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 baterias de coche 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 aceite de motor 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 presión de llanta to drop, so check and adjust as necessary.
• Rotation and Balance: Informes de los consumidores 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 parabrisas 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 Mantenimiento regular, unexpected repairs can occur. In addition, an inspection may have uncovered a previously undetected issue. In these situations, an garantía extendida can play a significant role in your fall maintenance strategy.

An extended car warranty, also known as a contrato de servicio de vehiculo 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 plan de ventajas 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 Beneficios de élite 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. Garantía Endurance 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 tienda en línea for instant price and plan information. Plan advisors can also be reached for personalized help by calling (800) 253-8203.

Explorar el Blog Endurance to review hundreds of insightful articles that cover car care advice, DIY maintenance tips, extended car warranty guidance, auto reviews, and more.

Since its debut in the 1970s, the honda Civic has been one of the best starter cars for teens and first-time car buyers. Let’s take a look at what Civic owners love most about their vehicles:

Reason #1: The Honda Civic is Reliable and Durable

Whether you’re a brand-new driver or have been behind the wheel for decades, we all want vehicle reliability. When buying a car, we expect to get from Point A to Point B with minimal obstructions or mishaps. We don’t want to buy a new or used car for a teen driver only to have it break down without warning, leaving them stranded on the side of the road.

The Honda Civic is notorious for reliability, which is likely one of the biggest reasons it nearly always finds its way onto the list of good cars for teen drivers. Our partners at RepairPal give the Honda Civic an excellent reliability rating, 4.5 out of 5.0 stars, ranking it as the 3rd most reliable compact car out of 36 competitors. When determining rankings, they consider important factors like repair costs, severity, and frequency.

• Average Annual Cost of Repairs: $368 compared to $526 annually for other compact cars and $652 for all vehicles.
• Frequency of Vehicle Repairs: Honda Civic owners only have to bring their vehicle to the car repair shop on average 0.2 times annually, compared to 0.3 times for other compact cars and 0.4 for other vehicles.
• Severity of Car Repairs: Unscheduled Honda Civic repairs tend to hover around 10% urgency, meaning they aren’t generally catastrophic. Compare this to 11% for other compact vehicles and 12% for others.

Honda Civics are also well known for their durability and longevity. If a driver keeps up with a routine maintenance schedule, a Honda Civic can easily last 15-20 years or 200,000 – 300,000 miles. By then, your Honda Civic will be considered high mileage, and your teen driver will be ready to trade it in, sell it, or transfer ownership.

Reason #2: The Honda Civic is Fuel Efficient

One thing that most teens don’t have is expendable income for high gas prices. Therefore, fuel efficiency should also be a priority when considering a good starter vehicle for teenage drivers or first-time car owners. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly car like a Civic hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric vehicle like a Tesla, or a traditional gas-saving car with an internal combustion engine (ICE), your teen will appreciate going further between fuel-ups.

The Honda Civic is as gas-sipping as they come. When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Honda Civic generally is on par with or even has better gas mileage than most of the competition. According to Fueleconomy.gov, newer models of the Honda Civic easily surpass more than 30 MPG, with some models getting as much as 42 MPG on the highway. With this kind of gas mileage, your teen can expect to pay around $1,500 per year in fuel, depending on the model year, trim option, and engine configuration.

Reason #3: Honda’s Safety Features Prioritize Driver Safety

Teen driving safety is the number one priority for many parents, and with good reason. As parents, we see that even the most dependable and well-behaved teens still have a certain level of immaturity, whether they realize it or not. At this age, they still don’t have much experience behind the wheel, which puts them at a significant disadvantage on the road.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), teen drivers are four times as likely as older drivers to have an accident. Motor vehicle accidents are the third leading cause of death among teens, resulting in approximately eight teens between the ages of 16 and 19 dying daily. More than 1,300 teen drivers between 15-20 die every year in motor vehicle accidents, taking 900 passengers with them.

Along with competitors like the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 3, the Honda Civic consistently ranks highly in safety. The Honda Civic sedan and hatchback have won awards such as the IIHS 2023 Top Safety Pick and the 2024 Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars. The Honda Civic also has excellent crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), earning a five-star safety rating for the 2025 model year.

The Honda Civic offers advanced safety features to keep your teen driver safe, such as:

Honda Sensing Suite

The exclusive Honda Sensing package is designed to help your teen driver be a better driver, even when you’re not in the car to remind them. This unique system uses sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the road around them, giving your teen driver assistance capabilities.

Features included with Honda Sensing are:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System: Applies brake pressure when an accident is unavoidable
• Road Departure Mitigation System: Automatically adjusts steering if you forget to signal when shifting lanes
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Keeps the same speed with a set gap between you and the car in front.
• Lane Keeping Assist: Helps you stay in the center of the lane.
• Traffic Sign Recognition: Alerts drivers to traffic speed signs.

Standard and Optional Safety Technologies

In addition to Honda Sensing, the Honda Civic comes standard with additional safety features and has a few safety technology upgrade options.

• Blind Spot Information System (select models): If you turn on your turn signal and a vehicle is in the lane, it will beep until the lane is clear.
• Cross Traffic Monitor (select models): It will alert if a vehicle is approaching from the side while backing up.
• Auto High Beam Headlights (select models): If your vehicle is traveling over 25 mph, the headlights will adjust between high or low beams based on the surrounding conditions.
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera: Choose your preferred view to back up safely.

Reason #4: Honda Civic’s are Affordable

The Honda Civic is often an affordable option if you’re looking for a budget-friendly starter vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a brand new Honda Civic, a certified pre-owned vehicle, or even an older used Honda Civic, a Honda Civic can be an excellent investment as a starter vehicle. Its low price point makes it accessible for new drivers and their families, and its reliability and durability mean it is likely to hold its value over the years.

• 2025 Honda Civic Starting Price: $24,250
• 2015 Honda Civic Used Car Price: $9,616

Reason #5: Honda Civic Offers User-Friendly Technology

For most new drivers, the first thing they do when taking a car on a test drive is press all the buttons inside. User-friendly features matter and make the ride more enjoyable. Whether you buy a new or used vehicle, Honda offers a variety of user-friendly technology options.

Some options come standard and have been around for several model years, while some are optional upgrades to consider with your trim package choice, so it’s important to see what your particular model includes.

• Easy-to-Use Infotainment System: The intuitive touchscreen infotainment system often includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to connect with your smartphone for seamless navigation, music, or hands-free calling.
• Charging and Connectivity: Connect your device with Bluetooth connectivity options and charge it with wireless smartphone charging pads, USB ports, or USB-C ports.
• Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start: Some Honda Civic models have convenience options like keyless entry and push-button start.
• Climate Control: Dual climate control options allow drivers and passengers to select a temperature setting that is right for them.

Reason #6: Honda Civic Has Excellent Performance and Handling

The Honda Civic is remarkably easy to drive with its responsive performance and handling characteristics. The easy maneuverability in urban and highway settings helps build the confidence of new drivers. It is responsive and offers a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and road imperfections to improve everyone’s comfort.

In select models, you can even choose the best driving mode for your driving style, such as Eco, Normal, or Sports car modes. You can reserve your fuel or amp up your horsepower, giving the Civic the ability to tailor to your needs for various driving conditions.

Extended Warranties for Honda Civics: Enhancing Peace of Mind

When drivers are starting out with their first car, they often don’t have significant savings to pay for unexpected car repairs. If they buy a new Honda Civic or a certified pre-owned Civic, the manufacturer’s warranty protects drivers from most major car repair bills. However, the bumper-to-bumper factory warranty eventually expires, leaving drivers with the option to pay out-of-pocket for vehicle repairs or invest in an extended car warranty.

Extended warranties for used cars, also known as contratos de servicio de vehículos (VSCs) or auto protection plans, are available from third-party warranty providers. These independent companies, like Garantía Endurance, offer customizable and comprehensive plans that fit a wide range of budgets. Plus, they often come with bonus benefits that aren’t available from the automaker or car dealership.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits vehicle protection plans offer for new drivers:

Cobertura completa

Endurance Warranty covers all of your vehicle’s essential components. The best part is you get to decide which car parts need protection and which don’t. Whether you want a limited powertrain warranty covering the major parts that make your vehicle drive or comprehensive coverage similar to your original factory warranty,

Endurance Warranty has coverage plans that suit your lifestyle and needs. Mechanical breakdowns don’t have to mean costly repair bills. Endurance can protect nearly everything from the engine and the transmission to the high-tech advanced technology features, ensuring your Honda Civic stays on the road longer.

Financial Protection

Many new or teen drivers don’t have experience with routine maintenance and repair costs. Not only that, but many don’t have experience in performing their own vehicle maintenance. Often, new drivers overlook minor vehicle problems until they become major car repairs.

An extended car warranty for the Honda Civic can provide a financial safety net against high out-of-pocket repair expenses. An extended vehicle warranty can give new drivers peace of mind, knowing that their major repairs are covered in the event of a mechanical breakdown, ensuring their car gets the repairs it needs to last longer.

Budget Planning

It takes time for new drivers to learn how to manage their finances and expenses on their own. Having a new car is a huge financial responsibility. An expected monthly payment of an extended car warranty is often easier to budget for than unexpected repair bills with a great first car like a Civic.

Reliable Vehicle Repairs

When you experience your first vehicle breakdown or malfunction, knowing who to trust with the repairs can be difficult. An auto protection plan from Endurance Warranty ensures that your car will be repaired by an Mecánico certificado ASE, repair shop, or dealership so that your repairs are done efficiently and correctly with quality replacement parts.

With Endurance, you can choose any ASE Certified automotive technician you trust. If you don’t have one, Endurance customers have access to the vast network of trusted mechanics through the RepairPal Partner Network, so you can locate a reliable mechanic nearby.

Transferability and Resale Value

Honda Civics are so durable that you’re likely to be ready to upgrade to another vehicle long before your Civic wears out. Endurance Warranty plans are transferable to the next owner when you’re ready to sell your car. An existing warranty helps potential buyers feel confident that the vehicle was well cared for and that they’re protected in case something unexpected happens. A transferable extended car warranty can increase the car’s sellability and boost the overall resale value.

Beneficios adicionales

Every Endurance Warranty plan comes with a suite of additional benefits, ensuring that your new driver won’t be stranded on the side of the road. Benefits include Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, towing, and lockout services, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage, to name a few.

New drivers can add another layer of protection to their starter vehicle by activating a year’s worth of Beneficios de Endurance Élite, maximizing their savings. Add on protection for tire replacements or repairs, key fob replacements, collision discounts, and more to your umbrella of financial security.*

Protect Your New Driver and Investment with Endurance Warranty

The Honda Civic is one of the best first cars on the market. It’s a budget-friendly, safe, and reliable car, helping new drivers and Honda enthusiasts alike get to their destinations safely.

An extended car warranty for a Honda Civic is often an excellent investment to keep your vehicle running smoother and safer for new drivers. Before signing any vehicle service contract, though, new drivers need to review the terms and conditions, exclusions, deductibles, and fine print to ensure that they have the best extended car warranty for their lifestyle and budget.

Call an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 for your complimentary quote today. Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have and help you find the best option for your Honda Civic and your budget. Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the road to get protection — see your price now by shopping online!

Still looking around? The Endurance Warranty blog is an excellent resource for answering your frequently asked questions, definitions for common extended car warranty terminology, and informational automotive blogs like warranty plan comparisons, which vehicles to avoid, y how to identify necessary repairs.

Thanks to her racing background, Danica knows a lot about cars and the open road. She began her racing career at ten, competing in karting. By 16, she moved to England to hone her skills before returning to the U.S. Danica’s early IndyCar accomplishments include becoming the first female driver to lead the legendary Indianapolis 500 race in 2005 and ultimately finishing fourth at this 89th running of the Indy 500 and later earning her Rookie of the Year honors. In 2008, she became the first woman to win the Indy Japan 300.

Danica transferred her pretty intense motorsports experience to NASCAR in 2012. The next year, she again made history as the first woman NASCAR driver to win a pole position in the Daytona 500. Her racetrack exploits included driving the #10 “GoDaddy” Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Sprint Cup Series. Although 2018 marked her last year in competitive racing, Danica remains a fixture in motorsports and an inspiration to aspiring female racers.

Danica Patrick also shares her wealth of knowledge with everyday drivers. In this case, it’s how to deal with one of the most stressful situations any motorist can face: a car breakdown. Keep reading as Danica offers insights on how to stay safe, assess the situation, get help, and leverage extended warranty coverage to get back on the road quickly. Afterward, you’ll be ready to handle a breakdown like a pro!

How to Handle a Vehicle Breakdown

[Download breakdown guide: Imagen o PDF]

Step 1: Get Off the Road Safely

While staying safe is intuitive for most drivers, Danica remarks that the stress of a breakdown can be distracting, often overwhelming the usual common sense instincts. Safety always has to be the top priority.

Follow these three initial steps at the first sign of a breakdown:

Turn on Your Hazard Lights

As soon as you realize you’re having car trouble, turn on your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers to your situation and minimizes the chance of being struck by a vehicle that’s operating at a normal speed. Do this before you start pulling over, as it gives other drivers more time to react and move away from your vehicle.

