Extended Warranty for Semi Trucks: Coverage and Benefits Explained

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A mechanic in a dimly lit garage working on a red semi truck, focus on repair.
Credit: pexels.com, A mechanic in a dimly lit garage working on a red semi truck, focus on repair.

Extended warranty for semi trucks can provide peace of mind for truckers and fleet owners.

A typical extended warranty for semi trucks can cover repairs and replacements for major components such as engines, transmissions, and brakes.

Some extended warranties may also offer roadside assistance, towing, and rental car coverage.

This can be especially helpful for truckers who are on the road for long periods and may not have access to a repair shop nearby.

What Is a Truck Warranty?

A truck warranty is a written assurance from the manufacturer or a third-party vendor that covers the expenses of replacing or repairing specified parts or major components if they fail within a designated time period or mileage range.

This type of warranty mitigates the substantial financial risks associated with breakdowns for individual trucks or fleet owners. Essentially, it's like having insurance for your truck.

At its core, a warranty is a promise to cover repairs and parts if they fail within a certain timeframe or mileage range. This can be a huge relief for truck owners who worry about unexpected repair costs.

Commercial vehicles typically have two primary types of warranties: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) factory warranties and extended warranties.

Components and Coverage

Credit: youtube.com, EXTENDED WARRANTIES FOR SEMI-TRUCKS

Extended warranty for semi trucks can provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected repair costs. Most commercial truck OEMs provide factory warranties with separate coverage periods and mileage limits for basic coverage, powertrain/drivetrain, chassis, and emissions/aftertreatment system.

The specifics of these coverage periods and mileage limits vary by manufacturer, so it's crucial to fully understand the inclusions and exclusions when purchasing the vehicle. Routine vehicle maintenance is often a requirement to maintain coverage under most factory warranties.

Extended warranties can be obtained from the manufacturer or third-party providers, and both options involve upfront costs, deductibles, specific repair cost limits, and an overall coverage total. OEM-provided extended warranties usually cover new factory parts, often requiring service at the dealership.

Here's a breakdown of some common components covered under extended warranties:

  • Internally Lubricated Parts
  • Cam Followers
  • Camshaft & Bearings
  • Crankshaft Hub
  • Cylinder Block Casting
  • Cylinder Head Casting(s) & Capscrews
  • Cylinder Head Gasket(s)
  • Cylinder Liners
  • Exhaust & Intake Manifold(s)
  • Flywheel Housing
  • Fuel Pump
  • Injector Lines
  • Intake Manifold
  • Main Bearing Bolts
  • Oil Consumption
  • Oil Cooler Housing
  • Oil Pan, Cooler & Pump
  • Performance Complaints
  • Connecting Rod Caps & Capscrews
  • Connecting Rods & Bearings
  • Crankshaft & Main Bearings
  • Pistons, Piston Rings & Pins
  • Rocker Arms & Shafts
  • Spacer Plate Or Spacer Block
  • Thermostat Housing
  • Timing Gears & Case Cover
  • Valves, Valve Push Rods & Lifters
  • Valve Springs & Keepers
  • Vibration Damper
  • Water Manifold
  • Injectors
  • Turbochargers
  • Turbo Actuator
  • ECM
  • Water Pump

What Factory Warranties Cover

Commercial truck factory warranties cover various components, but the specifics vary by manufacturer. It's essential to understand the inclusions and exclusions when purchasing a vehicle.

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Basic coverage is one of the separate coverage periods and mileage limits provided by most commercial truck OEMs. Routine vehicle maintenance is often a requirement to maintain coverage under most factory warranties.

The powertrain and drivetrain are also covered under most factory warranties. This includes the engine, transmission, and other critical components. Regular oil changes and tire rotations are part of routine maintenance.

Chassis coverage is another aspect of factory warranties, protecting the frame and other structural components of the vehicle. Emissions and aftertreatment systems are also covered, ensuring the vehicle meets environmental regulations.

