The cooling system on your vehicle is crucial for maintaining engine performance and preventing overheating over time. However, when your cooling system fails, it can lead to severe damage, costly repairs, and even complete engine failure if left unchecked for too long. Components such as the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses all work together as a cohesive unit to regulate the temperature under the hood, thus ensuring your engine runs efficiently.

Unfortunately, these parts are susceptible to wear and tear over time, which can make them a common source of mechanical problems. Extended car warranty coverage can be a lifesaver in such cases. These contracts can help vehicle owners manage repair costs and financial strain, meaning if you have one, you may not be on the hook for all costs.

Learn the common causes of cooling system failures and how extended warranties can help you get back on the road.

4 Common Cooling System Failures and Their Impact

Cooling system failure can occur for a variety of reasons, but the issues most often stem from neglect, wear and tear, or manufacturing defects. Leaks can occur in hoses, the radiator, the water pump, or gaskets alike. Below are the most commonly seen cooling system issues:

1. Coolant Leaks

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a vital role in regulating engine temperature. Leaks can occur in hoses, the radiator, the water pump, or gaskets. A small leak can lead to gradual coolant loss, whereas a major leak can cause the engine to overheat quickly.

2. Radiator Failure

The radiator is responsible for dissipating heat from the engine by allowing coolant to flow through its fins. Over time, radiators can become clogged with debris, develop corrosion, or suffer from physical damage due to road hazards.

3. Thermostat Malfunction

The thermostat regulates coolant flow between the engine and radiator. If the thermostat sticks in the closed position, the engine can overheat due to a lack of coolant circulation. Conversely, if it remains open, the engine may not reach optimal operating temperature, reducing fuel efficiency and performance.

4. Water Pump Breakdown

The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the engine. When the water pump fails, coolant cannot flow properly, leading to rapid overheating. A failing water pump often makes squeaking or grinding noises and may leak coolant. Replacing a water pump is a critical repair to prevent extensive engine damage.

Each of these issues can lead to expensive repairs, making extended warranty coverage an attractive option for vehicle owners.

How Extended Warranties Cover Cooling System Repairs

Extended warranties provide coverage for mechanical breakdowns that occur. This is unlike car insurance, which kicks in to cover damage resulting from an accident. Extended warranty coverage is usually offered by a third party, unlike factory warranty, which is offered by a dealership or the manufacturer of the vehicle. Coverage can vary depending on the provider, but many extended warranties include protection for critical cooling system components such as:

• Radiator: Usually covered under most comprehensive plans
• Water Pump: Often included in powertrain and higher-tier coverage plans
• Thermostat: Generally covered under bumper-to-bumper or comprehensive warranties
• Cooling Fan and Motor: Typically included in more extensive service contracts
• Hoses and Belts: Some plans may cover these under wear-and-tear provisions
• Seals and Gaskets: These are often included if part of a covered repair

Given that the coverage options can vary so much, it’s important to review the specific terms of an extended warranty policy you are considering closely.

Factory Warranty vs. Extended Warranty for Cooling System Protection

Despite the fact that factory warranty and extended warranty sound similar, these packages are quite different. A new vehicle typically comes with a factory warranty, which provides coverage for a variety of mechanical and electrical components for a specific period of time. This often looks like bumper-to-bumper warranty for around 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Factory warranties are also frequently powertrain warranties, which cover major engine and transmission components for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles.

On the other hand, extended warranties tend to be far more variable with plan types. Some of the key benefits of an extended warranty for cooling system protection include:

• Many extended warranty contracts offer longer coverage durations, with some plans going as long as 10 years
• Different coverage levels allow customers to choose a plan that suits their unique needs
• Extended warranty contracts still cover out-of-pocket expenses for major repairs
• These contracts offer peace of mind related to unexpected vehicle breakdowns

Preventing Cooling System Failures with Regular Maintenance

While having an extended warranty ready to cover costs associated with car repairs to your cooling system is nice, it’s still a good idea to take preventative action to protect your cooling system. Therefore, the following maintenance tips can help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape:

1. Ensure that coolant levels remain within the recommended range by checking regularly.
2. Inspect the hoses and belts under the hood of your car by looking for cracks, leaks, or soft spots.
3. Flush the radiator of your car periodically to avoid a reduction in efficiency.
4. Replace the thermostat if you notice temperature fluctuations or poor heater performance under the hood.
5. Monitor your vehicle for signs of coolant leaks under the vehicle to address them earlier.

By taking care of the five simple maintenance tips above, you can reduce the likelihood of a cooling system failure and maximize the effectiveness of your warranty.

How Endurance Covers Cooling System Repairs

Endurance Warranty is a trusted provider of vehicle service contracts, commonly called extended auto warranties, and we have a comprehensive range of coverage plans to choose from. In particular, the Superior and Supreme plans offered by Endurance provide you with targeted protection for your cooling system. Specifically, the Superior plan will offer coverage for the following components:

• Engine Cooling Fan
• Engine Cooling Fan Motor
• Engine Cooling Fan Clutch
• Serpentine Belt Tensioner
• Radiator
• Heater Core
• Thermostat
• Blower Motor
• Hot Water Valve
• Engine Oil Cooler
• Cooler Lines and Fittings

The Supreme plan is Endurance’s most comprehensive vehicle service contracts yet, meaning all of the above parts and more are covered with only a few exclusions. In addition to having your cooling system covered with one of these plans, you can also enjoy one year of Elite Benefits, which provides you with bonus perks such as tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, collision coverage, and more.*

Protecting Your Cooling System With Endurance

Cooling system failures can lead to significant engine damage and expensive repairs that are a headache to deal with. Factory warranties will provide you with initial coverage, but adding on an auto protection plan from Endurance can sweeten the deal with long-term protection against those unexpected breakdowns. We offer flexible and comprehensive coverage options, so you can choose a plan that suits your unique driving needs to reduce your financial stress and improve your peace of mind.

To learn more about which Endurance plan might be right for you, contact one of our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE quote online. You can also simply shop our eStore to see your plan recommendation and pricing right away.