The onset of fall brings many rituals, like ensuring your sweaters are clean, fertilizing the lawn, and enjoying the abundance of pumpkin-flavored foods. Yet, one practice often gets overlooked: getting your car ready for the colder months ahead. Fall car care is essential for minimizing the chance of a breakdown and preparing your vehicle for harsher winter weather.

Let’s explore the steps and look at strategies for incorporating an extended car warranty into the process for maximum effectiveness.

The Significance of Seasonal Maintenance

While car maintenance should be a year-round activity, it’s especially critical as the sweltering summer transitions to a moderate autumn. Weather changes can stress a car more, making the condition of components like batteries and tires vital. At the same time, getting a jump on your car’s maintenance can catch problems early, help keep costs in check, and avoid problems during road trips.

However, car maintenance during the fall isn’t just about keeping your vehicle running smoothly; it’s about keeping you and your passengers safe as the weather becomes less predictable. Being proactive reduces the risks of accidents AND breakdowns.

If that isn’t enough incentive to implement fall car care tips, consider this: a well-maintained vehicle performs better and has a higher resale value.

Key Areas of Fall Maintenance

Car maintenance tips for the autumn months involve several areas:

Battery Checks

Your car’s battery is put under strain as the temperature drops. According to the Electrochemical Society, a lead-acid battery loses about 20% of its capacity in typical freezing conditions. This degradation can drop to 50% in more extreme winter weather.

• Cold Weather Impact: Lower temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside the battery, reducing its ability to produce and store energy.
• Battery Corrosion: Look for corrosion on the battery terminals, which can make electrical connections less reliable.
• Maintenance Musts: Periodically clean the battery terminals, ensure the battery is securely mounted, and tighten the cable connections as needed. Have the battery professionally tested to determine its remaining life (many auto supply stores do this for free).

Keep in mind that car batteries last three to five years, sometimes less. So, even a well-maintained battery eventually needs replacing.

Fluid Top-offs

Maintaining proper fluid levels is critical to your car’s performance and longevity. Here are the essential fluids to keep an eye on:

• Oil: Ensure the engine oil is at the proper level and consider an oil change if it’s time.
• Coolant: Check the antifreeze level to ensure the cooling system remains at peak capacity during plunging temperatures.
• Brake Fluid: Verify the brake fluid is at the correct level to provide maximum stopping power in slippery conditions.
• Power Steering Fluid: Check the power steering fluid to keep this vital system in peak operating condition.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Fill up with a winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing and ensure good visibility.

Review the owner’s manual to learn how to check and top off these essential fluids safely. Only use the fluid types recommended by the manufacturer.

Tire Inspection

Rain, leaves, ice, and snow can make ordinary roads slippery during the fall, making good tire condition critically important. Here’s what to look for to avoid blowouts:

• Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for good gripping and stopping power. Most states mandate 2/32 of an inch for minimum tread depth, but performance becomes noticeably compromised at 4/32.
• Tire Pressure: Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, so check and adjust as necessary.
• Rotation and Balance: Consumer Reports recommends rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotate and balance the tires as needed to ensure even wear.

The tire inspection process should include looking for sidewall or tread damage or uneven tread wear—conditions that require tire replacement and may demand a look at the suspension for alignment issues. In addition, if you live in a more northern climate, this is the time to get your winter tires ready.

Additional Fall Maintenance Tasks

Beyond the key areas outlined above, there are other important vehicle maintenance duties to consider as part of an effective fall car care routine:

Brake System Inspection

Beyond checking the brake fluid, brake pads and rotors must be inspected. Have a professional mechanic check these components to ensure your car is ready for the road.

Heating System Check

As temperatures drop, a properly functioning heating system becomes essential for your comfort and safety. Don’t wait for the first cold morning to find out if there’s a problem. Take some time at night (when the temperature is lower) to start the car and crank up the heat as a test run.

Inspect the Windshield and Wipers

Clear visibility is crucial during fall and winter driving. Inspect your windshield for any chips or cracks and replace worn-out windshield wiper blades to ensure clear vision in rainy or snowy conditions. Importantly, don’t delay windshield repairs or replacement; this glass helps maintain the car’s structure during an accident or rollover.