Pull Over Safely

Remain calm and immediately look for a safe place to pull over. Ideally, this is on the right shoulder of the road, as far away from traffic as possible. If you’re on a busy roadway, it’s better to exit if you can do so safely, even if it means driving a bit further. In urban areas, try to find a parking lot or a side street with less traffic (just stay close to the main road for personal safety and easier visibility to roadside assistance).

Stay Inside the Vehicle

Once you’ve pulled over safely, it’s important to stay inside your car, especially on a busy road or highway. Your vehicle provides a safety barrier between you and other traffic. Avoid the temptation to exit the car on a high-traffic route to make repairs or inspect for damage; you’re too vulnerable to being hit by a car. If you absolutely must exit the vehicle, do so from the passenger side to avoid oncoming traffic and get as far away from the road surface as possible. Also, keep your seatbelt on while you wait for help. In the unlikely event that another vehicle strikes your stopped car, wearing your seatbelt can prevent serious injury.

Step 2: Check Your Vehicle’s Condition

After ensuring your immediate safety, the next step is to assess what might be wrong with your car. From inside your vehicle, you can perform a quick assessment and note issues for your upcoming trip to the mechanic:

 Step 3: Call for Assistance

Once you’ve ensured everything is safe and performed an initial assessment of the situation, it’s time to call for help. It’s also important to have resources lined up before an incident happens. She adds that trying to find a towing service at midnight or in the middle of bad weather can increase the stress significantly. Instead, purchase a contrato de servicio de vehiculo (VSC), also known as an extended warranty, or sign up for an auto club. VSC providers, like Endurance Warranty, offer standard benefits like roadside assistance that include towing and rental car reimbursement.

Pro Tip: Unless the remedy for the breakdown involves something minor, like a tire change, jump start, or empty gas tank, you should expect your car to be towed. More elaborate fixes are left to mechanics.

Locate a Repair Shop

Before contacting anyone for help, you’ll want to have an idea of where to take your car for repairs if that proves necessary. If you’re local, then the logical place is a trusted mechanic or a familiar dealership. Otherwise, you’ll want to start researching your options. Endurance Warranty customers can choose any licensed repair shop and take advantage of our partnership with RepairPal to locate a repair facility nearest to their location.

Request Roadside Assistance

If you have roadside assistance through an extended warranty, insurance company, or a separate auto service like AAA, now is the time to use it. Keep the contact information and policy/membership number stored in your phone and written down in the glove box as a backup. When you call, be prepared to provide your location, a vehicle description, and details about the problem. The Aplicación para teléfono inteligente Endurance includes a quick connect feature to request roadside assistance.

It’s also a good idea to review your owner’s manual for instructions for proper towing procedures. For instance, all-wheel-drive vehicles require a flatbed tow truck.

Contact a Tow Service

If you don’t have ready access to a roadside assistance service, you’ll need to call a towing company directly. Research reputable tow services and call to check the arrival time and cost for all services. Be sure to ask about all the fees you may be responsible for, including per-mile charges.

Get Emergency Help

In some situations, especially if you’re in a dangerous location or if there’s been an accident, don’t hesitate to call 911. Safety should always be your first concern.

Reach Out to Family or Friends

Call a trusted family member or friend to inform them about your situation. They can provide help or at least know your whereabouts if you’re delayed.

Step 4: Utilize Your Warranty Benefits

An extended warranty or vehicle service contract can make all the difference following a breakdown. But to truly maximize this protection, make sure you understand this coverage and use your auto protection plan — and its benefits — effectively.

Extended Warranty Benefits

Drivers who utilize Endurance for their vehicle protection have access to a wide range of benefits. Every Endurance contract comes with 24/7 roadside assistance that includes towing, lockout, and other services. Other standard perks include rental car reimbursement and trip interruption protection for qualified incidents. Customers can also choose to activate the Beneficios de élite package, which offers up to $2,000 in services like tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacement, and other valuable extras.*

Documenting the Incident

Expand on any notetaking by thoroughly documenting the breakdown. Write down any more details that come to mind, take more photos, and keep records of any services you receive, including towing.

Contact the Warranty Company

Once you’re in a safe location, contact your VSC or warranty provider directly. They can guide you through the next steps, including finding an approved repair shop if necessary and starting the claims process.

Examine Your Coverage

Every extended warranty or contrato de servicio de vehiculo has conditions and limitations. Understanding what’s covered is the key to a successful experience. While waiting for assistance to arrive, review the contract to learn how your car is protected. Endurance customers can access this information from the app.

Temporary Solutions While Waiting for Help

Even with prompt assistance, you may find yourself waiting for help to arrive. Here are a few quick tips for keeping safe and comfortable during this time.

• Stay Hydrated: Always keep water in your car. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially if you’re stranded in hot weather.
• Maintain an Emergency Kit: A well-stocked emergency kit can make a big difference in your comfort and safety during a breakdown. Crucial items include a flashlight, jumper cables, emergency flashers/flares, gloves, first aid supplies, a phone charger/battery pack, and a fire extinguisher. A rain poncho, emergency blanket, and rags or towels can also be useful.
• Stay Visible: If you’re broken down at night, turn on the interior lights to make your car more visible to passing traffic and potential help.
• Conserve Fuel: If the engine is operable, only keep it running for 10 to 15 minutes per hour if you need to stay warm or charge a phone. Ensure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow or debris to prevent a carbon monoxide buildup.
• Stay Informed: Either through the car radio or your phone, stay updated on any weather or traffic conditions that might impact arriving help.

Step 5: Preventive Measures to Avoid Future Breakdowns

The best way to handle a breakdown is to take steps to minimize the chances of car trouble in the first place. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Regular Maintenance: Regular vehicle maintenance, like cambios de aceite y rotaciones de neumáticos, can catch potential issues before they turn into roadside emergencies.
• Know Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with common issues and warning signs in your vehicle. Read the owner’s manual, pay attention to recall notices, and don’t ignore unusual noises or changes in its performance.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Before any long trip, perform a quick inspection of your vehicle. Check the tire pressure, fluid levels, battery strength, and lights. Start the car and listen for any unusual noises.
• Keep Your Tank Full: Never let the gas tank get too low, especially on long trips. Not only does this prevent you from running out of gas, but it also gives you more options if you need to drive further to find a safe place to pull over.

Choose Endurance for Safety on the Road

Car breakdowns can’t always be prevented, but as Danica Patrick knows, being prepared can significantly reduce the stress and hassle when they occur. Being prepared for car trouble also means having the protection of a vehicle service contract from Endurance.

Learn how Endurance provides peace of mind for daily driving, long trips, and every on-the-road journey. Request a FREE quote or call (800) 253-8203 for personalized service from an Endurance advisor. Explore our tienda en línea for instant pricing and coverage information.

You can also visit the Blog Endurance for helpful articles about maintenance tips, DIY advice, car reviews, warranty details, and other insightful topics.

De acuerdo a Statista, there are almost 240,000 auto repair and maintenance businesses in the U.S. — and that’s a lot to choose from. Nonetheless, finding a company that will meet your car repair needs is possible with the proper strategy and approach. Keep reading as we explore what to look for.

#1. Certified Technicians: Expertise You Can Trust

Locating a good auto mechanic starts with finding someone who knows their stuff. While some shops can tout years of experience or expert status, verification of these claims comes from ASE certification. It’s a voluntary program that tests and certifies the competence of automotive technicians in the U.S. Administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, it covers several specialties, like engine repair, brakes, and electrical systems.

To become certified, technicians must have relevant work experience and pass tests in each specific field. ASE certifications are valid for five years, after which technicians must recertify to maintain their credentials.

ASE certification is a mark of pride for automotive repair professionals. You’re likely to find the blue ASE symbol on uniforms and wall plaques. Look for these indicators, and ask about ASE certifications at any shop you’re considering. Importantly, individuals, not businesses, are ASE Certified.

#2. Excellent Customer Service: Putting Clients First

A repair shop can “talk the talk” about customer service, but their customer service skills are the true measure of a good business. These efforts start with the initial greeting, in person or on the phone. Is the staff person friendly, or are they acting like they’re doing you a favor just by acknowledging you?

Equally vital is a respectful attitude. A great mechanic doesn’t need to behave like a humble servant, but they should at least interact in a way that makes you feel appreciated. Conversations should also be friendly and convey a feeling that the shop is interested in your needs.

After a few initial interactions, ask yourself if these conversations make you want to return and continue doing business with this company. If not, it’s time to continue searching for a good auto repair shop.

#3 Transparency: Honest and Clear Communication

Upfront communication is directly related to top-notch customer service. You should be fully informed about the repairs and the work’s cost. A reputable shop will provide an estimate before repairs begin or request your authorization to begin diagnostics to determine the problem. Many states have regulations covering car repairs. Identify these details in advance to be sure a shop is being compliant.

You’ll also want to determine the shop’s policy if repairs exceed the estimate. Some may automatically proceed with the work if it’s within a certain threshold, while others will call for approval for any amount of the estimate. State law may cover the protocol.

Above all, proposed repairs should be explained clearly and concisely. If the details are confusing or too technical, any questions should be answered in layperson’s terms. Further, estimates should be provided in writing (an email or text is okay) to avoid misunderstandings. Be sure to get a detailed receipt once the work is complete.

Timeliness is another essential element of customer communication. If a shop promises to call with an estimate or repair status by the end of the day, be sure they live up to this commitment. If you’re constantly having to call to follow up, you’ll want to look for alternatives.

#4 Fair Pricing: Competitive and Honest Rates

A good auto body shop is reasonably priced, but this doesn’t mean being the cheapest. Businesses that focus solely on the lowest price often skimp elsewhere to compensate. In the case of an auto service center, this could mean hiring less-experienced service technicians, not using the latest diagnostic equipment, or having run-down facilities.

While Yelp reports hourly car repair rates range from $47 to $215 per hour, what you pay depends significantly on where you get your car serviced. Specialty centers and dealer service departments will be on the high end, while small shops with low overhead will be at the starting point of this range.

The typical neighborhood repair garage with a steady customer flow and several bays will be somewhere in the middle. These rates may seem high, but remember, mechanics need to be paid, replacement parts can be costly, and the shop has overhead (like rent, utilities, and insurance).

Once you know a shop’s hourly rate (most states require this information to be posted), it’s important to determine if there are any other charges. Costs like an “environmental fee” or “shop supplies” are standard these days. There isn’t anything wrong with these charges as long as they are disclosed in the estimate. A shop that discloses any costs in addition to the actual repair work helps build trust.

#5: Positive Reviews and Reputation: Word of Mouth Matters

Finding a good auto mechanic often involves seeking other people’s feedback on their experiences. Online sources like Google Reviews and Yelp are good starting points. Depending on where you live, you might find Reddit a good site for more detailed discussions.

However, don’t limit your research to online reviews. Talk with friends, neighbors, and relatives and ask their input about where they get their car serviced. Pay particular attention to someone who has an older car that’s more likely to need attention. Above all, look for car owners who’ve been going to the same repair shop for years. Nothing says endorsement like repeat business.

#6 Advanced Diagnostic Equipment: Keeping Up with Technology

Today’s cars are rolling computers, requiring sophisticated technology to diagnose repairs and perform ongoing maintenance. These advanced systems help automotive mechanics get to the root of any problem more quickly.

This means a significant investment in the latest equipment and ongoing subscriptions to technical databases. Shops unwilling to make this financial commitment put their customers at a disadvantage because repairs may not be performed correctly or require more time. All these factors add to larger repair bills, now or in the future.

Most car owners are unaware of what diagnostic systems a mechanic should have, but this doesn’t prevent anyone from asking questions. Inquire about what equipment is used for a specific repair and how often that device gets updated.

#7: Comprehensive Services: One-Stop Shop for All Needs

Ideally, you want one mechanic or shop to handle your car’s servicing needs. The more familiar a shop is with your vehicle, the more accurately the staff can make recommendations for future work and be alert for known trouble areas. Quick oil-change places are convenient, but they’re unlikely to be able to spot the signs of a potential problem. Instead, a mecanico profesional will take a holistic approach to servicing your car, taking all systems and components into account.

That said, there are a couple of exceptions to a one-stop-shop approach. Many shops don’t handle transmission repairs. Or, if they do, the work may be sent to a specialist for completion. There’s nothing wrong with this arrangement as long as the original shop stands behind the work (see #8 below). Transmission servicing is highly complex, and some mechanics prefer to focus on many repair specialties.

In addition, the rise of electric vehicles creates a problem for most independent shops because of the newness of this technology. EV repair training and supporting diagnostic equipment haven’t reached many non-dealer repair centers. If a problem involves the high-voltage battery or the powertrain, you’ll likely have to go to an authorized dealer for repairs.

#8: Warranty on Repairs: Confidence in Workmanship

Every car owner wants to be able to drive away from the repair shop with the confidence that the problem has been resolved. Professional mechanics provide this peace of mind by offering a warranty covering workmanship and replacement parts. Terms may vary, but 12 months or 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) is typical. More expensive repairs may include longer coverage.

Your search for a good auto mechanic should include examining the warranty protection included with each repair. If the work is performed at a regional or national repair shop, ask if the coverage is valid at any location. Also, review all the warranty terms to check for conditions that might void the protection.

