What Does Car Warranty Repair Actually Cover in Western Australia?

In Western Australia, car warranty repair generally covers mechanical and electrical faults caused by manufacturing defects or faulty factory-installed parts during the warranty period. It does not normally cover routine maintenance or wear and tear items like tyres, brake pads or wiper blades or damage from accidents, neglect or unauthorised modifications.

Before you call your dealer or agree to an expensive repair, it’s a good idea to know what’s covered by a car warranty and what’s not.

What’s Usually Covered Under a Car Warranty and What Isn’t?

One of the biggest misunderstandings among WA drivers is that a car warranty covers every repair during the guarantee period. In reality, the most important rule is understanding the difference between a factory defect and normal wear and tear.

A factory defect is a fault produced by a manufacturing or assembly problem. If a genuine part fails sooner than expected due to a manufactured defect, it will normally be covered under your manufacturer’s warranty.

On the other hand, wear-and-tear parts will naturally wear out as you drive. These parts will require regular maintenance or replacement and are usually not covered under warranty. 

The table below gives a quick overview of what’s typically covered under a manufacturer’s warranty in Western Australia.

New Car Warranties in WA: Your Rights Under Australian Consumer Law (ACL)

If you have purchased a new car in Western Australia, you are protected by more than just the manufacturer’s guarantee. All new vehicles sold in Australia are also protected by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which gives you important legal rights that cannot be taken away by a dealer or manufacturer.

Most manufacturers now offer warranties ranging from five to ten years, depending on the brand. However, your rights under the ACL don’t automatically end when the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Instead, the law says your vehicle must last for a reasonable period, considering factors such as its age, price, and expected lifespan.

In simple terms, the ACL says your new car must:

• Be of acceptable quality: reliable, durable and free from defects.
• Be fit for purpose: able to perform the job it was sold to do.
• Fit the description and claimed features.

If something goes wrong, your rights depend on whether the problem is considered a major or minor failure.

A major failure is a serious defect that would have stopped a reasonable person from buying the vehicle if they had known about it. In these situations, you may be entitled to choose a repair, replacement, or refund. A minor failure is a fault that can be repaired within a reasonable time, allowing the dealer or manufacturer to fix the problem first.

Used Car Warranties in WA: Understanding the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but your warranty rights will depend on who you purchase the vehicle from. If you buy a second-hand car from a licensed motor vehicle dealer in Western Australia, it may have a statutory warranty under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act 1973. But if you buy the identical car from a private seller, you’re usually not protected by these safeguards.

A statutory warranty is not applicable to every second-hand car. Eligibility depends on the age of the car, kilometres travelled and purchase price at the time of sale.

If your vehicle qualifies and develops a fault that makes it unroadworthy or unsuitable for normal use during the warranty period, the dealer is usually required to fix it at no cost to you.

Another important protection many buyers don’t know about is the “clock-pause” rule. If your vehicle is with the dealer for warranty repairs, the statutory warranty period is essentially paused while the vehicle is being repaired. For example, if your automobile is off the road for 10 days waiting for parts, those 10 days are added to your warranty period so you get the full protection you are entitled to.

Let’s Work Out Whether Your Car Is Actually Covered

Case 1: I bought my car brand new from a dealership.

If your vehicle is still inside the manufacturer’s warranty period and you’ve followed the scheduled logbook servicing, you’re in the strongest position.

If the inspection shows the engine, transmission, electrical system, or another factory-installed component has failed because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer is generally responsible for repairing or replacing that part.

However, if the inspection finds the failure was caused by neglect, overheating, accident damage, or modifications, the repair is unlikely to be covered.

Case 2: I bought a used car from a licensed WA dealer.

Your first question should be:

When did you buy it?

If the vehicle qualified for WA’s statutory warranty when it was sold to you, the dealer may be responsible for repairing certain faults that make the vehicle unroadworthy or unsuitable for normal driving during the warranty period.

Many buyers don’t realise this protection even exists until something goes wrong.

Case 3: I bought my car privately.

Private sales work differently.

Unless the manufacturer’s warranty is still valid or another transferrable warranty applies, you’ll usually be responsible for repair costs after buying the vehicle.

That’s why we always encourage buyers to organise a pre-purchase inspection before committing to a private sale. It’s far less expensive than discovering major mechanical problems after you’ve taken the keys home.

What Will Void Your Car Warranty in Western Australia?

Having a warranty doesn’t mean every repair will automatically be covered. In many circumstances, if a manufacturer or dealer can prove that the fault was caused by inadequate maintenance, improper repairs or unauthorised modifications rather than a manufactured defect, it may be able to deny a warranty claim.

Here are some of the most common mistakes that can put your warranty at risk:

• Skipping scheduled logbook services or exceeding the recommended service intervals.
• Using incorrect oils, fluids, or substandard replacement parts that don’t meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Installing aftermarket performance modifications, such as ECU tunes, suspension lifts, or turbo upgrades, can lead to mechanical failure.
• Neglecting warning signs, like continuing to drive with an overheating engine or ignoring dashboard warning lights, can lead to preventable damage.

Another important point for WA buyers is that private vehicle sales usually don’t come with a statutory warranty. Unlike vehicles purchased from licensed dealers, cars bought through Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or private advertisements are generally sold “as is”. If the seller hasn’t knowingly misrepresented the vehicle, then you’ll generally be responsible for any repairs following the transaction.

Can You Service Your Car at an Independent Mechanic?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest myths surrounding new car warranties.

Many drivers still think they have to go back to the dealership for every scheduled service to keep their warranty in good standing. “Not true at all. As long as your car is serviced to the manufacturer’s logbook service standards and uses parts and fluids that satisfy the appropriate specifications, you can choose a trained independent mechanic under Australian Consumer Law.

Protect Your Warranty Without Paying Dealership Prices

Understanding your warranty rights can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. Whether you own a brand-new car or a used vehicle, staying on top of scheduled servicing and addressing problems early is the best way to avoid costly repairs.

Our technicians at H&M Automotive Solution offer warranty-safe logbook servicing, advanced diagnostics and full vehicle inspections using manufacturer-approved parts and fluids. If you’re not sure if your repair is covered or you want to keep your warranty intact without paying the dealership costs, simply contact us.

We’ll service your car, safeguard your warranty and keep you driving with peace of mind.

Book a Service With H&M Automotive Today

FAQs

Can a dealer refuse my warranty claim if I service my car at an independent workshop?

No. Under Australian Consumer Law, you can choose a qualified independent mechanic for logbook servicing without voiding your manufacturer’s warranty. A dealer can only reject a claim if they can prove that incorrect servicing, unsuitable parts, or non-approved fluids directly caused the fault.

Are timing belts covered under a car warranty?

They can be! But only in certain situations. If a timing belt or timing chain fails prematurely because of a manufacturing defect, it may be covered under warranty. However, replacing a timing belt at the manufacturer’s recommended service interval is considered routine maintenance and is the owner’s responsibility.

Is there a cooling-off period when buying a car in WA?

In most cases, no. Western Australia does not provide a general cooling-off period for motor vehicle purchases from licensed dealers, so it’s important to carefully inspect the vehicle, understand the warranty conditions, and review the contract before signing.