Once people set their heart on a car they want to buy, the last thing they want to think about is more paperwork, especially if it can lead to more money being spent. However, while warranties may seem like "yet another expense" when you sign your contract, they're an essential part of saving yourself some serious cash down the road. Before you drive off the lot, make sure you understand some warranty basics so you can shop prepared.

The warranty decision
Perhaps the first and most basic question to ask when considering warranties is, simply, if you need one at all. While in general a good idea, there are a few considerations that should receive special attention before making your decision. Warranties may add expense, but they also offer peace of mind, and with a huge investment like a car that may more than justify the cost. Edmunds suggested considering your own repair history with cars; if you tend to be a hard driver or find yourself in shops often, a warranty may be a no-brainer. 

Something else to consider is which type of coverage you need. A basic warranty will cover different things than a powertrain warranty, for example. Research can help you here; knowing what your car model's most common maintenance pitfalls are can help you decide which warranty coverage you'll need and what you can save money on.

Avoid the void
Once you've made the decision to purchase a warranty for your car, you'll need to make sure that you don't do anything that could inadvertently void your warranty, rendering it useless and you that much poorer. As a general rule, tinkering with your car in any way that is not related to direct maintenance is a giant no-no. According to Edmunds, fiddling with the odometer to change the displayed mileage or adding in after-market modifications are actions that can end a warranty. In a similar vein, any misuse of your car – the most popular one being street racing – is grounds to nix your coverage.

Another thing to be mindful of is keeping up with your car's scheduled maintenance. In many cases, repairs that could have been prevented through regular maintenance fall outside the realm of your warranty's coverage, so spend a bit more today to get your oil changed and save a lot later on costly engine repairs.

If your car needs repairs, make an appointment with the NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center. The knowledgeable team of mechanics on hand will work to keep your vehicle running smoothly.