The check engine light comes on around 3 a.m. Your ride might cough once, sputter, and then wake up from its snooze. You remember the long warranty you bought when you were half-asleep. Was it a good thing or a waste of money? This is what drivers truly think of extended auto warranties, directly from their cluttered glove boxes and packed waiting rooms at the mechanic’s. Learn the facts.

Let’s talk about cost first. People complain about having to pay every month. It can feel like getting a gym subscription for a car you hardly drive. But if you talk to someone whose transmission broke down on the way to work on a Monday morning, they’ll tell you a different story. Not having to write a check for several thousand dollars typically turns skeptics become fans. “I thought it was a scam,” one owner said, “until my engine decided to have a meltdown.”

But what about authorization for claims? This is where the journey gets rough. Reviews break apart rapidly as oil in a skillet with a hole in it. Some people talk of getting swift calls, quick authorization for repairs, and even towing. Others complain of being stuck in contact center purgatory, where they have to wait through three holds and four agents before getting the go-ahead for covered fixes. Timing is key. If you call after noon, get ready. You know how it feels to watch a kettle boil? Same energy.

Let’s chat about the details. You should be fine if you secretly like reading the ingredients on cereal boxes. Others, not so much. A lot of drivers wish they had looked over the exclusions more than once. “Scheduled maintenance” and “wear and tear” are two sneaky terms that could suggest your repair isn’t covered. One old-school motorhead says to circle the areas of the contract that are important to you. The rest will follow.

The quality of service changes almost as much as the coffee at the diner. Some customers rave about how helpful and courteous the agents are when they help them with a repair, like how patient baristas recommend the right mix. Some people think they’re speaking a completely different language. They think the key is to keep going and do the paperwork. “Write down every call,” one driver said, “and sometimes threaten to tweet about it if you want results.”

What are the choices for repair shops? Here’s the twist. Some warranty companies work with networks, which means you can’t go wherever you want. It’s like a game of musical chairs for mechanics. Some let you go wherever you want, like that reliable corner garage your uncle swears by.

There’s no doubt that peace of mind is important. A lot of drivers sleep better knowing they won’t have to spend all their money on unexpected repairs. But there’s always a chance, like when you buy concert tickets before you know if your band will even show up.

So, let’s be honest: is an extended auto warranty a way to avoid paying or a monthly headache? Reviews are all over the place. People say it’s like having a lucky charm in your glove box. Some people say it’s like buying an umbrella and praying it rains.

Best advice? Read everything of it. Charges for questions. Call first. And if nothing else, have a stress ball nearby when you call customer service. Because, as any experienced driver will tell you, it’s always an adventure.