#9: Clean and Organized Facility: Professionalism and Care

How any business presents itself to the public reflects its professionalism. Diners want restaurants that are hygienic, and patients want doctors who are neat and tidy. A good auto repair shop has similar expectations to meet. While the customer waiting room and bathrooms don’t have to be sterile environments, general cleanliness means the company cares about the details. These finer points often translate to mechanics who care about the quality of their work and attention to detail.

In contrast, a service center that hasn’t seen a broom in a while or has piles of loose paperwork could signal a company in disarray. This is an undesirable trait for businesses that often need to provide highly technical and detailed services.

RepairPal Partner Network: Quality You Can Trust

El RepairPal Partner Network offers a reliable solution for those seeking a reliable car mechanic. This network features carefully vetted repair shops that meet RepairPal’s rigorous standards for quality, expertise, and customer service. By choosing a RepairPal-certified shop, customers can have confidence in receiving top-notch repairs from skilled technicians using the latest diagnostic equipment.

At the same time, these shops are committed to transparent pricing and honest communication, providing detailed estimates and clear explanations of necessary repairs. To ensure these high standards, RepairPal-certified shops undergo regular evaluations.

Extended Warranties: Protecting Your Investment

Finding a good auto mechanic is only one part of keeping your car on the road; paying for repairs is another. For many vehicle owners, an extended car warranty (also known as a vehicle service contract) is the answer. This coverage protects against breakdowns and surprise repair bills.

Endurance offers numerous auto protection plans for all types of drivers and vehicles. Those looking to protect key systems can choose a powertrain plan that protects the engine, transmission, and drive axle — often the most expensive components to repair. Supreme coverage is similar to a new car garantía de parachoques a parachoques and safeguards most parts except for a few exclusions. There are also in-between options that balance protection and budget.

Every plan from Endurance Warranty includes Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana with towing, lockout, and other protections. Trip interruption protection and rental car reimbursement are also standard, providing crucial support during a breakdown.

There’s also no worry about where to go for covered repairs. Plan holders can choose any Mecánico certificado ASE or licensed repair facility. In addition, Endurance has teamed with RepairPal Partner Network to provide convenient access to thousands of certified repair shops nationwide.

All Endurance customers are eligible for one year of Beneficios de élite. Just pay a small enrollment fee for access to services worth up to $2,000 that include tire repairs and replacements, key fob replacement, total loss protection, and collision repair discounts.

Find out what makes Garantía Endurance indispensable. Get a FREE quote, o visita nuestro tienda en línea for instant plan and pricing details. An Endurance plan advisor can answer your questions and review all the coverage options. Call (800) 253-8203 for personalized help today!

El Blog Endurance features hundreds of essential articles for car owners who want to learn more about DIY maintenance tips, repair advice, vehicle reviews, and more.

Certain sub-factors related to mileage and age, though, can help you determine whether they will negatively impact the used vehicle you are considering. Learn everything you need to know about these factors so that you can make an educated purchase decision.

Understanding Mileage: The Wear and Tear Factor

Between the two factors, age or mileage, the latter is truly a better indicator of the car’s condition. Mileage is just a direct indicator of the distance a car has been driven during its lifespan, but its importance can vary. For example, 100,000 miles on a car that is only three years old is one that was driven far harder than a vehicle with the same mileage at ten years old.

In regards to general wear and tear, though, it’s true that low mileage typically means that a vehicle has had fewer problems and will have fewer problems on an ongoing basis. Increased miles driven directly impact the quality of a vehicle’s major components, such as the transmisión, engine, suspension, and more. However, a high mileage also means that assuming the prior owner was doing their job, the vehicle has been through many maintenance sessions with mechanics, which helps to increase its longevity.

The Role of Age: Time’s Impact on Vehicles

Many people are under the common misconception that if they simply store a vehicle in their garage for a long amount of time, then they can take it out again one day without missing a beat. Unfortunately, just because a car hasn’t been driven doesn’t mean that its parts won’t have degraded. Age impacts everything, and cars are no exception. Parts that contain material such as rubber, which includes crucial components such as hoses, will naturally begin to deteriorate over many years if not replaced.

For drivers who only take their vehicle out occasionally, car washes may have seemed pointless. However, accumulated dust, dirt, and debris can begin to rust underneath your vehicle, which can lead to the degradation of parts such as the oil tank, gaskets, or other metal parts. On top of everything else, an older car may have had historical problems that went unaddressed as they didn’t significantly impact the driving experience of the vehicle. On older cars, this can lead to more serious problems developing that aren’t worth fixing due to the book value of the vehicle.

Comparing Mileage and Age When Car Buying

To truly evaluate whether an older vehicle is worth the money you are considering investing in the purchase, you need to balance both the mileage and age with other considerations. After all, an older vehicle does not automatically mean a vehicle that has a low resale value. First and foremost, consider the vehicle’s average reliability score to gain an indication of how long you may reasonably expect that vehicle to last. If it’s knocking on the door of its final year on average, then it may be best not to invest your money into purchasing it.

Further, an older and high-mileage car should ideally have a robust maintenance history and correct odometer that shows the owner took care of it during its years. This maintenance history should also be used to look at the average cost of repairs and what specific repairs were handled. For example, a vehicle with thousands of dollars worth of maintenance taken care of over 15 years may actually bode better than a vehicle the same age with nearly no maintenance conducted.

In the same vein, you should also check to see if any major parts, such as the engine, transmission, radiator, and others, have already been replaced. Those are naturally more expensive repairs, and if the prior owner already handled these, then you may be getting a “newer vehicle” disguised as an older vehicle.

Evaluating Vehicle History: Beyond Mileage and Age

Sticking to the same topic as above, you should request a maintenance report for every vehicle you attempt to purchase from a private party, even if it’s a newer car. This report will outline all major repair and maintenance tasks taken care of on the vehicle, their frequency, and any history of accidents. This can be used to speak with the current owner of the vehicle to gain a feel for the true condition of the vehicle. If the owner of a vehicle doesn’t want to provide this information, it should be considered to be a red flag.

Situational Considerations: Matching Needs to Vehicle Condition

Weighing whether mileage or age matters more in your purchase is truly a case-by-case decision. After all, someone who is seeking long-term usage out of a vehicle may prioritize a low-mileage car with safety features. On the other hand, someone who is seeking reliability on a budget may opt for a new car that is also a high mileage vehicle simply due to the fact that newer cars may last longer.

To determine whether you should prioritize fewer miles or a lower vehicle age, consider your budget and what you are hoping to get out of the car. If you want to look back in a decade and have a 10-year-old car, purchasing a vehicle that is already seven years old with average mileage may not be a smart choice. Don’t forget to look at car brands as well. Companies such as honda, toyota, Vado, y lexus are all known for making reliable vehicles with less wear over time. Consider the type of driving you will be doing, such as city driving vs. off-roading, as this will also have a direct impact on your vehicle’s condition.

Extended Warranties: Protecting Your Used Car Investment

Whether you are looking to buy a used car or a newer model, investing in an extended car warranty contract can help. Extended warranties, also known as vehicle service contracts, offer financial protection in the form of reimbursements for covered repairs stemming from manufacturer defects or breakdowns. An extended warranty will not cover repairs stemming from a car accident, as it’s not insurance, but it can be used if your transmission breaks down so long as that part is covered by your contract.

A vehicle service contract from providers like Endurance Warranty can save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from having frustrating headaches in the future. This benefit becomes all the more prominent when considering a pre-owned vehicle that may be more likely to have issues in the coming years.

Remember that a car’s age doesn’t always have a direct correlation with its likelihood of a breakdown, but that doesn’t mean that investing in protection is a bad idea. Lower mileage and higher mileage vehicles are still both just machines, and breakdowns can happen naturally, but having an extended warranty on your vehicle can stop a hole from burning in your wallet.

Safeguard Your New Purchase with Endurance

As indicated above, a car with a high mileage or high age is not necessarily a car that will need to be retired in just a couple of years. You can save money while still getting a reliable vehicle with a used car, though you must be certain that the sub-factors of its existing mileage and age are up to scratch. Beyond this, an old car is still an old car at the end of the day, which means it may have mechanical issues. This is why investing in an extended warranty, as outlined earlier, is so crucial.

At Garantía Endurance, we offer a myriad of planes de protección de automóviles. Those seeking basic, high-level stated protection for their older vehicle could enjoy the Secure Plus plan, which offers specific protection for only the most crucial components. Alternatively, those who have purchased a vehicle that the previous owner took good care of and one that likely has a long life span yet could consider the Supreme plan, which offers near bumper-to-bumper coverage.

Endurance’s wide range of contract options means you can truly design a plan tailored to your specific vehicle, lifestyle, and budget. Additionally, each Endurance plan comes with standard benefits like Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, rental car coverage, and trip interruption reimbursement. You can also choose to activate our Paquete de beneficios Élite, which includes bonus perks such as key fob replacement, reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, and so much more.

To learn more about how Endurance can protect your older vehicle, contact our knowledgeable plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 o Solicite una cotización GRATIS. Tú también puedes shop on our eStore to see your specific plan recommendations and pricing right now!

Read on to learn everything you need to know in order to complete the sale of your vehicle despite the outstanding loan.

Understanding Your Loan Payoff Amount

The first step in trying to sell your vehicle while there is still an outstanding car loan is developing an understanding of your payoff amount. First, you need to look at whether you have negative or positive equity in your vehicle. Negative equity is when you owe more on the loan than your vehicle is actually worth, whereas positive equity is when you owe less than the value of the car. Having positive equity tends to mean that you have a lower loan payoff amount, as you won’t need to pay the difference to the bank when you are upside down on your loan.

Once you understand where you stand with your equity, reach out to your lender to get an official value from them on what the loan payoff amount may look like. By doing your preliminary research, you can be sure that your lender is setting the payoff amount accurately based on the loan balance, and you can also be sure that you can afford the value.

Communicating with Your Lender

Even if you are certain you can afford the payoff amount for your loan, you can’t just initiate the sales process of your vehicle. It’s important to contact your lender as soon as possible to inform them of your intention to sell. Every lender will have different steps for paying off the loan, whether it’s a standard auto loan, personal loan, or a different type. Additionally, selling the vehicle to someone else will require transferring the car title over to them, which involves many steps as well. On top of all of this, there will almost certainly be fees of some sort involved with the transaction and, potentially, penalties for early repayment of your loan.

Be aware that lenders may try to convince you not to sell your vehicle by emphasizing the downsides of the process. This is simply because going through the event causes difficulties for the dealership, so they may take this stance out of convenience. Don’t be afraid to push back and stand up for your viewpoint of wanting to sell the vehicle, especially if it is allowed by your lender.

Options for Selling: Private Sale vs. Dealership Trade-In

Compare the two main options for selling a financed car: private sales and dealership trade-ins. Highlight the pros and cons of each method, including potential differences in financial outcomes and convenience.

Once you have contacted your lender and informed them of your intention to sell the vehicle, as well as gathered all necessary information, it’s time to actually start the process. There are two general paths when it comes to selling a vehicle: private sales and dealership trade-ins. Private sales occur when you sell your vehicle to a third party, whether that be to a person or a private party. Dealership trade-ins, on the other hand, occur when you sell your vehicle back to the dealership directly for cash or credit.

One benefit of choosing to sell your vehicle back to a dealership is that you can oftentimes put in your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the website and receive an instant cash offer. The dealership will also often handle the paperwork for the transaction on your behalf, which makes the entire sales process quicker and easier. They also work directly with lenders most of the time in order to pay off the value of the loan if you have positive equity.

On the other hand, there are certain benefits to private sales. You typically have more negotiation power during a private car sale, which means you can potentially get above market value. However, you and the private party will be responsible for handling all of the paperwork and legal documents involved in the sale. It’s usually worth considering reaching out to your lender to ask them to oversee the transaction to ensure everything that occurs abides by the terms of the payoff of your existing loan.

5 Steps for a Private Sale

Regardless of whether you choose to sell your vehicle privately or via a dealership, understanding the steps involved is important. Starting with private sales, take advantage of the following roadmap:

1. Start by researching the market value of your vehicle based on its age, mileage, any damage it’s suffered, and other factors
2. Take that fair sale price and begin to advertise your vehicle by putting up fliers, posting online, utilizing social media, and simply marketing through word of mouth.
3. Once potential buyers begin to reach out to you about your vehicle, be upfront about the loan situation and have all applicable details ready to be explained.
4. Assuming the prospective buyer you choose is on board with the process, find a safe meeting place to handle the transaction, ideally in a public area during the day.
5. Once you meet the buyer and begin the process, contact the lender again to ensure the payoff is complete and that they have everything they need to handle the title transfer.

Remember that when you are working with a private party, you will need to handle all the due diligence for the transaction. This means you should run their credit score to check for good credit, inspect finances, and ensure that everything is buttoned up with the transaction.

