Vehicle service contracts and factory warranties can help cover parts and labor for certain car repairs, but routine maintenance isn’t always included. Whether services like oil changes, tire rotations, or inspections are covered depends on the type of warranty, the provider, and the specific terms of your contract.

Understanding the difference between factory warranties and extended warranties, and knowing when maintenance may or may not be covered, can help you avoid surprises and plan for vehicle ownership costs more effectively. Below, we break down what different warranty types typically include and when maintenance coverage may be available.

What Does a Typical Factory Warranty Cover?

Every new vehicle is generally covered by a factory warranty, which covers certain defects in materials or workmanship for a specified time or mileage for your manufacturer’s specified period. If you’ve owned your vehicle for a few years now, then check out your owner’s manual for the full terms and see if or when your warranty expires.

Most manufacturers include powertrain coverage as part of the factory warranty, though terms vary by brand and model. A vehicle’s powertrain is made up of everything that gives power to the wheels: the engine, transmission, driveshaft, differentials, and axles. Powertrain protection is often longer than basic coverage, but the duration varies by manufacturer and model.

Most factory warranties also cover other areas of the vehicle. This could be just a few core electrical components (in a ‘basic’ plan, for example) or a broad set of components, depending on the plan. Some manufacturers even throw in roadside assistance and towing as an additional perk, but they rarely cover maintenance, and when they do, it’s not for long.

ToyotaCare coverage, for example, covers regular maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles (whichever comes first) and is valid at any participating Toyota dealership.

What Does a Typical Extended Warranty Cover?

So, now we’ve been over factory warranties, what does an extended warranty cover?

Car manufacturers and dealerships usually offer service contracts or extended coverage programs that may differ from the original factory warranty terms you purchased with the vehicle. A vehicle service may offer different coverage options and benefits, depending on the program and price.

Third-party providers offer a range of coverage options and pricing; coverage and cost vary by vehicle, mileage, and plan. They also offer different levels of coverage, so if you’d just like to protect the most expensive components under the hood, they can put together a program that does exactly that. Whether you’re looking for a new car warranty or one for an older model, there’s an option for you that may cover certain mechanical breakdown repairs after coverage begins, subject to exclusions and conditions.

The two most common types of extended warranties are exclusionary and powertrain. While a powertrain warranty only covers this specific area, exclusionary plans typically offer broader coverage by listing exclusions (but coverage depends on the contract terms). These components can include:

• All major vehicle systems (e.g., the powertrain)
• Air conditioning and heating
• Electrical components
• Steering
• Tech and infotainment
• Safety features

It isn’t uncommon for providers to add other benefits here and there, but Endurance Warranty Services goes above and beyond. We offer standard extras, including:

• 24/7 roadside assistance
• Rental car reimbursement
• Trip interruption costs

But that’s not all. Unlike many other extended warranties or vehicle service contracts, our exclusive Advantage plan also includes up to $3,500 in maintenance benefits, such as:

• Up to 3 filter and oil changes 
• Engine diagnostic exam
• Alignment check
• State safety inspection services
• Tire rotation

Plus, it includes special one-time services:

• Brake pads/shoe replacement
• Cooling system maintenance
• Front or rear wiper blade set replacement
• Battery replacement
• Scheduled service coverage

The Advantage protection plan can help reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible services and covered repairs, while also making vehicle ownership easier to manage. By bundling coverage with select maintenance-related benefits, the plan helps drivers stay on top of routine care that supports long-term vehicle reliability. With clearer expectations around what’s covered and how claims are handled, you can drive with greater confidence knowing your plan is designed to support you when unexpected repairs arise.

What is Considered Routine Car Maintenance?

Routine car maintenance often includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, replacing worn parts, and various inspections to ensure everything is working properly.

No matter if you own a new or used car, following a strict maintenance routine reduces your chances of experiencing a breakdown, removes built-up corrosion, and keeps your warranty active. You can refer to your trusted mechanic for maintenance advice, but check your owner’s manual to know exactly when to get maintenance done on your vehicle.

Does an Extended Warranty Cover Maintenance?

Your factory warranty may have included a brief period of maintenance coverage, but unless you have an Advantage auto protection plan, it’s likely your extended warranty excludes routine maintenance.

For full details of what your protection program includes, refer to your contract or get in touch with your provider.

Do You Have to Get Your Car Serviced at a Dealership to Keep Your Warranty?

Factory warranty repairs are typically performed through authorized dealers, though maintenance can often be done elsewhere.

An extended warranty, on the other hand, allows you to visit any certified repair facility or ASE Certified mechanic to handle covered repairs and maintenance. It’s important to note that a provider may deny a claim if it determines that non-compliant work caused or contributed to the failure, consistent with contract terms.

What Will Void the Warranty on a Car?

The most common way you can void your car’s warranty is by neglecting essential maintenance. However, with an Endurance Advantage plan, certain maintenance services may be eligible for reimbursement, but maintenance requirements still apply.

Using non-authorized repair work does not automatically void coverage, but a claim may be denied if improper work or non-compliant parts caused the failure. Check your warranty terms for full details on what you can and can’t do, including who’s allowed to carry out any work.

Do I Have to Pay for a Service if My Vehicle is Under Warranty?

You’re required to pay for anything that’s excluded by your warranty coverage. If you’re unsure of whether or not a service is covered, contact your provider before visiting a certified repair shop.

If you’re getting work done on covered repairs, then you may just be required to pay the agreed-upon deductible.

Gain Peace of Mind Towards Mechanical Breakdowns

While most extended warranties only include costly repairs, there are vehicle service contracts that also cover routine maintenance, like Advantage. From tire rotations to replacing worn brake pads, our newest protection plan works to alleviate the financial burden of owning a vehicle.

As with every Endurance plan, Advantage includes 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. On top of that, you can also get a year’s worth of Endurance Elite Benefits, adding additional perks and discounts, including tire replacements or repairs, collision discounts, and more.* We offer multiple plan options and customized features, working with you to tailor a vehicle protection program that suits your requirements and budget.

Request a FREE email quote or visit our online store to see your price and plan recommendations right away. The Endurance blog for an entire library of automotive articles, including DIY maintenance tips, vehicle buying, extended warranty comparisons, and more.