Buying a new or used car is a big investment, and protecting that investment is just as important. That’s where car warranties come in. Honda already offers a solid factory warranty, but many drivers want more coverage, especially as cars age or rack up miles. The good news is that Honda dealer Michigan locations offer a range of warranty upgrades to give you extra peace of mind. From extended coverage to added perks like roadside assistance, these upgrades are designed to keep your vehicle running smoothly and your wallet safe from surprise repair costs. In this article, we’ll walk through the types of warranty upgrades available at Honda dealerships and why they might be worth considering.
What Comes with the Standard Honda Warranty?
Before diving into the upgrades, it’s important to know what Honda’s standard warranty includes. When you purchase a new Honda, you typically get:
- 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
- 3-year/36,000-mile Roadside Assistance
- 5-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Warranty
These warranties cover a wide range of parts and services, from engine issues to transmission problems. However, once these factory warranties expire, you’re responsible for repair costs unless you’ve purchased additional coverage.
Why Consider a Warranty Upgrade?
Vehicles are built to last longer today, but that also means they’re kept on the road well past the factory warranty limits. A warranty upgrade:
- Extends coverage on critical parts
- Reduces unexpected out-of-pocket costs
- Offers peace of mind for long-distance or high-mileage drivers
- Increases resale value by transferring the warranty to a new owner
With today’s cars having more advanced technology and higher repair costs, upgrading your warranty can be a smart financial decision.
Honda Care: The Official Extended Warranty Program
Honda dealerships offer an official extended warranty program called Honda Care. This coverage can be purchased when you buy your car or added before your original warranty expires.
Honda Care plans typically cover:
- Engine and transmission components
- Electronic systems like navigation and climate control
- Suspension and steering
- Brake systems and fuel delivery
Plans are available for both new and certified pre-owned vehicles and often come with additional perks like:
- Rental car reimbursement
- Trip interruption benefits
- 24/7 roadside assistance
Extended Powertrain Coverage
One of the most popular upgrades is extended powertrain protection. While the factory powertrain warranty lasts five years or 60,000 miles, many owners choose to push that coverage further—especially those who plan to keep their vehicle for the long haul.
This upgrade ensures continued protection for:
- Engine block and internal components
- Transmission and torque converter
- Drive axles and differential
- Seals and gaskets associated with powertrain parts
If your Honda has a turbocharged engine or hybrid powertrain, extended coverage can be particularly valuable due to the complexity and cost of repairs.
Component Coverage Packages
In addition to general warranty extensions, some dealerships offer add-on component packages. These allow you to tailor your coverage to your driving style and needs. Some popular packages include:
- Electronics Package: Covers tech components like infotainment systems, sensors, and cameras.
- Chassis Coverage: Focuses on suspension, brakes, and steering systems.
- Climate Control Package: Protects the A/C system, heater core, and related components.
This modular approach lets you focus your investment on the areas you’re most concerned about.
Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Warranty Upgrades
If you’re buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) Honda, it already comes with a strong warranty. Honda CPO vehicles get:
- 7-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty from the original in-service date
- 1-year/12,000-mile Limited Warranty if the original warranty has expired
However, CPO buyers can still add extended coverage through Honda Care. This protects against non-powertrain failures and gives you access to the same benefits offered to new car buyers.
CPO warranty upgrades are especially popular among buyers who want the peace of mind of a new car warranty without the new car price.
Third-Party Warranty Options Through the Dealership
Many Honda dealerships also partner with third-party warranty providers. These plans are useful if your vehicle is outside the eligibility window for Honda Care or if you want more flexibility in coverage.
Benefits of third-party plans can include:
- Customizable term lengths and mileage limits
- Coverage for older or higher-mileage vehicles
- Acceptance at a wide network of repair shops
Make sure to read the terms carefully and confirm that the plan is backed by a reputable provider.
Roadside Assistance Upgrades
While Honda includes roadside assistance with new vehicles for the first three years, some dealerships offer plans that extend this service. These plans may include:
- Flat tire changes
- Towing services
- Emergency fuel delivery
- Lockout assistance
- Battery jump-starts
Some plans even offer concierge services or trip routing, which can be helpful for frequent travelers. Extending roadside assistance is a low-cost way to boost your safety net on the road.
Lease Warranty Coverage Options
Lease agreements usually match the factory warranty timeline, but some lessees choose to add coverage for the full lease term or extra miles. Warranty upgrades for leases can include:
- Extended bumper-to-bumper protection
- Wear-and-tear coverage (brakes, tires, windshield wipers)
- Excess mileage protection
This can help prevent surprise charges when you return the vehicle at lease-end. It also lets you enjoy worry-free driving without having to track warranty expiration dates.
Transferable Warranty Benefits
Many of the warranty upgrades offered by Honda dealerships are transferable. This means if you sell your car before the warranty expires, the new owner can enjoy the remaining coverage.
Transferable warranties:
- Increase resale value
- Make your car more attractive to buyers
- Give buyers confidence in the car’s condition
It’s a great selling point and an often overlooked benefit of choosing dealership-backed warranty upgrades.
Flexible Payment Options
One common concern with warranty upgrades is cost, but many Honda dealer locations offer flexible payment options. Some allow you to:
- Roll the cost into your auto loan
- Finance the upgrade separately
- Use promotional pricing during special events
This flexibility makes it easier for buyers to get the coverage they need without a big upfront payment.
What to Ask Before Purchasing a Warranty Upgrade
Before you commit to any warranty upgrade, it’s important to ask your Honda dealer:
- What exactly is covered (and what’s excluded)?
- Is there a deductible per visit or per repair?
- Where can repairs be performed?
- Can I cancel the warranty if I sell the vehicle?
- How long does the coverage last?
Clear answers to these questions help you make an informed decision and avoid surprises later on.
Conclusion
A car warranty upgrade is more than just a safety net—it’s an investment in peace of mind. Whether you’re driving a brand-new Civic or a certified pre-owned CR-V, Honda dealerships offer a range of warranty upgrades to fit your needs. With flexible coverage options, roadside assistance extensions, and plans for leased vehicles. If you’re planning to keep your vehicle for years to come, exploring your warranty upgrade options is one of the smartest moves you can make.