4 Steps for a Dealership Trade-In

For those looking into how to sell a car with a loan to a dealership via trade-in, the steps will look a little different. Follow the below in order to complete the sale:

1. While it’s worth putting your car’s VIN number into the dealership website to see about an instant cash offer, it’s also worth getting a formal trade-in appraisal conducted to see about the value of your vehicle.
2. Once you have received the trade-in value for your vehicle, it’s perfectly normal to negotiate to try to get to a price point you are comfortable with
3. Speak with the dealership about how the loan payoff will be handled, including any applicable prepayment penalties.
4. Help the dealership finalize any paperwork for the trade-in and purchase so that the process can be completed.

Try to remember that when you’re working with a dealership, you will have less negotiation power than when working with private parties. This means that you may actually need to visit more than one dealership in order to find the best offer for your vehicle. Unfortunately, this can be a point of issue for certain sellers as it can draw the sales process out, but the benefits of using a dealership often outweigh private selling for others.

Ensuring a Smooth Transaction

While the process for selling your vehicle with an outstanding loan to either private parties or a dealership is relatively simple, there are actions you can take to expedite the process and ensure a smooth transaction. Have as much information as possible ready to go, including the appraised trade-in value, documentation for the vehicle you’re trying to sell, anything in writing from the lender about the sales process, and other information.

During the buying process, be as transparent as possible with the prospective buyers and include all relevant information for your vehicle. It’s also worth getting any proof that shows accidents the vehicle has been involved in or maintenance records that show the vehicle has been taken care of properly. At the end of the sales process, don’t forget to reach out to the lender to ensure that they received the total requested payoff amount for the vehicle, as the last thing you need is for the process to get stalled due to this.

Extended Warranties: Enhancing the Sale Value

One easy way to quickly increase the value of your vehicle to make it more attractive to buyers is to consider investing in an extended warranty contract. For those unfamiliar with it, an extended warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) offers financial protection for mechanical issues with your vehicle by reimbursing you for covered repairs. While this may sound similar to car insurance, it is distinct in the sense that extended warranties cannot be used for repairs stemming from car accidents, natural disasters, or other similar events covered by insurance.

Certain extended warranty contracts even offer reimbursements for preventative maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations or alignments, and much more. To add perspective to the benefits of extended warranty contracts, Endurance Warranty is a provider with many vehicle service contracts from which to choose. Our most comprehensive package, Endurance Supreme, offers near bumper-to-bumper coverage for everything from the engine to smaller parts such as gaskets and hoses.

While the upfront cost of an extended warranty can certainly cause a person to balk, the long-term benefits are unrivaled. This contract can be used as a negotiation point for pricing when looking at the value of your car, even if sites like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or Edmunds value your vehicle lower. Before taking this step of adding an extended warranty to your vehicle, be certain that the extended warranty you choose is transferable to a new vehicle to help your valuation. The last thing you need as a borrower with monthly payments on your vehicle is to discover that you can’t actually complete the transaction.

Protect Your Vehicle With an Extended Warranty

Regardless of whether or not you’re planning on selling your vehicle, having an extended warranty contract tied to it offers many benefits. A vehicle service contract through Endurance can provide you with unrivaled benefits and protection for key parts under the hood, including your engine, transmission, radiator, air conditioning system, and much more. With a myriad of contracts to choose from, prospective extended warranty customers can truly design a package that suits their unique needs.

In addition, all Endurance customers can activate extra Beneficios de élite, which provides perks such as reimbursements for up to four tires due to road hazards, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, roadside assistance, and so much more.* To learn more about how Endurance can help protect your vehicle, call our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS. Alternatively, feel free to shop online to see your price right away.

Visit the Endurance blog for preguntas frecuentes, used car buying guides, and more from our auto experts.

Without high-quality brakes, your vehicle won’t be safe for you or other drivers on the road. Staying on top of brake maintenance, especially brake fluid flushes, will ensure that your car can stop on a dime whenever it needs to.

Modern automobile brakes work using a hydraulic fluid system that runs throughout the car and allows you to create a lot of pressure on the brake rotors without having to apply much to the brake pedal. This hydraulic system uses fluid in brake lines, and if that fluid is old or there is air in the system, your brakes will not work as they are supposed to.

Understanding why brake fluid changes and maintenance are crucial for your car’s safety will help you make them a priority the next time you take your vehicle into the shop.

The Risks of Neglecting Brake Fluid Changes

Like the other fluids in your car, brake fluid needs to be changed regularly. Neglecting brake fluid replacements can lead to serious issues and make your vehicle unsafe on the road. One of the biggest reasons for this is that moisture and air will make their way into the brake lines over time. When this happens, the fluid will not be able to apply as much pressure to the brake pads, and your car’s stopping distance will be significantly affected.

Old brake fluid will also start to separate and corrode the brake lines and hoses as time goes on. This can lead to serious problems, including corrosion on the brake components and leaks that can cause a complete brake failure. In high-demand situations, such as high-speed braking or mountain driving, a brake failure is the last thing you want to encounter, so brake fluid changes should always be a part of your automotive maintenance checklist.

Signs Your Brake Fluid Needs Changing

If you aren’t sure when the last time you changed your brake fluid was, there are things to keep an eye out for that can help you know when it is time. One of the most common signs that you need a brake fluid change is a spongy brake pedal. As brake fluid breaks down and water and air get into the system, the brakes will not feel as tight or responsive as they usually do. Pressing on the pedal may not give you the stopping power that you are used to, which can be incredibly dangerous, especially in situations when you need to stop as soon as possible.

In some cars, there is a warning system in place that will tell you when your brakes are not working like they should. This is usually called the Brake System Warning Light, and it will look like a circle with an exclamation point in the center and round brackets on the side. Some vehicles may also have an ABS warning light that will come up, which means there is an issue with the brakes. If you want to check your fluid regularly, you can also locate the brake fluid reservoir in the engine compartment. Brake fluid should have a yellowish tint, and if you notice that the fluid in the reservoir is dark or looks more like motor oil, it is time to change it.

The Importance of Regular Brake Fluid Changes

The frequency with which you should be changing your brake fluid will depend heavily on factors like the type of car you have and the kind of driving you do. See your owner’s manual, or, as a general rule, you should change the brake fluid in your car at least every two years. If you drive more often than the average person, though, a fluid change once every 30,000 miles is going to ensure that you don’t run into issues with your car’s braking system down the line.

Keeping up with your brake fluid changes is the best way to ensure that your vehicle will be safe no matter what. By getting fluid changes at regular intervals, you can avoid issues like poor brake performance, deteriorated brake components, and large repairs in the brakes’ hydraulic system. While brake maintenance may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about automotive upkeep, it is one of the most important things you can do for your safety and the performance of your car.

Extended Warranties and Routine Maintenance

In addition to vehicle maintenance, a protection plan will help you make sure your vehicle stays in good condition for as long as possible. When you buy a new car, it will most likely come with a Garantía de Fábrica that is provided by the manufacturer to protect you from things like defects and problems when the vehicle is assembled at the factory. Most of the time, the bumper-to-bumper coverage that comes with your car will be good for anywhere between three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles. Once this warranty is up, though, you will be solely responsible for any repairs that need to be made to the car.

If you want to continue covering your vehicle and protecting yourself against costly repairs, an garantía extendida is your best bet. An extended warranty, which is more accurately called a contrato de servicio de vehiculo (VSC), can be purchased from a third-party provider and will help you pay for repairs when they come up. VSC providers offer all kinds of coverage options, and you can find one that suits your needs best and gives you the highest level of protection.

One of the stipulations of having a VSC in place, though, is that you will have to be vigilant about staying on top of vehicle maintenance. If an issue arises due to neglect on your part, it may not be covered by your protection plan. Because of this, you must keep up with maintenance procedures like oil changes, transmission fluid flushes, and, of course, brake fluid changes. This way, if a problem with your brakes comes up, you can be sure that your extended warranty will cover it, and it will not be voided by a lack of maintenance.

FAQs: Brake Fluid Changes and Vehicle Safety

What Does it Mean When Your Brake System Warning Light Is On?

If your Brake System Warning Light is on, it could be an indication that your brakes are not operating as they should. In some cases, this can mean that the time has come to do a brake fluid change. It can also mean that there is a malfunction somewhere in the brake system, so it is important that you get your vehicle to a shop as soon as possible when this light turns on.

What Is a Brake Fluid Change?

When you get a brake fluid change for your car, all of the old fluid will be flushed out of the system. Then, new fluid will be put in, and the brake lines will be bled to ensure that no bubbles of air are trapped in them. This will ensure that your brakes will be as responsive as possible and that there will be no squishy feeling in the brake pedal.

How Much is a Brake Fluid Change?

El cost of a brake fluid change will depend on the shop you go to and the type of vehicle you have. For the most part, you can expect a brake fluid change to cost somewhere between $80 and $200. While this may seem expensive, it will be well worth it in the long run if it means your car will be safe and your brake components will stay in good shape.

Is a Brake Fluid Change Necessary?

A brake fluid change every two years is necessary. Neglecting to change your brake fluid can have disastrous results, whether this means that your brakes will require expensive repairs or they will make your car unsafe. Keeping up on brake and car maintenance is the best thing you can do if you want to ensure that you and your passengers are protected on the road.

Protect Your Brakes and Yourself With Endurance

Swapping out for fresh brake fluid on a regular basis is important for your safety and the condition of your vehicle. Plus, if you have an extended warranty or vehicle service contract, it will help you keep your coverage active and prevent problems the next time you go to file a claim.

If you want an auto protection plan to give you the extra coverage you need and help you pay for auto repairs outside of your regular maintenance program, Endurance Warranty is here for you. With a wide range of auto protection plans and customizable options, you can get coverage for everything from older high-mileage vehicles all the way up to high-end luxury cars. Endurance also covers vehicles that other VSC providers won’t, such as vehicles used for commercial purposes, vehicles with a salvage title, o Canadian Gray Market cars.

Endurance plans run the gamut from basic powertrain coverage to bumper-to-bumper protection, so you can get the customized plan that will work best for your car and your needs. Plus, every plan comes with a large collection of standard benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection so you can feel safe no matter where you are. Endurance customers can also get access to Beneficios de élite for a small activation fee. These perks include tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.

If you need coverage for your vehicle, contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 o Solicite una cotización GRATIS. You can also get an instant price preview on our online store so you know what to expect with your protection plan.

El Blog Endurance also offers a range of resources, such as preguntas frecuentes, warranty provider comparisons, seguro averia mecanica guías para conductores de California, consejos y trucos de mantenimiento de bricolaje y más.

In the simplest terms, your alternator is an electrical generator mounted on your car’s engine to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. While your vehicle is running, the alternator powers the car’s electrical systems and keeps the battery charged.

If you’re experiencing alternator problems, you may find that your car struggles to start or only stays on for just a short period. But before it gets to this point, there are some key signs that your alternator might be failing.

Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including the top things to watch out for and why an garantía extendida (more accurately called an auto protection plan or vehicle service contract) is the best way to protect yourself from the cost of unexpected component failure.

Top Warning Signs of a Failing Car Alternator

An alternator is considered a “wear and tear” component of your vehicle, which means it’ll need to be replaced with use. More specifically, it’s the rotor and brushes within that can wear down as you drive or as they’re exposed to the elements. This isn’t to say that alternators can’t last a long time — they absolutely can — but if your vehicle is a little older, chances are you’ll need to replace your alternator in the near future.

When an alternator is beginning to reach the end of its lifecycle, you may experience some issues that signal it’s on the brink of failure. Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms of a bad alternator so you can get to a mechanic before things break down completely:

1. Dimming or Flickering Lights

Your alternator is the power supply for your vehicle’s electrical systems and battery, so when it starts to become less efficient, it makes sense that it’d affect the things it powers. One thing you might notice early on is erratic light behavior, such as extremely bright or dimming headlights and dashboard or battery lights, or your speedometer/tachometer may completely stop working. Lights may also flicker, going from bright to dull to bright again. This flickering could be rhythmic or seemingly random.

If you want to pinpoint whether this is definitely something to do with your alternator, a bad battery, or just another electrical issue, make sure to look for a pattern. Do the lights flicker when you do something else that draws electricity, like turning on the radio or adjusting the A/C? If the answer is yes, you can be almost certain your alternator is the problem.

2. Dead Battery

Batteries in gas-powered cars aren’t designed to power the vehicle themselves. They’re just supposed to deliver the juice needed to help the starter motor kick the rest of the engine into motion. So, if your alternator is struggling, your battery’s health will be affected.

Of course, a dead battery may just be a problem with the battery itself, but there’s a real possibility that your alternator is the root cause. When an alternator begins to fail, the car’s battery is forced to make up for it, but the charge it uses to get your vehicle running isn’t sufficiently replaced. This will run down completely eventually, resulting in a dead battery and a car that no longer comes to life no matter how many times you turn the key.

3. Electrical Malfunctions

An alternator that doesn’t efficiently produce power will affect other electrical systems in your vehicle, too. Especially in modern cars that are packed full of cutting-edge technology, as energy becomes less available, malfunctions are bound to happen. Noticing one electrical quirk could just be an isolated issue, like a worn-out motor or corroded wires. But if you experience several electrical problems at once, something bigger is almost certainly at play.

Your alternator is one of the most likely sources of electrical issues, and you may not even realize you’re experiencing lower power levels until you put more demand on your car’s systems — like turning on an interior light or using your power windows.

