Kia’s known for having a pretty solid warranty on its vehicles, which gives owners some peace of mind. The warranty typically covers things like the powertrain, basic parts, and even roadside assistance.
But it’s important to know what the Kia warranty doesn’t cover so you aren’t caught off guard by repair bills. Knowing the exclusions can help you budget and make smart decisions about your car.
This article will give you a rundown of some of the things that usually aren’t covered by the Kia warranty so you can stay informed about taking care of your vehicle.
Common Kia warranty exclusions
Even the best warranties don’t cover everything. Here are some common exclusions to Kia’s otherwise comprehensive warranty.
Wear and tear items
Wear and tear is generally not covered by your Kia warranty. That includes items that simply degrade over time with normal use.
Some examples of wear items are brake pads, windshield wiper blades, and tires. If your brake pads wear out after 30,000 miles, that’s considered normal wear and tear.
Routine maintenance
Scheduled maintenance is your responsibility, not Kia’s, so things like oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine services aren’t covered.
Following the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual is the best way to keep your Kia running smoothly.
External factors and misuse
Damage from misuse, accidents, or alterations is generally excluded from warranty coverage, as is environmental damage like flood or hail damage. Acts of nature are on you, not Kia.
Using non-genuine Kia parts or having unauthorized repairs done on your car can void your warranty, too.
Specific exclusions and limitations
As with any warranty, there are a few things that Kia doesn’t cover.
Modifications and alterations
If you modify or alter your vehicle in any way, that could void your warranty. Adding aftermarket parts or performance upgrades, such as an aftermarket exhaust system that later causes engine problems, is generally not covered.
Cosmetic damage
Kia’s warranty typically doesn’t cover cosmetic issues, such as scratches or dents, unless they’re due to a manufacturing defect.
Economic loss
The warranty also doesn’t usually cover economic losses, such as not being able to use your vehicle while it’s being repaired.
Maintaining your Kia warranty
To keep your Kia warranty valid, it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance. Here are a few ways to do that:
Importance of regular maintenance
If you want to maintain your warranty, make sure you stay on top of regularly scheduled maintenance and keep a record of all service visits. Follow the service schedule laid out in your owner’s manual to the letter.
Using genuine Kia parts and authorized service
It’s always a good idea to use only genuine Kia parts and accessories. Have any repairs done at an authorized Kia dealership or by a Kia-certified technician.
Working with certified Kia technicians and using official Kia parts can optimize your warranty claims, should you ever need to make one.
Understanding the fine print
Read the fine print of your warranty documentation so you’ll know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. That way, you won’t be caught off guard if something goes wrong.
To Conclude
As a responsible Kia owner, it’s essential to understand exactly what your factory warranty doesn’t cover. Knowing the exclusions upfront helps you plan for potential repairs and maintenance costs down the road.
To get the most out of your warranty and minimize the risk of denied claims, be proactive about maintenance, use genuine Kia parts whenever possible, and stick to the recommended service schedule.
For even greater peace of mind and long-term protection, you might also consider purchasing an extended warranty.