Here's a breakdown of the typical coverage periods and mileage limits for commercial truck factory warranties:

  • Basic coverage
  • Powertrain/drivetrain
  • Chassis
  • Emissions/aftertreatment system

Regular vehicle inspections, brake pad inspections and replacement, and fluid checks are all part of routine maintenance to maintain coverage under most factory warranties.

Components Covered for Failure

If your commercial truck experiences wear and tear, you'll be happy to know that many components are covered under warranty. Internally lubricated parts, cam followers, and camshaft & bearings are all included in the coverage.

Credit: youtube.com, How Does a Component Fail (Basic FMEA) - Torbjörn (Tor) Idhammar

The list of covered components is quite extensive. It includes the cylinder block casting, cylinder head casting(s) & capscrews, cylinder head gasket(s), and cylinder liners. Exhaust & intake manifold(s), flywheel housing, and fuel pump are also covered.

You can refer to the following list for a comprehensive breakdown of covered components:

  • Internally Lubricated Parts
  • Cam Followers
  • Camshaft & Bearings
  • Cylinder Block Casting
  • Cylinder Head Casting(s) & Capscrews
  • Cylinder Head Gasket(s)
  • Cylinder Liners
  • Exhaust & Intake Manifold(s)
  • Flywheel Housing
  • Fuel Pump
  • Injector Lines
  • Intake Manifold
  • Main Bearing Bolts
  • Oil Consumption
  • Oil Cooler Housing
  • Oil Pan, Cooler & Pump
  • Performance Complaints
  • Connecting Rod Caps & Capscrews
  • Connecting Rods & Bearings
  • Crankshaft & Main Bearings
  • Pistons, Piston Rings & Pins
  • Rocker Arms & Shafts
  • Spacer Plate Or Spacer Block
  • Thermostat Housing
  • Timing Gears & Case Cover
  • Valves, Valve Push Rods & Lifters
  • Valve Springs & Keepers
  • Vibration Damper
  • Water Manifold
  • Injectors
  • Turbochargers
  • Turbo Actuator
  • ECM
  • Water Pump

This list ensures that you're protected in case of wear and tear, giving you peace of mind on the road.

Engine Coverage

Extended coverage for your engine can provide peace of mind and protect your investment. Detroit components offer a range of coverage options, including Extended Coverage for Detroit Engines, which is available in a progressive structure (EW1, EW2, EW3, EW4).

This structure gives you the choice of basic to comprehensive coverage plans, with multiple time and distance options available. You can choose up to seven years or 750,000 miles (1,207,500 km) of coverage for on-highway and vocational applications.

Detroit's Extended Coverage for Detroit Engines is designed to help reduce unexpected costs and provide protection for your engine. With this coverage, you can opt for additional OEM protection with Extended NEXT coverage, which provides extra 1 year/125,000 miles (201,250 km) or 2 years/250,000 miles (402,500 km) of coverage.

Credit: youtube.com, 'I was shocked': Engine repair not covered by warranty

Here are the three Detroit Extended NEXT Engine packages offered:

It's essential to understand the specifics of factory warranties, which vary by manufacturer and include separate coverage periods and mileage limits for basic coverage, powertrain/drivetrain, chassis, and emissions/aftertreatment system. Routine vehicle maintenance is often required to maintain coverage under most factory warranties.

Truck Chassis Coverage

Extended truck chassis coverage is an option for those who want to protect their investment beyond the base warranty period.

You can choose from basic to comprehensive coverage plans, such as TC1, TC2, TC3, and TC4, which offer protection for 2 to 7 years and up to 600,000 miles.

Extended NEXT Truck Chassis Coverage is designed for fleets and owner operators with existing TC coverage, allowing them to upgrade, downgrade, or maintain a similar level of coverage.

You can add 1 year/125,000 miles or 2 years/250,000 miles of protection to your existing TC plan with Extended NEXT.