4. Unusual Noises

While other signs of a failing alternator might be less obvious until they become severe, strange noises coming from under your hood are a little harder to miss. Some drivers will complain of a growling/whining noise when they switch on their engine, which can be a clue that your alternator is struggling.

Alternators are driven by an accessory belt or serpentine belt that works together with a crankshaft pulley. The pulley spins on a shaft supported by bearings or bushings. If anything causes the pulley to no longer be in alignment with the belt correctly, if it is canted on the shaft, or if the bearings or bushings are worn out, some sort of noise will let you know.

5. Warning Indicator Light

Every driver hates the sight of a dreaded dashboard light, but they’re great for helping you tackle a problem before it gets out of hand. Most cars built in the last decade will have a warning light dedicated to alternator issues, usually shaped like a battery, or sometimes they might say “ALT” (alternator) or “GEN” (generator) instead.

That’s right. The little battery warning light isn’t for the battery itself but the alternator attached to it. Most alternators have an output of 13 and 14.5 volts that try to maintain a constant level. Computer systems in your car will monitor your alternator’s output, and if it drops below a preset limit, the light will trigger.

6. Stalling or Difficulty Starting

Any number of mechanical issues can cause stalling or hard starts, but your alternator may be the culprit, too. If a faulty alternator isn’t recharging a car battery properly, the battery won’t have enough power to start your engine as it should. Trouble starting or stalling after the car has started up could be a sign that the spark plugs aren’t getting enough energy from the alternator to keep the engine running.

7. Burning Smell

An overworked alternator may begin to smell like an electrical fire or even burning rubber. As wires and belts start to overheat, your nose will probably pick it up. These smells are distinctly different from the smoky smell of burning oil, for example, or the sweeter scent of overflowing coolant. Just because you can’t smell anything doesn’t mean all is well. However, while odors can help you narrow down what might be wrong with your vehicle, the alternator can still fail without them.

Extended Warranties: Protecting Against Alternator Failure

No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, it’s an unfortunate reality that all auto parts fail eventually. When they do, you can bet your bottom dollar it’ll happen at the worst possible moment, leaving you stranded hundreds of miles from home and faced with an auto repair bill you couldn’t possibly afford. To protect yourself against the cost of unexpected alternator failure, it’s highly recommended that you invest in an extended auto warranty. And Endurance is America’s most trusted provider.

Since 2006, we’ve helped thousands of drivers save some serious money on the rising cost of car ownership. We offer a wide range of planes de protección de automóviles aimed to cater to almost anyone, from casual commuters to rideshare drivers to high-mileage car owners and even select luxury vehicles. And if our base plans don’t quite meet your individual needs and budget, we can customize one that works for you.

On top of market-leading coverage, we also throw in some of the best benefits around. All Endurance plans come with Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption costs as standard. If that wasn’t enough, every Endurance customer can also choose to activate an amazing Paquete de beneficios Élite, adding on up to four tire repairs or replacements annually, key fob replacement, up to $500 in collision discounts, and up to $1,000 in total loss protection.*

We’re also the direct administrator of all our plans, so there are no pesky middlemen to deal with when you come to make a claim. Our equipo de servicio al cliente galardonado is available to answer queries via phone or email or download the Endurance app to put all of the most important information right in the palm of your hand. Better yet, all Endurance plans are fully transferable to subsequent owners — giving you extra selling power and potentially increasing the value of your vehicle should you decide to part ways with it.

Alternator FAQs

Do you still have some questions about alternators and signs of alternator failure? You might find the answers right here:

How do I know if my alternator is on its way out?

There are a number of ways you can tell that your alternator is beginning to fail. Strange smells, noises, and dashboard warning lights or check engine lights are often the first signs, as are electrical component malfunctions in your vehicle. Eventually, your battery will be so depleted that your car will begin to stall when driving or won’t start up at all.

Will a bad alternator drain a battery when the car is off?

A bad alternator rarely drains a battery when the car is off, but it’s certainly possible. This is usually due to a faulty component within the alternator itself or connections to it. For example, a failed diode in the alternator will create a closed circuit that drains your battery even when the engine is switched off.

Can AutoZone test an alternator?

If you have concerns about your alternator’s efficiency, AutoZone offers fast, free testing. Just head to your local AutoZone location and ask about their part testing and diagnostic services.

Do alternators fail suddenly?

Unfortunately, alternators generally fail suddenly without much warning. If you’re lucky enough to spot any of the signs before the worst happens, head to a mechanic immediately, as your car won’t run for long without a healthy alternator. Keep an eye out for electrical malfunctions, strange smells/noises, and related dashboard lights.

Drive With Total Confidence

AAA statistics estimate that the annual cost of car ownership has reached over $12,000. So, it’s safe to say that driving any vehicle, new or used, is becoming increasingly expensive. The only way to drive with total confidence is with an auto protection plan watching out for you and any unexpected breakdowns.

Call an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 o Solicite una cotización GRATIS. If you’re still interested in shopping around, see your price now to compare against other providers!

Visita nuestro extended warranty blog for more helpful articles from auto experts, including provider comparisons against CarShield y CARCHEX, vehicle ownership tips, and more.

Things like the transmission, radiator, and head gasket are notoriously pricey. However, other components can also be prohibitively expensive, and it is important to know what they are so you can avoid replacing them whenever possible.

Many of the most expensive car parts are the mechanical parts that make up the drivetrain and do most of the work to move the vehicle. Now that cars are getting more high-tech, though, some of the most expensive parts have to do with the electrical system and all the sensors and computer parts that run the vehicle.

By knowing some of the little-known components that can be the most expensive to replace, you can be ready if one of them wears out.

Hybrid Battery Systems: Power at a Price

Hybrid vehicles are becoming more and more popular and common, with most major automotive manufacturers including at least one hybrid in their lineup. While a hybrid can save you a lot of money at the fuel pump, the batteries they use can be incredibly expensive to replace. Hybrid batteries are meant to last anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 miles before they start deteriorating, but if you are someone who drives a lot on a yearly basis, you may be faced with a replacement sooner rather than later.

According to RepairPal, a hybrid or electric car battery replacement will cost between $6,645 and $6,719, depending on the vehicle. Most hybrid manufacturers offer a battery warranty that will help cover the cost of a replacement if the battery wears out prematurely. If your vehicle is outside of this warranty period, though, you could end up having to pay for the replacement if you want to keep your hybrid running. Because of this, it is a good idea to have a plan for when your battery wears out, whether this means paying for the replacement out of pocket or replacing the vehicle entirely.

Transmission Sensors and Electronics: Small Parts, Big Costs

Older, simpler transmissions are incredibly expensive to replace and have always been one of the top components car owners mention when they talk about pricey car parts. One of the great advancements in car technology has been the computerization and automation of vehicle shifting with the car engine control unit, or ECU. This allows the transmission to run at the most efficient level and reduces the amount of strain that is put on it over time. With less strain on your transmission, you are much more likely to get many miles out of it as long as you maintain it properly and replace the fluid on a regular basis.

While transmissions are getting more complex and, therefore, lasting longer, the sensors and electronics that run them can also be quite expensive to replace. For example, a transmission position sensor will cost between $283 and $336 to replace. This is just one of the many small pieces of electrical equipment that run your modern vehicle’s gearbox, so it is a good idea to be prepared for these sensors and electronics to fail. While your transmission may last you for many years, you will most likely have to replace some of the components that make it possible.

Infotainment Systems: High-Tech, High Cost

Most new cars come with a comprehensive infotainment system. These systems can be incredibly convenient if you want to track things like your mileage and navigation or connect with your smartphone. When the infotainment system in your vehicle fails, though, it can be incredibly expensive to replace. While it will be covered under your car’s factory warranty, once this warranty is up, you will be responsible for fixing the system on your own.

The cost of fixing the infotainment system in your standard or luxury car will vary heavily and depend on what is wrong with it and which components need to be replaced. If you end up needing to completely replace the whole system, though, you could easily be looking at thousands of dollars. That is why it is so important to update the system when you can and make sure that the screen is protected at all times.

Air Conditioning Compressor: Cooling at a Cost

When the temperatures rise, it is essential that you make sure your car can stay cool and that you can be as comfortable as possible when behind the wheel. If your AC is not working properly, it can be a major hassle to drive in the heat and can even be a dangerous distraction. When a vehicle’s air conditioning system fails, the compressor is the most common culprit and will usually be the first thing a mechanic looks at. It is also one of the most expensive components to replace if it ends up being the cause of your AC’s failure.

According to RepairPal, the average cost to replace an air conditioning compressor is somewhere between $930 and $1,149. This price depends on the car brand you have and how difficult it might be to do this labor-intensive repair, so you may end up paying even more in the end. Doing what you can to keep your AC compressor in good condition is your best option if you want to stay cool in the summer and save some money.

Suspension Components: The Price of a Smooth Ride

Your vehicle’s suspension system is the buffer between you and the road, and if it isn’t in good working order, you will feel it in the driver’s seat. A faulty suspension can cause issues with handling and steering and can be a serious safety hazard if it isn’t addressed as soon as possible. Even if you don’t regularly take your vehicle off-road, you could still have to deal with suspension issues and failed components that can be incredibly expensive to repair.

Replacement costs for a damaged suspension strut or shock can be anywhere between $924 and $1,043 and can even go up from there depending on where you live and what kind of vehicle you have. It is also important to keep in mind that your vehicle has four shocks or struts, with one for each wheel, so the likelihood that you will eventually have to replace more than one is fairly high.

Extended Warranties: A Financial Safety Net

When you buy a new car, it will almost always come with a warranty that is provided by the manufacturer. This manufacturer’s or factory warranty is designed to protect you from repairs that may need to happen due to issues at the factory or flaws in the vehicle’s design. Most of the time, this warranty will be incredibly comprehensive and will be valid for somewhere between 3 years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Once this warranty is over, you will be responsible for any repairs that have to be done on your vehicle, regardless of the cause or how expensive that repair might be.

If you want to protect yourself and your vehicle after your factory warranty is up, an extended car warranty is a great option. An garantía extendida, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), can be purchased from a third-party provider and help protect you from expensive repairs. By getting an auto protection plan that covers components like the infotainment system, electronics, and suspension, you can prevent serious breakdowns and get the help you need when your car’s most expensive components fail.

Cover Your Most Expensive Car Repairs With Endurance

High vehicle repair costs can be a major blow to your bank account, especially if they are unexpected. By knowing which components are the most expensive to replace and what to watch out for, you can be prepared and do everything you can to mitigate the cost. With a high-quality extended warranty, you can be ready for any kind of repair, no matter how costly it might be to get it done.

Endurance Warranty has auto protection plans available for nearly every kind of car and driver. Our customers also receive standard benefits, including Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption protection. Plus, you can also access our Beneficios de élite package, which includes four tire repairs or replacements per year, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.*

Take advantage of our auto protection services and experience the Endurance difference for yourself. Contact an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS, o visita nuestro tienda en línea for an instant price preview.

Visit the Endurance blog for articles on other expensive car parts, such as Convertidores catalíticos, injectors, cylinder heads, y aftermarket upgrades.

Danica’s storied background includes a fourth-place finish, the highest for a female driver, at the 89th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2005. Her other Indy 500 accomplishments during that time included being a race leader for 19 laps. This IndyCar tenure involved racing for leading teams like Rahal Letterman Racing and Andretti Autosport and a historic 2008 victory at the Indy Japan 300. Danica laid claim to the first female win in an IndyCar Series competition.

In 2012, Danica moved on to new challenges at NASCAR and blazed new trails by securing pole position that year at the Daytona 500, another female first. Her time at NASCAR included notable behind-the-wheel adventures with the #10 GoDaddy Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing.

But there’s more to Danica’s story than racing. She’s a passionate advocate for health and fitness. While these pursuits are necessary for professional drivers, they also lead to improved well-being off the track. Interestingly, there are many parallels between staying fit and maintaining a car.

Exercise and a healthy diet help preserve wellness, just as scheduled car maintenance keeps a car in peak operating shape. Further, treating an illness or injury right away leads to faster recovery times and minimizes the chance of complications. Likewise, attending to a strange car noise or change in driving conditions right away can prevent minor repairs from turning into expensive ones.

Even when something health-related happens, medical insurance lessens the financial impact. The same applies to a factory or extended car warranty that eliminates or reduces surprise repair bills.

Keep reading as we explore how Danica Patrick’s approach to maintaining her body extends to keeping a vehicle running strong.

Danica’s Fitness Philosophy: Lessons for Life and Car Care

The key to success for any athlete is having a goal. In the case of race car drivers, this means reaching the finish line first. But it takes a lot to make this happen: consistency, precision, and dedication. Danica applies the same diligence off the track with a regular rigorous fitness routine. “I think you have to do the things you like to do,” she explains. “I like to work out. I enjoy the physical and mental challenges involved.”

This mindset goes beyond the gym with her approach to car maintenance. Danica remarks that you can’t expect to see exercise results without consistent effort. Similarly, a vehicle can’t perform at its best without ongoing care and upkeep.

