Winter driving can be a challenging experience for both seasoned and new drivers, with the cold temperatures, snowy roads, and icy conditions commonly exacerbating car problems. This can lead to costly repairs and injuries due to mechanical-related accidents.

With winter’s harsh elements, it’s important to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and prepared for the season. One way to protect your vehicle against unexpected repair expenses is to invest in an extended car warranty. Learn exactly how an extended warranty can offer protection for used cars and peace of mind during winter.

Must-Do Winter Maintenance Tasks for Your Vehicle

Before diving into how an extended warranty can help protect you against repair expenses, it’s important to look at some of the essential maintenance tasks your vehicle requires in the winter. Proactive or routine maintenance can actually prevent many of the most common issues that arise during cold weather, which is why taking care of the following tasks is critical:

• Battery Check: Winter’s freezing temperatures can put a strain on your car’s battery, making it more likely to fail. Ensure your battery is fully charged and free of corrosion. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it before winter can save you a headache.
• Tire Inspection: Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, which increases wear and can impact handling. Inspecting your tires for adequate tread depth and ensuring they’re properly inflated are crucial steps to keep you safe on the road.
• Antifreeze Levels: In freezing temperatures, antifreeze prevents your engine from seizing. Checking the antifreeze levels and replacing old or degraded fluid is essential to avoid costly engine repairs and to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

These maintenance tasks, while vital, can sometimes be forgotten if you are in a rush or if you are preparing for the winter. However, neglecting them can lead larger problems and high repair bills.

4 Common Winter-Related Vehicle Issues

Even if you perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, winter still brings a whole host of challenges. As mentioned, cold weather can exacerbate existing car issues or cause entirely new ones to arise. Four of the most common winter-related issues include:

1. Battery Failures: Cold weather reduces the chemical reaction inside your used or new car’s battery, thus making it harder for the car to start; a failing battery that might have lasted in warmer months could suddenly give out when you need it most on the road.
2. Tire Wear and Pressure Loss: The cold causes the air in your tires to contract, leading to low tire pressure that can result in uneven tire wear and increased risk of blowouts or loss of traction on slippery roads.
3. Frozen Fluids: Brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid can freeze in sub-zero temperatures, causing operational issues. If these fluids become too thick, they may prevent your car from functioning properly.
4. Engine Trouble: In extreme conditions, the engine itself can experience difficulty starting or running smoothly as without proper antifreeze, a freezing engine can lead to cracks and severe damage.

The above issues are not only inconvenient but also costly for your wallet. Repairing or replacing a battery, tires, or fluids can cost you hundreds of dollars, which is why it’s so critical to have a safety net in place during the wintertime.

How an Extended Car Warranty Can Protect You from Winter Repairs

An extended car warranty is a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan that provides you with additional coverage after your original manufacturer’s warranty or factory warranty expires. For winter driving, an extended warranty can serve as a protective cushion against unexpected repair costs. Many extended car warranties cover battery replacement, for example, which means you won’t need to worry about the cost associated with purchasing a new one or the labor costs for replacing it.

Depending on the specific terms of your extended warranty, you may also have tire repairs eligible to be covered. For perspective, every Endurance Warranty plan comes with Elite Benefits, which include reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards.* Generally speaking, most extended auto warranty packages will cover more expensive repairs, such as engine or transmission problems.

Regardless of the type of extended warranty plan you are considering purchasing, always take the time to review your vehicle service contract terms and exclusions. See what upfront deductible you may need to pay and which auto repairs are covered so that you can stay confident with your coverage.

Endurance Coverage for Winter Months

As you consider different aftermarket warranty companies, opting for a plan from Endurance Warranty is an excellent choice. With a range of plans to choose from, you can customize protection to suit your specific needs or simply go with one of our three flagship plans: Superior, Supreme, or Secure Plus. The Secure Plus plan is designed specifically to protect only the most vital components of your vehicle, which is ideal for older car owners, whereas the other two plans offer more comprehensive coverage.

The Supreme plan is the closest you can receive to a near bumper-to-bumper warranty plan for those who need additional coverage, whereas the Superior plan offers an excellent balance between cost and coverage. On top of all these plans, as mentioned, each Endurance plan comes with Elite Benefits, which, in addition to tire reimbursements, plan holders can enjoy 24/7 roadside assistance, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, up to $500 in collision discount coverage, and more.

FAQs: Winter Car Maintenance and Extended Warranties

Can an extended warranty cover winter tire replacements?

Generally, extended warranty contracts don’t cover the cost of winter tire replacements unless they have been damaged due to road hazards or a manufacturer’s defect. This will be a plan-by-plan coverage item, so review the fine print of your coverage plan to see if this is included.

Will my warranty cover battery replacements in the winter?

Yes, most extended vehicle warranties cover battery replacement, especially if the cause of the failure was due to defects or premature wear due to the weather. As always, check the specific details of your warranty coverage to see if this is included.

What should I do if my car breaks down in snow or freezing conditions?

If your car suffers a mechanical breakdown due to winter conditions, focus on trying to get it to the side of the road and out of traffic. If your car warranty company offers roadside assistance, contact the service for a tow to help get your car back to a certified repair shop or dealership so a claim can be filed.

Rely on Endurance for Your Winter Car Repairs

Winter driving comes with its fair share of challenges, but an extended car warranty contract can alleviate much of the financial burden caused by unexpected repairs. Whether it’s battery failures, tire issues, frozen fluids, or another issue, a warranty can provide essential protection against common problems. Whether you opt for a basic contrato de servicio de vehiculo that only covers the most essential parts or you go for a comprehensive plan, with Endurance, you’ll be prepared for whatever the winter season throws at you.

To learn which plan may be best, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 o Solicite una cotización GRATIS online. You can also shop our eStore to see your plan recommendations and pricing now.