Check the Lighting

Colder months mean less daylight, making a vehicle’s lighting vital. During this time of year, take a few minutes to ensure all the interior lights work properly, including instrument panel illumination. Next, ask a friend to stand outside the car as you activate the turn signals and brake lights and turn on the exterior lights to make sure you can see and be seen.

The Role of Extended Warranties in Fall Maintenance

Despite all your efforts at regular maintenance, unexpected repairs can occur. In addition, an inspection may have uncovered a previously undetected issue. In these situations, an extended warranty can play a significant role in your fall maintenance strategy.

An extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract or an auto protection plan, can pay for repair costs if the issue is covered. Further, some plans include regular maintenance. For instance, Endurance’s Advantage plan helps pay for several services, including:

• Oil and filter changes (up to three)
• Engine diagnostic tests
• Alignment checks
• Tire rotations
• One-time services
  • Brake pad replacement
  • Cooling system maintenance
  • Wiper blade replacement (front or rear)
  • Battery replacement

The Advantage plan’s maintenance services are worth up to $3,500 and encourage a proactive approach to upkeep. Being attentive to potential problems and having the backing of an extended warranty can keep repair costs under control, reducing the stress that can accompany major work.

How Endurance Plans Support Fall Maintenance

Endurance offers comprehensive vehicle service contracts that reinforce your fall maintenance efforts. Here’s how we help cover your used car:

• Comprehensive Coverage Options: Endurance plans range from essential powertrain protection to Supreme coverage, which is similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty. There are also in-between options for car owners looking to balance protection and costs.
• Benefits: All Endurance customers received numerous perks, including 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, trip interruption protection, and the freedom to choose any licensed shop for covered repairs. In addition, Endurance plan holders are eligible for a year of Elite Benefits worth up to $2,000. Just pay a small enrollment fee to access tire repair and replacement services, key fob replacement, collision repair discounts, and total loss protection.*
• Customizable Coverage: Endurance takes extended warranty protection to the next level with tailored options for commercial use, modified vehicles, advanced electronics, high mileage, and other unique situations.

Steps to Secure an Extended Warranty for the Fall Season

Whether you have a car with an expiring or expired warranty or are shopping for a vehicle without warranty protection, securing coverage the right way can put you on the best path for effective fall maintenance efforts. Here are the steps to follow:

Assess Your Vehicle’s Needs

Consider your car’s age, mileage, and overall condition. Think about which components most likely need attention as your car ages and heads into the colder months. Research typical problems for your make and model and what repair costs are for these issues. Take your financial situation into account and what an expensive repair could mean.

Research Warranty Providers

There’s no shortage of extended warranty companies, but they aren’t all alike. Check customer reviews, industry ratings, and the company’s financial stability to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable operation. Examine the customer’s payout history (Endurance has paid hundreds of millions in claims since 2012).

Understand the Terms and Conditions

Success with an extended warranty comes from knowing what’s covered and what’s not. Review sample contracts to learn any conditions or limitations and ask questions before buying. Fully understanding how your car is protected puts you on the right path for extended warranty peace of mind.

Purchase the Warranty

Once you’ve found an auto protection plan that meets your needs, it’s time to buy. Consider whether a single payment or monthly premium is your best option. Most extended car warranty companies can handle the transaction online or over the phone.

Ensure You’re Fall-Ready with Endurance

From battery and fluid checks to tire and brake inspections, there are many fall car maintenance tasks that shouldn’t be overlooked. Yet, keeping your vehicle in good working order when the seasons change will help ensure it’s ready for the colder months ahead.

At the same time, seasonal maintenance is only part of the picture. Endurance Warranty provides an extra layer of protection, especially the Advantage plan, which helps pay for regular upkeep.

Discover everything Endurance has to offer by requesting a FREE quote or visiting our online store for instant price and plan information. Plan advisors can also be reached for personalized help by calling (800) 253-8203.

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