Credit: youtube.com, Dorman Premium RD Chassis Components For Trucks and SUVs

Extended truck warranties can be OEM-provided or aftermarket warranties from third-party providers, both involving upfront costs, deductibles, and specific repair cost limits.

OEM-provided extended warranties usually cover new factory parts and require service at the dealership.

Aftermarket warranties may offer a broader network of service providers, but you need to ensure they cover compatible parts for your truck.

For used trucks, Extended OPTIMUM is an OEM-backed extended coverage option that offers protection for 1 year/125,000 miles or 2 years/250,000 miles.

This coverage is designed by the pros who built your truck and doesn't enforce claim caps, deductibles, or coverage limits like third-party warranty companies.

A commercial truck warranty is a written assurance from the manufacturer or a third-party vendor to cover the expenses of replacing or repairing specified parts or major components.

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) factory warranties and extended warranties are the two primary types of warranties available for commercial vehicles.

Extended chassis coverage can be a smart investment for controlling repair and labor costs and mitigating the risk of unplanned expenditures for related components.

You can extend your truck's protection with Extended Truck Chassis Coverage (TC) or Extended NEXT Truck Chassis Coverage, depending on your business needs and application.

Freightliner and NEXT Truck

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Freightliner and NEXT Truck offer extended warranty options that can give you peace of mind from day one.

Their extended coverage helps protect your bottom line by locking in today's parts and labor prices for tomorrow's repairs. This means you'll avoid unexpected costs and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.

With Freightliner's extended coverage, you'll get pre-approved warranty work, ensuring you get back on the road quickly and hassle-free. This reduces downtime and minimizes lost revenue for your business.

Freightliner Trucks

Freightliner Trucks offer Extended Coverage options to fit specific business needs.

If you've recently purchased a Freightliner truck, take some time to review the base warranty coverage and consider which Extended Coverage is right for you.

Freightliner Trucks Extended Coverage is designed to provide continued protection for your vehicle.

NEXT Truck Chassis Coverage Area

Extended coverage for your truck chassis is a smart investment for controlling repair and labor costs.

You can choose from basic to comprehensive coverage plans (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4), with coverage limits ranging from 2 to 7 years and protection from 100,000 up to 600,000 miles.

Credit: youtube.com, 2024 Freightliner M2 106 Plus Summit Hauler

This coverage option provides protection for related components and can mitigate the risk of unplanned expenditures.

Extended NEXT Truck Chassis Coverage is designed for fleets and owner operators currently covered by TC1, TC2, TC3 or TC4 extended coverage plans.

You can upgrade, downgrade, or keep a similar level of coverage with the two Extended NEXT Truck Chassis plans.

You also have the option of adding another 1 year/125,000 miles or 2 years/250,000 miles of protection for your truck.

Immediate Peace of Mind from Day One with Freightliner

Freightliner's Extended Coverage provides immediate peace of mind from day one, helping protect your most important business asset: your bottom line.

With a broad choice of customizable coverage options, you can lock in today's parts and labor prices for tomorrow's repairs, minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

Freightliner's OEM-backed Extended Coverage ensures that pre-approved warranty work is performed by certified technicians, getting you back on the road quicker and hassle-free.

Utility workers using a crane truck for maintenance on a city street, viewed from above.
Credit: pexels.com, Utility workers using a crane truck for maintenance on a city street, viewed from above.

There are no claim caps, deductibles, or limits of liability, giving you complete financial protection.

By reducing downtime, Freightliner's Extended Coverage helps minimize lost revenue for your business, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most.

Extended Coverage from Freightliner helps you stay on the road, with no interruptions to your business operations.

Protect Your Business

Protecting your business is crucial, and an extended warranty can provide peace of mind that you won't be stuck with a massive repair bill when your semi truck breaks down.

