When Ford revealed the sixth-generation Bronco, it made a big deal about how capable the SUV would be off-road. Now, it is finally offering warranty protection for owners who choose to take their vehicles off the beaten path.
Ford Protect off-road plans will offer owners of the Bronco and Bronco Sport support if their vehicles suffer minor damage that can commonly be caused by the stresses of off-roading. The plans provide support to drivers whose wheels or tires are damaged.
That will likely be an attractive prospect to many owners, since the wheels and tires are inevitably vulnerable. Bronco Nation reports that prices for new wheels range from $400-$500, and new tires range from $300 to $400 per unit, all of which add up quickly.
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Equally compelling will be the windshield protection plan. This is a particular concern for owners of the Bronco, whose upright design makes the glass particularly susceptible to cracks and breaks.
However, Ford’s plans will only cover damage like rock chips and cracks that are less than six inches (15 cm) long. Ford Protect will not pay to replace your windshield completely, which can cost as much as $900, and may require special calibrating from an experienced technician.
In addition, Ford Protect will cover small dents and dings suffered on the trail. Certain plans will pay for the removal of body damage no larger than four inches (10 cm), located in an accessible area.
There is a large list of items not covered by the plan, including damage suffered by misuse or neglect, and Ford says it will only cover vehicles that are less than three years old, and have traveled fewer than 36,000 miles (57,936 km). However, the plans will likely still be a compelling option for owners who want to do a little off-roading.
In all, there are four plans available: TireCARE, TireCARE Plus, TripleCARE, and TripleCARE Plus. Pricing for these plans is not available, and owners are encouraged to talk with their nearest dealer to find out if they’re eligible for this coverage.
