What does an "implied warranty" guarantee?

An implied warranty guarantees that a product will meet certain quality standards. This concept is rooted in contract law and is primarily meant to protect consumers by ensuring that products are fit for ordinary use, have a reasonably expected level of quality, and are as described by the seller. Unlike explicit warranties, which are articulated in clear, written form, implied warranties arise automatically by law upon the sale of the goods, regardless of whether the seller explicitly states those guarantees.

For instance, when you purchase a new car, it is expected to be operational and safe; this expectation is based on the implied warranty of merchantability, which states that a product should be acceptable and function as intended. In this way, the seller cannot disclaim or escape these implied warranties, reinforcing consumer protection in transactions.