All new cars are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, usually 3 years, in the event of a mechanical defect the repairs will be carried out free of charge by the manufacturer. In the case of a wear and tear items, such as brake pads, the cost is the responsibility of the customer unless the vehicle has a maintenance contract. It is important to check the level of roadside assistance provided as it can vary; BMW offer 3 years full roadside assistance with all its new cars, whilst VW only offer 12 months.