Disclosure: This content was produced by an independent editorial party for the purposes of educating our customers, and is not influenced by the other business operations of CARCHEX.

A drivetrain warranty and a powertrain warranty are often thought of as the same thing by many drivers. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are extremely important to note when thinking about purchasing an extended warranty. Learn more about the differences and the warranty options that CARCHEX provides.

What Is a Drivetrain?

Before answering what a drivetrain warranty is, you’re probably wondering what a drivetrain is. A drivetrain comprises multiple components that power a car’s wheels and is one of the most essential parts of a vehicle. However, unlike the powertrain, a drivetrain refers to everything that comes after the engine. The drivetrain consists of:

What Is a Drivetrain?

  • The transmission—This includes the gearbox and clutch, which converts and transmits power from the engine to the wheels.
  • The driveshaft—Also called the propeller shaft, this is a long, rotating shaft that runs down the center of your vehicle, bridging the gap between the engine, transmission, and wheels.
  • The axles—The shafts on which a wheel or gear rotates.
  • The wheels—Keep in mind that this refers to the metal (usually aluminum alloy) wheel that a tire fits onto and not the tire itself.

Drivetrain Warranty vs. Powertrain Warranty

All car manufacturers offer multiple warranties on new vehicles. These include a bumper-to-bumper warranty, which covers almost any mechanical failure, and a powertrain warranty, which covers the components that propel the car forward. A drivetrain warranty is similar to a powertrain warranty, but there are some differences between the two.

  • A drivetrain warranty includes the transmission, driveshaft, axles, and wheels, but it does not include the engine.
  • A powertrain warranty covers everything that makes a vehicle move, from the engine to the transmission to the parts that allow power to travel from the engine to the wheels.

In common practice, people often use the words drivetrain and powertrain interchangeably. You may find drivetrain warranties advertised that do cover the engine. While this type would technically be a powertrain warranty, online sources and even company representatives may use drivetrain to mean powertrain.

The important thing is to know what’s covered in the contract and check whether or not it includes the engine. Major reputable extended car warranty companies usually sell powertrain warranties, not drivetrain warranties. In other words, the lowest level of coverage usually includes the engine along with the drivetrain.

Do You Need an Extended Drivetrain Warranty?

While a typical warranty from a car manufacturer can cover the basic parts of your car’s drivetrain, it isn’t usually customizable to fit your personal needs and preferences. Many expire after 100,000 miles, a time when your car is especially susceptible to problems.

Getting a third-party extended drivetrain warranty can ensure that when those problems arise, you aren’t responsible for covering the costs of repair.

Do I Need an Extended Drivetrain Warranty?

You might be asking yourself if it’s worth it to purchase an extended warranty for your vehicle. Here are some benefits of an extended drivetrain warranty from a third-party provider:

  • You save money on the expensive cost of future repairs and replacements.
  • You can create a flexible, comprehensive plan for your vehicle.
  • Most third-party providers allow you to choose your repair shop, unlike vehicle manufacturers that require that you use a dealership location for service.

CARCHEX Extended Warranty Options

Drivetrain warranties from third-party providers are more flexible and comprehensive than your typical dealership warranties. CARCHEX has extended plans that will go beyond the standard manufacturer or certified pre-owned warranties.

CARCHEX has five different levels of vehicle protection plans that offer coverage for your vehicle. Within each level are different coverage options for your vehicle’s needs.

Warranty options like the CARCHEX Gold Coverage plan are perfect for those looking for a solid drivetrain warranty. It covers components of all major systems, including the drivetrain, and provides comprehensive coverage and flexible terms for vehicles more than 90,000 miles.

How to Get an Extended Drivetrain Warranty

It’s easy to get an extended drivetrain warranty with CARCHEX. In addition to offering numerous vehicle protection plans to meet your specific needs, we value customer experience above all and promise a No-Haggle, Low-Price, Everyday Guarantee™.

What Does CARCHEX Offer That Other Third-Party Providers Don’t?

CARCHEX Care Plan Benefits

  • A variety of flexible, affordable payment plans
  • Your choice of repair shop
  • Claims paid directly to the repair facility
  • A 30-day money back guarantee
  • An A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
  • Quality customer service
  • 24/7 roadside assistance

In addition to all of these benefits, CARCHEX is recommended by companies such as CARFAX, Edmunds.com, DMV.org, and more.

Call to Speak to a Drivetrain Warranty Specialist

Contact a vehicle protection specialist to get a free quote on an extended drivetrain warranty plan today. Call us at 866-261-3457.

CARCHEX Drivetrain Warranty Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources:

Mister Transmission: https://www.mistertransmission.com/what-is-a-drivetrain/

WhichCar: https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advice/what-is-a-powertrain-or-drivetrain

Thoroughly Reviewed: https://thoroughlyreviewed.com/car-warranty/carchex-reviews/