Let’s put this in practical terms. The correct way to start a new fitness routine is by setting clear goals and creating a plan to achieve them. This might involve a certain number of pushups or weight-lifting sets. Car care involves the same principles. A regular schedule of cambios de aceite, rotaciones de neumáticos, fluid checks, and other essential tasks creates a roadmap for preserving your car’s health. In short, regular exercise keeps your body healthy, just like regular maintenance keeps your vehicle in good operating condition.

Moreover, taking the correct steps for your personal health is equally crucial. Weight lifting is excellent for toning muscles, but skipping cardio activities like burpees and lunges may leave your heart health out of the picture. It’s the same thing with car maintenance. You’ll get the best results by using quality parts and fluids and having professionals perform the work.

A Healthy Routine: Exercises for You and Your Car

As mentioned, your body needs a well-rounded fitness regimen. Danica understands this better than most by embracing a diverse range of exercises. From strength training to restorative yoga sessions, she knows that challenging her body in different ways is a must to stay in good shape.

Just as your body needs a blend of physical activities, your car also benefits from a comprehensive maintenance routine. Think of cambios de aceite and tire rotations like an annual wellness visit with your doctor. The idea here is to catch issues early before turning into something more serious.

Engine oil is your car’s lifeblood. Its lubricating effects keep those vital under-the-hood components running smoothly, just like blood delivers crucial oxygen throughout the body. On the other hand, rotaciones de neumáticos are like cross-training for your vehicle. Regular tire rotations ensure even tread wear, which supports better handling, fuel efficiency, safety, and overall performance. Failure to rotate tires and the resulting tire degradation is akin to an overuse injury and poor muscle development.

Just like humans, cars need to stretch their legs from time to time to stay in peak form. A couch potato person or car doesn’t get better with time, so long drives are like endurance training. A lengthy commute or road trip ensures optimal lubrication for the engine and transmission while helping the battery stay charged. These journeys are also excellent opportunities to observe for signs of trouble, like an unusual sound or smell or noticeable difference in performance.

Car Fitness: Keeping Your Vehicle in Peak Condition

No fitness journey is complete without proper nutrition. Danica knows this firsthand, having fine-tuned her diet to support her training efforts over the years. “I am always thinking about carbs, protein, and fat,” she comments. “But I find that since switching to a mostly paleo diet, I need more ‘good fat’ in my life.”

Just as your body requires the right balance of nutrients to function at its best, your vehicle needs the proper mix of fluids and parts to operate smoothly. The most obvious example is motor oil, which is just one part of the recipe.

Your car also relies on other liquids, such as coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid, to keep its various systems running without incident. Each of these fluids plays a specific role in your vehicle’s health, much like your diet contributes to your physical well-being.

For instance, refrigerante (or antifreeze) helps regulate the engine’s temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance. Meanwhile, brake fluid is essential for maintaining stopping power. Transmission fluid keeps the car’s gears shifting smoothly, like healthy joints keep your body moving freely.

Just as a health-conscious diet requires regular monitoring, so does your car’s fluid levels. Get into the habit of performing regular fluid checks

The Importance of Regular Maintenance Checks

A vital element of an effective fitness program is regular check-ups with doctors and other health professionals. For Danica, these appointments are non-negotiable. “As a professional driver, a successful training program has to combine strength, flexibility, and endurance,” she remarks. “I follow the same strategy today to ensure I’m in top condition.” Even off the track, Danica regularly assesses her progress and identifies areas for improvement. These actions let her fine-tune workouts while being mindful of the potential for injury.

These same proactive principles apply to your vehicle’s health. Just as you wouldn’t wait until you’re sick to see a doctor, you shouldn’t wait until your car breaks down to take it in for maintenance. Regular check-ups with a trusted mechanic can help you catch minor issues before they become major repairs, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Estos routine maintenance visits are ideal for checking for signs of wear and tear, fluid leaks, and other potential problems. They may also run diagnostic tests to assess your car’s performance and identify areas needing attention.

In addition, ongoing maintenance can help extend the life of your vehicle and preserve its resale value. By keeping detailed records of your car’s service history, you can demonstrate to potential buyers that you’ve taken good care of your vehicle over the years.

Extended Warranties: Your Fitness Insurance for Cars

Few things are as important as having a solid insurance plan to protect your health. Peace of mind comes from knowing that an unexpected illness or injury is covered, as is the cost of check-ups and other services.

Just as health insurance supports your physical and financial well-being, an garantía extendida (also called a vehicle service contract or auto protection plan) provides a similar sense of security for your car.

An garantía extendida is like your car’s own fitness community—a support system that’s there for you when you need it most. With comprehensive coverage for major components like your engine, transmission, and suspension, an garantía extendida can help you manage the cost of breakdowns and surprise repair bills. There are even coverage options similar to the bumper-to-bumper protection of a new car warranty.

Danica Patrick strongly believes in the power of teamwork when it comes to achieving fitness success. “It’s nice to have someone to go workout with,” she says about her favorite workout buddies. “Strength training and high-intensity workout classes can help you feel like part of a community.”

In addition, just as having health insurance can give you access to a network of trusted healthcare providers, an garantía extendida can connect you with a nationwide network of certified repair facilities. While Garantía Endurance customers can choose any licensed shop for covered repairs, we also partner with RepairPal and its network of certified service facilities for convenient access to car help.

Balancing Act: Scheduling Fitness and Maintenance

Finding time for self-care can be a challenge in today’s busy world. Work, family, and other obligations can cause fitness and car maintenance to take a back seat. Yet Danica knows all too well that neglecting these essential tasks can lead to serious consequences in the long run.

She believes in maintaining a balance in life when it comes to physical and vehicular health. “I do my best to focus on what’s important. By prioritizing, I can ensure that what’s essential doesn’t get pushed aside,” she says. “I maximize my workout time, but I also actively listen to my body. When I need a rest, I freely admit I like to sit and veg on the couch,” she admits. “I’ll also take the dogs for a walk or do some yoga if I don’t feel like working out hardcore.” By making time for exercise and self-care, Danica maintains the physical and mental strength she needs to perform at her best even when she doesn’t feel like it.

The same principle applies to car maintenance. Just as it can be tempting to skip a workout when you’re tired or busy, it can be too easy to put off routine maintenance tasks like cambios de aceite o rotaciones de neumáticos when life gets hectic. However, just like neglecting your physical health can lead to injuries or illness down the line, neglecting your car’s upkeep can lead to costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.

Danica’s 4 Tips for Staying Motivated

Staying motivated about any goal can be challenging. Even the most dedicated athletes and car enthusiasts can struggle to stay on track occasionally. Danica has devised many strategies to keep focused through her experience as a professional race car driver, fitness fan, and entrepreneur.

1. Try Harder

Danica advises that having the discipline to do more is difficult. But this powerful philosophy has helped her overcome professional and personal obstacles. She adds, “You can always do more. It is mostly mental, which is the challenge that I like.”

2. Keep Track

One way to monitor goals is through a visual reminder of your progress. This might involve a fitness tracker or a journal to log workouts and results. Similarly, a car maintenance log can be used to record service work. All it takes is a notebook or a spreadsheet to capture essential information about maintenance and repairs.

3. Seek Accountability

Staying on track for any goal can feel isolating, but a friend or family member can serve as a loyal partner to motivate you. This supporter can serve as a fitness cheerleader and as a coach to keep up with car maintenance requirements.

4. Celebrate Success

Finally, remember to celebrate your successes along the way. Just as Danica takes pride in her fitness accomplishments, appreciate the hard work and dedication you’ve put into maintaining your body and your car. Milestones as basic as a five-mile hike or 30,000-mile scheduled maintenance are significant and should be recognized.

Get in Gear With Endurance

Staying on top of your body and your car’s health can be challenging, but getting inspiration from retired race car driver Danica Patrick makes these efforts easier. At the same time, Endurance Warranty makes protecting your vehicle from breakdowns and unexpected repair bills possible.

Essential powertrain coverage offers the most affordable way to safeguard your car’s most crucial components. Upgraded plans add more levels of protection, including the Endurance Supreme plan, which is similar to a manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Discover all your Endurance auto protection options by requesting a Cotización Gratis or visiting our tienda en línea for instant cost and coverage details. For one-on-one assistance, call (800) 253-8203 to speak with an Endurance plan advisor.

El Blog Endurance is where you can learn about car maintenance, DIY tips, insurance, extended warranties, vehicle reviews, and more. Be sure to check this extensive library of expert-written articles.

At the same time, there are numerous OBD-II scanner options to consider. Keep reading as we explore these helpful tools’ features, capabilities, and uses.

Decoding the Basics: What is an OBD-II Scanner?

Let’s review the essentials of an OBD-II scanner before diving into the details. OBD, or onboard diagnostics, is a vehicle system that checks for and reports any issues with the car’s mechanics or electronics that often surface as a check engine light. It allows the owner or a mechanic to access information about the condition of different vehicle components.

The OBD or OBD-II port is the physical connector that connects to the OBD system to obtain diagnostic code data (sometimes called diagnostic trouble codes or DTCs). Although OBD technology was developed in the 1960s, it didn’t become widely used until it was required in the U.S. in 1988. The OBD system was initially developed in California to monitor vehicle pollution. In 1996, a new standard called OBD-II became mandatory. This new system made it easier for mechanics and vehicle owners to diagnose and repair issues related to engines, transmissions, emissions systems, and more. OBD-II scanners come in various shapes and sizes, from simple handheld devices to more advanced tools with extensive features.

Evaluating Top OBD-II Scanners: Features and Functions

The expression “the right tool for the right job” certainly applies when choosing the best OBD2 scanner. There are different types of diagnostic scanners, each with particular functions and features. The key to selecting the right scanner is identifying the one that best meets your needs.

Code Reader

A code reader is the most fundamental type of scanner. As the name implies, its primary purpose is to read error codes generated through the OBD system. In some cases, a code reader can clear an error code. Code readers have different levels of sophistication. Some may just display a numeric error code, such as P0420. Slightly more advanced units also include a full definition, such as P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 (a faulty catalytic converter).

While thousands of DTCs exist, most code readers only cover powertrain and emissions codes. However, most car owners only need this information. A code reader consists of a small handheld unit with a cable connection that plugs into the OBD-II port, usually under the steering wheel.

Generic Scan Tool

Sometimes referred to as a basic handheld scanner, a generic scan tool does everything a code reader can and provides live data. This resource can help diagnose an ongoing issue, such as an engine misfire, but is usually more than most owners need. These scan tools are also typically capable of only providing powertrain and emissions error codes, although more elaborate units can access specific fault codes that cover chassis and body electronics codes.

Wireless Bluetooth Adapter

A wireless Bluetooth adapter is a small device that plugs into your vehicle’s OBD-II port and links with an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. These adapters work with a compatible mobile app, allowing you to access car diagnostic information. At a minimum, these systems provide the exact details as a code reader, while more complex units provide live diagnostic data and capture error messages as they occur.

Some OBD-II Bluetooth tools offer software that translates often-obscure DTCs (see P0420 above) into plain-language descriptions with likely repair diagnoses. Additional features include maintenance reminders and the ability to perform an emissions pretest before heading to an inspection station. These systems can be very consumer-friendly, particularly for owners frustrated by deciphering error codes online.

The most significant advantages of these Bluetooth OBD2 scanner systems are portability and ease of use. There’s no need to carry a separate handheld unit; the operation is app-based. The small plug-in sensor can quickly be moved from car to car, which is especially helpful when shopping for a used car. For the average car owner looking for more than a code reader, a Bluetooth system is the way to go.

Advanced Car Diagnostic Tools

The ultimate OBD-II scanner comes in the form of an advanced diagnostic tool used by professional mechanics. Think of this device, usually a ruggedized tablet, as a scan tool on steroids. It can perform essential functions like code reading, code resetting, and capturing live data. In addition, an advanced OBD-II tool can diagnose and reset additional vehicle systems like ABS, SRS (airbags), and presión de llanta monitoring systems (TPMS). Some can store information from multiple vehicles. These scanners are bulky and expensive compared to handheld and Bluetooth units and offer way too much functionality for most drivers.

Even more sophisticated OBD-II diagnostic tools can read manufacturer-specific DTCs beyond the thousands of generic fault codes. These scanners can also reprogram new keys, calibrate advanced driver assistance systems, and perform other advanced tasks. Although third parties manufacture these devices, they can be updated with OEM (Fabricante Original de Equipo) details.

The next-level advanced diagnostic tool is automaker-created software. A skilled technician connects a laptop computer to the car’s OBD-II port to gain complete access to all systems of a particular make and model. The setup is expensive, and users must be experts in using this type of tool.

Compatibility Checks: Ensuring a Match with Your Vehicle

Although OBD-II has been a U.S. standard for almost 30 years, not all scanners are compatible with every make and model. Chances are you won’t have problems if you drive a mainstream automobile and buy a scanner from a reputable company, but conflicts can arise. There’s more to purchasing a scanner than ensuring it has a 16-pin D-shaped diagnostic connector.

Before purchasing a code tool, review the manufacturer’s specifications and compatibility guidelines. Remember that some devices aren’t designed to work with hybrids y EVs. Legitimate scanner businesses will be upfront about what vehicles they support. If the information is sketchy, the device is likely also to be.