As your truck ages and racks up miles, the risk of costly equipment failures increases. For a Class 8 semi truck covering 1 million miles in its lifetime, repairs and breakdowns are not covered for nearly 80% of the truck's life after the standard OEM warranty expires.

You want to cover major equipment like the engine, aftertreatment systems, and critical components, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. Without that coverage, you could find yourself without a truck, and maybe without a business.

Credit: youtube.com, NTP Webinar: The Real Scoop About Extended Equipment Warranties

Buying a longer-term warranty can save you thousands of dollars because a second or third year is much less expensive than the first year. If you can, consider buying a 24- or 36-month warranty.

Understand the conditions of your warranty, including your limits of liability on major parts, deductible amount, and how progressive damage and wear out are covered. Not all warranty programs are created equal, so take the time to review the options carefully.

Used Trucks and Market

The used truck market is a significant factor to consider when purchasing a semi truck. Many buyers opt for used trucks due to their lower upfront costs.

According to the article, the average price of a used semi truck can range from $20,000 to $50,000. This is a substantial savings compared to buying a brand new truck.

Used trucks can also be a good option for those who need a reliable vehicle but don't want to break the bank. However, it's essential to research the truck's history and condition to avoid potential problems down the line.

Used Trucks

Credit: youtube.com, The Best Used Semi Trucks from the #1 Used Truck Dealer in the USA

If you're in the market for a used truck, you've got options with Extended OPTIMUM coverage.

This OEM-backed extended coverage is designed for customers without an active base warranty or with expired extended truck chassis coverage.

You can build the perfect package for your specific business needs with options like a Freightliner Truck Chassis and Detroit Engine bundle, just engine or chassis, or other coverages like Towing, DT12 Transmission + Detroit Axles.

Extended OPTIMUM coverage includes 1 year/125,000 miles or 2 years/250,000 miles of protection for your Freightliner truck.

With no claim caps, deductibles, or coverage limits, you can drive worry-free.

Used Truck Market Inventory

The used truck market inventory has been steadily increasing over the years, with a current inventory of over 2 million units in the United States alone.

This surge in inventory can be attributed to the aging of the truck population, with many 2007 and older models still on the road.

Credit: youtube.com, U.S. Used Medium-Duty Truck Market: Inventory Grows While Values Decline Values

The majority of used trucks on the market are diesel-powered, with around 70% of the inventory consisting of diesel engines.

Most used trucks are between 5-10 years old, with a median age of 7 years.

A significant portion of used trucks are high mileage, with over 50% of the inventory having more than 100,000 miles on the odometer.

The most popular used truck models on the market include the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500.

Used truck prices have been steadily decreasing over the past few years, with a current average price of around $25,000 for a used truck.

Value and Service

Semi-trucks undergo much more rigorous and strenuous driving schedules than your average vehicle. Hundreds of thousands of miles are put on a semi-truck in a single year.

A vehicle service contract helps minimize repair expenses by covering engine and aftertreatment components that fail due to simple wear and tear. Parts failures lead to delays and lost income.

A blue semi truck driving on a rural highway under clear blue skies, showcasing transportation and travel.
Credit: pexels.com, A blue semi truck driving on a rural highway under clear blue skies, showcasing transportation and travel.

Keeping your trucks on the road keeps deliveries on schedule and helps you earn more. By purchasing extended semi-truck warranties or a vehicle service contract, you're making a small investment.

You can keep more money in your pocket by making a small investment in a vehicle service contract. It's a smart move for drivers and owner-operators of freight shipping companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a semi-truck warranty?

A semi-truck's warranty typically lasts between 12-24 months or 100,000-250,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer. Check with the brand for specific details on their factory warranty.

Felicia Larson

Writer

Felicia Larson is a seasoned writer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for logistics. Her work focuses on the intricate world of shipping companies, where she delves into the complexities of global logistics and supply chain management. Through her articles, she aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, from the latest technological advancements to the challenges faced by shipping companies.

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