Every car owner should understand the extent and coverage a car’s warranty. If you still haven’t thoroughly read the warranty agreement between you and your car’s manufacturer, now is the time. Remember: what you don’t know about your car warranty can hurt you.

Do not assume that your car warranty entitles you to free repairs on any car problem. Warranties do not work this way. You are still responsible for all the maintenance requirements of your car, such as regular oil changes and tune-ups. Problems arising from your failure to perform these routine maintenance tasks are not covered by warranty and do not entitle you to free repairs. Among those not covered are problems with filters, belts and other wearable items.

If your car is new, it is probably covered by a comprehensive warranty that entitles you to free service for problems related to suspension, steering, power train, drive train and major systems (electrical braking, emission and exhaust systems). Comprehensive warranties usually last for 12 months. After that time, the manufacturer can offer you a part-by-part warranty, if applicable.

If you have a power train warranty, you can get free repairs if there are problems with major engine components such as cylinder heads, flywheels, pistons, engine blocks, etc. On the other hand, a drive train warranty covers transmission-related problems like glitches in the axles and wheel hubs, clutch, etc. Some manufacturers also give a corrosion warranty, so you can have your car’s sheet metal repaired if you find rust spots. Read the warranty information booklet that comes with your car for details. Before you go to a shop demanding free service, make sure that your car’s problem is covered by– otherwise you’ll just waste time and make a fool of yourself.