Incompatibility arises from the different protocols used by the various OBD-II systems. Most modern cars sold in the U.S. use the ISO 15765-4 CAN protocol, but you may encounter ISO 14230-4 (KWP2000), ISO 9141-2, J1850 VPW, and J1850 PWM.

If this looks like alphabet soup, review the owner’s manual or consult the automaker or dealer to confirm what works in your car. Some scanners work with multiple protocols, which removes any guesswork. You can also check online forums for make and model-specific advice about what scanners work.

User Experience: Navigating the Interface

Like any technology, usability is the key to success with an OBD-II scanner. A straightforward interface makes identifying DTCs and troubleshooting easier. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a scanner.

Ease of Setup

Seamless setup and installation are top priorities. While some scanners require additional software and a complex configuration, a plug-and-play device best serves most car owners. Before proceeding with a purchase, look at installation instructions and videos.

Navigation

Another must-have is a clear and intuitive interface, especially for a layperson unfamiliar with automotive diagnostics. Look for scanners with well-organized menus and clear labels. Responsive controls are also essential; some scanners use a touchscreen, while others rely on physical buttons. You’ll generally find that simpler interactions accompany more expensive scanners. A cheap OBD2 code reader you buy online may work fine, but you may struggle to figure out how to make it work.

Clarity of Diagnostic Information

The final element of using a scanner is getting clear and concise code information. The easier it is to understand what’s wrong with your car, the quicker you can respond. Again, cost comes into play. Inexpensive units will provide basic codes, while pricier devices will at least describe the code if not put the information in context.

For instance, code P0301 by itself is meaningless for most drivers. However, knowing that it signals a misfire in engine cylinder #1 is more valuable. Still, getting an alert that P0301 is serious and should be addressed right away is even more valuable. Something as simple as a bad spark plug can lead to an engine misfire, which can cause significant (and expensive) repairs. Greater information leads to more informed decisions about car troubles.

Cost Considerations: Finding Value in Diagnostics

OBD-II scanner costs vary widely. An introductory reader can cost as little as $20, while more advanced feature devices can cost hundreds or thousands. If ever there was a place to apply the “you get what you pay for” axiom, it’s with code scanners.

Here’s a breakdown of device types, prices, and popular options in these categories.

Code Reader: $25-$100

• Ancel AD310 ($25): Basic code reader with reset and live data functions (the Ancel BD310 is a step up)
• Innova 5110 ($70): A code reader that can also scan brake and anti-lock brake codes (the Innova 5610 offers more features)

Bluetooth Adapter: ($20-$100)

• FIXD Sensor ($60): A sensor/smartphone app combination that provides essential functions (code reading/clearing, live data, repair cost guide, and maintenance alerts. A subscription upgrade adds access to a mechanic hotline and other features.
• BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro ($120): A sensor and app duo for basic code tasks (reading and clearing) and live data capture, including expanded code functions for brakes/ABS, airbags, and the tire pressure management system.

Generic Scan Tool: $100-$1,000

• Actron AutoScanner ($170): A scan with live data capture, a color screen, an emissions module, and brake/ABS code access.
• Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT ($550): A professional-grade device with Bluetooth OBD-II connectivity, Wi-Fi/4G connectivity for updates, automaker-specific code modules, and comprehensive bi-directional support for system testing.

Professional Grade ($1,000+)

• Autel MaxiSYS ULTRA ($6,000): A comprehensive code scanner for the professional mechanic, includes a docking station and large-screen tablet.

Where to Buy: Sourcing Your Scanner

There are two options for purchasing an OBD-II scanner.

Online Platforms

From Amazon to eBay to Walmart, there’s no shortage of online retailers of OBD-II scanners. Purchasing via the Internet is ideal for lower-priced devices like basic code readers and Bluetooth adapters. Going online to buy a more expensive unit is a little trickier unless you know exactly what brand and model to purchase. Always confirm compatibility with your car and the company’s return policy.

Automotive Stores

You’ll find under $50 scanners at auto supply shops like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, NAPA, and O’Reilly Auto Parts, and can’t wait for shipping. But these retailers are where to go if you’re considering buying a more advanced scanner. One person on staff is usually an OBD-II guru and can make expert recommendations. In addition, most of these stores offer short-term loans for code scanners (to check your car), so you can get your hands on a device or two before buying anything.

The Extended Warranty Connection: A Diagnostic Ally

Owning an OBD-II scanner can be particularly helpful if you have an garantía extendida (also called a contrato de servicio de vehiculo or auto protection plan). By identifying issues early, you can potentially prevent minor problems from turning into major repairs. Diagnostic trouble codes can speed up the claims process and repairs, enabling warranty company staff and the repair shop to focus on the problem more quickly.

In addition, having diagnostic data at your fingertips can help determine if the problem is covered under an garantía extendida. For example, DTC P0301, a misfire in cylinder #1, can be caused by a faulty powertrain control module (PCM). Car owners with an extended warranty or vehicle protection plan from a third-party provider like Endurance Warranty would likely be covered in this situation (less any deductible). According to RepairPal, replacing a PCM costs over $1,000.

FAQs: OBD-II Scanners

What OBD2 scanners do mechanics use?

Mechanics use advanced diagnostic tools, which are essentially high-end OBD2 scanners. These tools, often ruggedized tablets, can perform basic functions like code reading and clearing, as well as diagnose and reprogram additional vehicle systems like electronic modules.

What is the difference between an OBD2 reader and an OBD2 scanner?

An OBD2 reader is a basic device that reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). On the other hand, an OBD2 scanner is a more advanced tool that can provide live data, access additional vehicle systems, and offer more detailed diagnostic information.

What’s the difference between cheap and expensive OBD2 scanners?

Cheaper OBD2 scanners typically offer essential functions like reading and clearing codes with limited additional features. More expensive scanners provide more capabilities, such as live data, access to more vehicle systems, better user interfaces, and more precise diagnostic information.

What to look for when buying an OBD2 scanner?

When buying an OBD2 scanner, consider factors such as compatibility with your vehicle, ease of setup, user-friendly navigation, and the clarity of diagnostic information provided. Ensure the scanner supports the communication protocols used by your car and offers the features you need, whether essential code reading or more advanced functions.

Which OBD2 scanner is best?

The best OBD2 scanner depends on your specific needs and budget. For most car owners, a code reader or a Bluetooth adapter is all that’s needed. Car owners with mechanical experience may want to step up to a scan tool or professional-grade scanner.

Endurance Keeps You Moving

Diagnosing trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner is only the first step in dealing with car troubles and breakdowns; paying for a mechanic and parts is also involved. An extended car warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract, provides peace of mind against surprise repair bills.

Endurance Warranty offers numerous options, ranging from tren motriz protection to the Supreme plan, which is similar to a new car bumper-to-bumper warranty. There are in-between programs that balance coverage and cost.

Discover more by requesting a FREE quote or visiting the Endurance online store for instant price and plan information. For personalized help, Endurance plan advisors are available by phone at (800) 253-8203.

Revisar la Blog Endurance for helpful articles from ASE Certified mechanics and other automotive experts. Learn about the latest in extended warranties, car care, DIY maintenance, and more.

A vehicle’s title can tell you a lot of important information, especially regarding the car’s condition. Every used car has a history, and when it’s a salvage-titled car, there are usually some hiccups in the car’s history you should be aware of.

If a car is in good working order with no substantial damage reported, it is likely to have a “clean title.” After a catastrophic event such as a car accident or a natural disaster, a car insurance company may deem a vehicle a “total loss” or not worth repairing. If the car is “totaled,” the cost of vehicle repairs is higher than the vehicle’s market value, and a salvage title will be issued.

Ultimately, the determining criteria for whether or not a vehicle is a designated salvage title vehicle varies by case, insurer, and state, which can affect the repair, resale, and insurance costs. However, even though a salvage car does come with a few weighty considerations, it doesn’t always mean it’s bound for the junkyard, either.

Salvage Title Causes and Considerations

When a damaged vehicle is no longer safe to drive on the road, it may be issued a salvage title. However, that threshold between drivable and non-drivable varies by state and car insurance provider. In some cases, this means that the cost to get the vehicle up to par is greater than the market value of the vehicle before the accident. In others, it means car repairs are more than half of the fair market value. No matter where your state stands, once your vehicle has a salvage title, it isn’t legally drivable until the necessary repairs are complete.

Most commonly, a salvage title comes from a total loss declaration due to a major motor vehicle accident that results in expensive vehicle repairs. You can run an online vehicle history report (like a Carfax or DMV record) to find any accidents or issues. If your report turns up a salvage title, it can also be a result of:

• Catastrophic weather events (flood, earthquake, hail, wildfire, or tornado)
• Theft and recovery
• A natural disaster struck the car dealer, but the vehicle wasn’t necessarily involved
• Significant aftermarket parts
• Riot damage
• Kit car
• Parts car
• The owner didn’t want to total the vehicle
• Antique or classic car

Salvage Title vs. Rebuilt Title

A salvage title is not the same as a rebuilt title. A salvage title is not legally allowed to operate on public roads. However, a totaled vehicle isn’t necessarily destined to be scrapped for parts. Sometimes, the insurance provider will sell a car they’ve “totaled” out to help recuperate some of the financial cost of their insurance claim payout. In other cases, the vehicle owner may choose to keep the vehicle. In either of these cases, a salvage title would be issued until repairs are made. A rebuilt title means that although the car was once a salvage title vehicle, it is now safe to drive.

Insurance companies and salvage car owners can apply for a rebuilt or reconstructed title after the vehicle has undergone the necessary repairs. Once the owner has completed extensive documented repairs and the vehicle passes a thorough inspection with a qualified inspection station, the salvage title status will be cleared, and a rebuilt title will be issued.

Purchasing Complications

If you’re serious about buying a car with a salvage title, you should start by investigating the laws in your area. Only a licensed car rebuilder can buy a salvage title car in some states.

Qualified buyers should also plan to pay cash for a salvage vehicle. Many lenders won’t offer a vehicle loan to cars in this condition since there isn’t a guaranteed return on investment. Those lenders that do finance salvage titles often charge higher interest rates.

Financial Implications

Buying a vehículo usado with a salvage title can save a lot of money when you’re buying a car. In fact, a salvage title often reduces the seller’s asking price by 5%-10% below the current market value of a clean title vehicle. However, saving money upfront may not be worth the long-term financial implications.

For starters, according to Kelly Blue Book (KBB), a salvage title car is worth 20%-40% less than its clear titled vehicle counterpart. Not only is there the possibility for immediate upside-down valuation, but there are additional financial concerns to consider, including:

• Initial repair costs to make the vehicle roadworthy
• Costs to have it inspected and appraised
• Pricey car insurance premiums, if you can find an insurer
• Higher lender financing rates
• Reduced likelihood of saleability

Safety Concerns

Unfortunately, with salvage title vehicles, there are also inherent safety concerns to consider. The extent of the damage may go far beyond what is seen on the surface and may even extend to the vehicle’s structure. Many of today’s vehicle models are built to flex, bend, and absorb impact during an accident. Unfortunately, the frame cannot be bent back into place in most cases without losing structural integrity. Even if it can be done, the material is weakened and isn’t approved to protect you or your passengers in an impact.

In some cases, the damage may still be unidentified. For example, in the event of flood damage, severe damage may go unnoticed for months or even years before discovery. Moisture, mold, and corrosion often hide under seats, carpets, and in hard-to-see areas, making it a prime location to go unnoticed longer, compounding the flood damage.

Buyer Beware: Evaluating Salvage Title Vehicles

Did you find a deal on a salvage title vehicle that is just too good to pass up? Salvage vehicles often come with hidden damage, unforeseen insurance difficulties, and resale issues, just to name a few of the obstacles you may face.

Before you sign any purchase agreement, you should know what you’re getting into. Since salvage title cars are more difficult to sell, you should be prepared to drive them, for better or worse, until the wheels fall off. You can reduce the risk of inheriting a money pit by doing your due diligence before buying a salvage car.

3 Tips for Buying a Salvage Title Vehicle

Try these steps to save you time, money, and frustration with the wrong car:

1. Conduct Thorough Car Inspections

As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to get a pre-purchase vehicle inspection before buying a pre-owned vehicle. Whether you’re buying a vehicle from a used car dealership or a private seller, it is important to have a professional inspect it for any mechanical, safety, or aesthetic concerns. Not only is a thorough diagnostic exam a valuable tool in your price negotiations, but the pre-purchase inspection (PPI) ensures that the vehicle is safe to drive or, in the event of a salvage vehicle, that you are aware of all of the necessary repairs.

2. Obtain a Vehicle History Report

Did the vehicle have regular oil changes before its salvage title? What repairs have been completed? Were they completed by an Mecánico certificado ASE, body shop, or vehicle repair shop?

Although the seller may have extensive experience in rebuilding cars as a hobby, detailed vehicle repair histories can make the difference in the vehicle appraisal and inspection to determine if it’s roadworthy. If the seller doesn’t have proof of repairs, you can use websites like vehiclehistory.gov, carfax.com, autocheck.com, or vinaudit.com to see maintenance records and repairs. Make sure that the repairs are completed with high-quality replacement parts by a trained professional.

