What Is a Drivetrain Vehicle Protection Plan?

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.

An extended car warranty is protection from the vehicle manufacturer against mechanical breakdowns. This term is sometimes incorrectly used to describe coverage from third-party providers, which offer similar protection plans called vehicle service contracts. CARCHEX is a vehicle service contract provider.

A drivetrain vehicle protection plan and a powertrain plan are often thought of as the same thing by many drivers. However, there are subtle differences between the two that are important to note when thinking about purchasing a vehicle service contract. Learn more about the differences and the coverage options that CARCHEX provides.

Before answering what a drivetrain plan 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:

• 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.

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

• A drivetrain plan includes the transmission, driveshaft, axles, and wheels, but it does not include the engine.
• A powertrain plan 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 plans advertised that do cover the engine. While this type would technically be a powertrain plan, 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 vehicle protection companies usually sell powertrain plans, not drivetrain plans. In other words, the lowest level of coverage usually includes the engine along with the drivetrain.

While a typical plan 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 coverage can ensure that when those problems arise, you aren’t responsible for covering the costs of repair.

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

• You save money on the expensive cost of future repairs and replacements.
• You can create a flexible, high-level 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.

Drivetrain coverages from third-party providers are more flexible and extensive 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.

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

It’s easy to get an extended drivetrain plan 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?

• 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.

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

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/