Each season presents its own set of challenges when it comes to its impact on your car. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can affect your vehicle and cause a variety of different issues. Winter can be especially tough on the individual systems of your car due to road debris, such as salt and the moisture generated by rain and snow, in addition to low temperatures. Because of these kinds of high-impact driving conditions, it is important to do a thorough check of your vehicle as winter winds down so you can be ready for the warmer months ahead.

When the weather heats up, you will most likely be looking forward to road trips and vacations, and the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected and expensive mechanical breakdown on the highway. That is why it is so important to have a protection plan you can count on to help you get your car in great shape after the harshest winter months have passed.

By knowing how an extended car warranty can protect your used car after winter, you can avoid serious issues when you need your car the most.

Common Post-Winter Vehicle Issues

Perhaps the most common vehicle issues that come up after winter are suspension and alignment problems. During the winter months, snow and ice can create potholes in the asphalt, which you will almost certainly have to drive over. These hazards can push your vehicle out of alignment or damage suspension components, causing problems with handling, steering, and even safety. Having your suspension looked at after a long winter is a good idea if you want to stay safe and drive comfortably once the sun comes out.

If you live in an area where the roads get salted, or there are heavy rains, rust can be a serious problem. Rust can occur anywhere on your vehicle, and it can eat away at crucial components like the exhaust system, steering, or suspension. After winter, have your vehicle thoroughly inspected for rust and get the components repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Winter weather can also have a big impact on the parts of your vehicle that are usually subjected to normal wear and tear. Your brake pads, for example, can deteriorate much quicker in the winter due to overuse on slippery roads and rust. Batteries also tend to wear out faster and lose their ability to hold a charge efficiently when they are subjected to extremely low temperatures. This means that you will almost certainly have to do some maintenance work on your vehicle after a particularly harsh winter.

How an Extended Warranty Covers Winter Wear and Tear

If you want help getting your vehicle back into shape after winter, an extended warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC) or auto protection plan, is a great option. When you buy a new car off the lot, it will usually come with a factory warranty provided by the manufacturer. Once this coverage is up, though, you will be responsible for any car repairs that need to happen. An extended car warranty from a third-party or aftermarket provider can keep your car covered and ensure that you don’t get stuck with a high repair bill due to winter-related issues.

Extended warranties are available with many different levels of coverage from a wide range of providers. If you live in an area that gets hit hard by winter, having comprehensive protection from an extended warranty or VSC provider is your safest bet for protecting yourself from costly repairs and unexpected mechanical breakdowns. By getting the help you need to make auto repairs for the spring months, you can save yourself money and keep your car in great condition.

The Importance of Routine Maintenance in Spring

If you want to be sure that your vehicle is in good shape after winter, running a few maintenance checks can be a big help. One of the best things you can do is check your tire pressure. In the winter, your tires can lose pressure as the air inside them constricts, and you may be below the recommended PSI. It is also a good idea to do a battery voltage test to make sure your battery is still putting out the right amount of power to run your vehicle. If it isn’t, replacing it sooner rather than later will prevent breakdowns or electrical malfunctions out on the road.

You will also want to check your vehicle’s fluid levels and make sure that you have the proper amount of oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Over the winter, the extreme cold can break down fluids or cause them to contract, which can cause low levels. As the weather heats up, having the right amount of coolant in the cooling system and oil changes for the engine will prevent overheating and keep your engine running smoothly as the weather slowly transitions from cold to hot.

Factory Warranty vs. Extended Warranty for Spring Repairs

The manufacturer’s warranty (or factory warranty) that your vehicle comes with when it is new is a great way to ensure that problems can be repaired right away. One of the issues is factory car warranties cover only things under specific circumstances. This car warranty is designed to protect you from issues that come up due to manufacturer design flaws, problems in the production process, or the materials used on the vehicle. It may not cover things that break down or wear out because of extreme cold or wet conditions in the winter.

An extended vehicle warranty, coupled with car insurance, can be much more flexible and comprehensive than the manufacturer-provided factory warranty. You have many more options when it comes to the level of protection you can get and what will be covered under your plan.

This means you can be sure that specific components that can be affected by winter weather are covered and that you can get the vehicle repairs you need no matter what. Plus, extended warranty and VSC providers have a much wider range of repair facilities that you can go to to have repairs done. Most factory warranties can only be used at the dealership, which may or may not be convenient to get to, especially in winter driving conditions. Be sure to read the fine print of any warranty coverage before you sign.

How Endurance Vehicle Protection Plans Help After Winter

When it comes to reliable, comprehensive protection for your vehicle after winter, Endurance Warranty Services is your best bet. With a wide variety of auto protection plans and customizable coverage, there is something for every type of car and car owner. Whether you want basic powertrain protection to keep your engine running smoothly or comprehensive coverage so you can avoid expensive repair bills, Endurance has a plan for you. Endurance will even cover vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market vehicles, cars with a rebuilt or salvage title, and vehicles used for rideshare and delivery.

With an Endurance Warranty plan in place, you can get repairs as soon as they come up and avoid a serious breakdown due to winter wear. The sooner you get a repair done, the less serious it will be, and having a protection plan in place is your best option if you want timely fixes that can get your vehicle ready for the spring and summer. With an Endurance plan on your side, you can be sure that no matter what the winter throws at your car, you can get it back up and running when the snow and ice clears.

Get Top-Tier Protection All Year With Endurance

Getting a clear picture of your car’s condition after winter is important if you want to avoid unexpected repairs and breakdowns during the rest of the year. With customized coverage from Endurance Warranty, there is no reason to wait for top-notch repairs. You can get your vehicle back in good working order and get out on the road so you can enjoy the gorgeous spring weather without any interruptions.

In addition to excellent coverage, Endurance plans also come with a large suite of standard benefits to help keep you safe on the road and give you peace of mind. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and travel interruption protection. For a small activation fee, Endurance customers also get access to Elite Benefits, which include tire repair or replacement, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and more.

If you are ready for the best coverage on the market, get in touch with our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 for a FREE quote. You can also get an instant price preview and make the right choice for your vehicle by visiting the Endurance online store.

For more helpful guides like this one as well as vehicle repair costs, mechanical breakdown insurance, bumper-to-bumper plans, FAQs, and more, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog.