How Vehicle Service Contracts (VSCs) define a "Mechanical Breakdown" is important and can defines whether a part is covered or not. Here is how EasyCare contracts define "Mechanical Breakdown":

MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN or FAILURE: means the inability of any covered part(s) to perform the function(s) for which it was designed due to defects in material or workmanship. MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN does not include the gradual reduction in operating performance due to normal wear and tear, where a FAILURE has not occurred. The manufacturer has established tolerances for the express purpose of defining FAILURE and serviceability. When specifications exceed these manufacturer's tolerances a FAILURE will be considered to have occurred.

The important thing to note in this definition is that a component does not need to literally “come apart” in order to be eligible for coverage. By our definition, a failure occurs when a component does not function within the manufacturer’s tolerances.

For example, an A/C compressor may be designed to produce a high side pressure of 200-235 PSI at a certain ambient temperature in order to effectively cool a vehicle’s interior. All other things being equal, if the compressor is demonstrated to be capable of generating only 100 PSI it would be considered failed & therefore eligible for coverage by EasyCare as it no longer meets manufacturer’s tolerances. Other VSCs might require the A/C compressor to generate 0 PSI, or otherwise be determined to have "completely" failed to qualify for coverage.