Other advice:
Always be sure to maintain the proper inflation for safety, performance and longevity.

Buy four matching tires, for the most part. Some rear-wheel-drive cars can get by with just rear snows, but front-wheel-drive cars should never have snows up front and non-snows out back. The inconsistency in grip during braking can cause the tail end to slide out of the driver's control. All-wheel-drive vehicles require four tires as well.

When purchasing a set of snow tires try to pick up an extra set of wheels on which the rubber can be mounted. Not having to mount/dismount tires each season saves time and maximizes tire life. Often your dealer will sell a reasonably priced set of steel wheel to match the snow tires.