3. Consult with Car Repair Professionals

When buying a used vehicle, you agree to buy a vehicle as-is with no guarantee or warranty (unless you’ve been offered an extended car warranty by a car dealership or a third-party warranty provider, like Endurance). Although we all hope that a seller is being honest with us, it’s up to the buyer to take the steps necessary to ensure that the vehicle is what you want. The deal is done once you’ve paid the seller, and any repairs will become your financial responsibility.

Therefore, it is important to discuss the vehicle with a trustworthy mechanic. Let them know your goals for the vehicle and allow them to offer honest feedback about whether or not this is a sound investment based on your needs and lifestyle.

How to Rehabilitate a Salvage Title Vehicle

Although a salvage car may have substantial damage, there are steps you can take to clear the salvage title status. You can apply for a rebuilt title when you’re ready to get your vehicle back on the road, but before applying for a new title, you have to follow these steps:

Make Required Repairs

The first step to rebuilding a salvage title is making necessary repairs. Whether it needs a rebuilt engine, fresh doors, wheels, or a new windshield, the vehicle must be considered road safe, not just for the driver and their passengers but others on the road. Be sure to document any and all repairs along the way with receipts and before and after photos. This will help with the next phase.

Pass a Vehicle Inspection

Before you can legally drive your rebuilt vehicle, an inspection station must do a thorough inspection to make sure nothing was missed. Since it isn’t road-legal yet, have your vehicle towed to a trusted inspection station. Be sure to bring any necessary paperwork, such as:

• Bill of sale
• Photo ID
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Progress photos (before and after)
• Title
• Receipts for parts and services

Apply for a Rebuilt Title

Once your salvage title vehicle passes a vehicle inspection, you can officially apply for a rebuilt or reconstructed title. Each state has unique form requirements and fees, so be sure to look at your state’s requirements before heading to the title office.

Extended Warranties and Salvage Titles

Buying an extended car warranty for salvage vehicles can be a challenge. Most extended warranty providers exclude salvage title cars from their warranty coverage plans because there is an increased risk of unexpected (and often expensive) mechanical breakdowns. While finding an extended auto warranty, also known as an auto protection plan or a vehicle service contract, may be difficult, it isn’t impossible.

Unlike other warrant providers, Endurance Warranty provides options for vehicle owners looking to protect their rebuilt or rehabilitated vehicle. Salvage cars that have been rebuilt may be eligible for helpful warranty coverage plans. However, you may be required to show:

• Documentation of the rebuilding process (parts used, reputable mechanic, etc.)
• Satisfactory inspection

Our Endurance Advantage auto protection plan offers many benefits for salvage or rebuilt vehicles. Ventaja offers comprehensive protection, including up to $3,500 annually in routine maintenance and oil changes. Plus, every Endurance Warranty plan includes bonus perks like 24/7 roadside assistance and towing, travel interruption coverage, and rental car reimbursement.

You can choose to maximize your savings by activating the Endurance Elite Benefits package for a one-time activation fee. With this, you’ll save even more on tire replacement and rotations, key fob replacements, and more.

Pros and Cons: Is a Salvage Title Vehicle Right for You?

If you’re deciding whether a salvage title vehicle is the right move for your lifestyle, it is important to carefully consider all of the risks and responsibilities associated with salvage title ownership. We’ll explore some of the pros and cons of owning a salvage title auto.

Pro: Savings

If you’re in the market to buy a new or used vehicle, you’ve likely seen that the price of vehicles has gone up in the last few years. Buying a car with a salvage title is one way to get a new-to-you vehicle at a reduced price.

Con: Repair Costs

Although buying a salvage title vehicle can save you money upfront, it isn’t legal to drive until it’s undergone serious repair work. The repair work and inspection process takes both time and money, both of which may offset any of the initial savings at purchase.

Pro: Get Your Dream Car

If you’ve got your heart set on a specific hard-to-find older vehicle, chances are, the ones in great condition are already owned by other collectors. If you’re feeling nostalgic or daydreaming about having a classic muscle car or rare vehicle, a salvage auto may be an ideal solution. You can find a “fixer-upper” and make it run like new.

Con: Safety Concerns

Any vehicle that has sustained enough damage that it is considered salvage may have some safety considerations. Even if a car is repairable, you’ll want to be sure that only the highest quality parts are used and the work is completed by a professional or an Mecánico certificado ASE to avoid potential mechanical failures.

Pro: Making Memories

If you prefer to do it yourself, putting in the work to feel the sense of accomplishment that can come with finishing a big project, a salvage vehicle may be a great hobby to start.

Con: Insurance Complications

Insuring a salvage title vehicle can also be a challenge. Often, because the vehicle isn’t worth as much as its clear-titled alternative, many auto insurance companies won’t insure salvage-titled vehicles, and those that do often do so at a higher premium.

Con: Future Resale Value

Unfortunately, the market for selling a salvage or rebuilt title is small due to the inherent associated risks. If you buy a salvage title auto, you should plan to hold onto it or even pass it down to future generations.

Ask About Endurance Warranty for Salvage Title Vehicles

Any vehicle can break down unexpectedly, but salvage title vehicles may be more susceptible due to their previous damage. Don’t get caught with another unexpected and expensive car repair bill. An Plan de protección automática Endurance is just what you need.

Call (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS for your salvage or rebuilt car. Our plan advisors can help you customize coverage based on your needs and budget. If you’re short on time, you can also tienda en linea para ver su precio inmediatamente.

You can also visit our learning center to get answers to more of your frequently asked questions, such as what to expect with a rebuilt engine, whether or not buying a totaled car is a good idea, and more.

Though she’s hung up her racing suit, Danica continues advocating for driver safety and empowerment behind the wheel. “Driving is a skill all people should feel confident with,” she remarks. “Knowing how to handle a car safely and confidently gives you independence and opens up opportunities.”

Danica burst onto the motorsports scene in 2005, becoming the first woman to lead the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race. Her other notable IndyCar accomplishments include winning the Indy Japan 300 in 2008 and competing for benchmark teams Rahal Letterman Racing and Andretti Green Racing (now Andretti Autosport). She would later apply her skills to NASCAR competitions, becoming the first female driver to win a pole at the Daytona 500 and driving the #10 “GoDaddy” Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing in the Sprint Cup Series.

Danica didn’t achieve her legendary status overnight. She’s been pushing industry boundaries since her youthful karting days when girls on the track were a rarity. She would go on to prove that she could hold her own. Though racing at top speeds around tracks might seem intimidating, Danica emphasizes that all drivers can thrive behind the wheel.

“You have to be confident and go for it,” she urges. “Put blinders on, focus ahead, and just drive.” She adds, “Motorsports require great precision, strategy, and mental toughness – skills that aren’t exclusive to just professional drivers.”

This laser-like attention can apply equally to your own daily driving, even if it’s not so intense. As such, Danica shares her perspective on how everyday drivers can succeed when not on a track.

Mastering Vehicle Basics: Knowledge is Power

Understanding the fundamentals of driving is key. Knowing basic car components gives you confidence and control of your vehicle and situation.

First, familiarize yourself with the dashboard. Identify the speedometer, gas gauge, temperature indicators, and luces de advertencia. Locate the turn signal and windshield wiper levers. Also, adjust your seat position, mirrors, and steering wheel properly for visibility, access, and comfort. Next, learn the pedals by practicing smooth acceleration and braking in an empty lot. Finally, get to know the transmission—understand gear positions and when to shift for efficient driving.

These steps may seem overly fundamental. However, reviewing the basics is critical for getting into a new vehicle for the first time, borrowing someone else’s car, or driving a rental vehicle.

It’s important that drivers pay keen attention to unusual operating conditions regardless of their vehicle. Learn what’s normal for your car and be alert for vibrations, strange noises, or anything out of the ordinary. Knowing if something seems off can help address problems quickly.

Reviewing the el manual del propietario is another recommended activity. The car’s manual provides helpful information specific to your make and model. The more you understand your car’s unique features and needs, the more empowered you’ll feel behind the wheel. When you know your vehicle inside and out, you can handle anything the road throws at you.

Safety First: 5 Defensive Driving Strategies

Danica’s racing background gives her a keen insight into evasive maneuvers. Many of these techniques can be applied to today’s busy highways and streets:

1. Check Your Mirrors: Defensive driving starts with being aware of adjacent traffic by checking all mirrors frequently.
2. Keep a Safe Distance: Maintaining an adequate distance from other motorists provides a buffer zone if you have to react to a situation.
3. Observe Large-Vehicle Safety: Exercise extra caution around semi-trucks and other large vehicles. Avoid driving alongside them and in any blind spots, and always allow extra room when entering a lane in front.
4. Be Mindful of Pedestrians: Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially while parking in congested urban areas. Frequently check blind spots and open doors slowly after checking for passersby.
5. Adapt to the Weather: Driving in the rain or snow means staying below speed limits, allowing extra stopping room, and avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.

Other Considerations for Staying Safe Behind the Wheel

Defensive driving is only one part of staying safe on the road. There are other real-life situations to consider. In particular, take caution in parking lots, as you may be vulnerable while exiting a vehicle alone. Park in a well-lit area near entrances. Have the key ready when nearing your car and look under/around it. Being extra careful is crucial. Related safety tips include checking the back seat before entering your car and remembering where you park to avoid wandering around.

Road rage is another fact of modern life. It’s important not to engage angry drivers. Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, and report extreme cases. If needed, drive to the nearest police station to avoid a dangerous situation.

Handling Emergencies: Staying Calm and In Control

Flat tire? Engine problems? Even the most empowered drivers can find themselves facing an emergency. Dealing with roadside problems starts by not panicking. Take deep breaths and assess the situation before reacting. Practical actions include turning on the vehicle hazard lights, maneuvering to a safe spot, and calling for help if needed.

If you have a flat tire, slowly pull over and find a level spot to change it (only change a tire where there’s no danger from other cars). Review the owner’s manual for step-by-step instructions. Meanwhile, engine trouble requires extra vigilance. Smoke or strange noises can indicate serious issues. Roll to a stop in a safe area and shut off the engine immediately to prevent damage. Call for a tow and wait safely inside the locked car for help.

An emergency kit can help you in a bind. At a minimum, you’ll need a flashlight, flares/flashers, jumper cables, gloves, a fire extinguisher, and basic tools. Having a first-aid kid, cell phone charger, water, and non-perishable snacks can also be a lifesaver.

Preparing ahead of time for breakdowns and other emergency scenarios can also make a difference when trouble hits. It’s recommended to visualize how you would respond so it becomes second nature when a problem arises.

If you don’t already have Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana through warranty coverage or an auto club, getting access to this service should be a priority. Emergencies can happen anytime, but preparation and level-headedness keep you secure.

Car Maintenance Essentials: Upkeep for Empowerment

Nothing’s more empowering than having auto knowledge, and you don’t need to be a mechanic to stay on top of car ownership. Here are Danica’s essential car maintenance tips for everyday drivers:

• Review the Owner’s Manual: Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular servicing. Tasks like cambios de aceite, rotaciones de neumáticos, and fluid checks and flushes promote vehicle longevity and minimize breakdowns.
• Conduct Regular Inspections: At least once a month, examine the car’s exterior and under the hood. Look for fluid leaks, ill-fitting parts, loose hoses, and broken lights. Have a trusted mechanic conduct a more detailed inspection during each regular service appointment.
• Check the Tires: Properly inflated tires increase safety and fuel economy. Along with the monthly inspection, check that the tires are inflated to the correct pressure. In addition, tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles or according to manufacturer instructions.
• Check the Battery: At best, a car battery lasts three to five years. Have it and the alternator tested annually to avoid getting stranded and worrying about jump-starts.

The Importance of Extended Warranties: Security on the Road

The value of an extended car warranty is vital protection after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Repairs are expensive, and one major issue can destroy your budget.

When choosing coverage, make sure to consider your car’s mileage, age, and repair history. A powertrain plan offers affordable protection for major systems, including the engine, transmission, and drive axles. In comparison, premium options can include bumper-to-bumper coverage similar to a new car warranty.

Endurance extended warranties, more accurately referred to as vehicle service contracts, offer Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana. All Endurance customers also receive rental car reimbursement, trip interruption protection, and the freedom to choose any Mecánico certificado ASE or repair center for covered repairs. Other standard Endurance benefits include flexible payment terms and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Safe Driving FAQs

How can a driver be safe on the road?

To drive safely, you should be aware of your surroundings, maintain safe distances from other cars, drive defensively, and avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers.

How can I improve my driving skills?

You can improve driving skills by practicing acceleration and braking and becoming familiar with a car’s basic operations.

What are some basic driving tips for new drivers?

Tips for new drivers include driving defensively, avoiding interactions with aggressive drivers, and knowing how to handle emergencies and vehicle maintenance.

Drive Forward with Confidence

Danica Patrick’s invaluable insights can help any driver feel empowered behind the wheel. From mastering the basics and driving defensively to handling emergencies and maintaining a vehicle, there’s every reason to hit the road with confidence and focus on the joy of driving.

This assuredness is reinforced by an Garantía extendida Endurance, also called a vehicle service contract. Learn all that Endurance offers by requesting a Cotización Gratis or visiting our tienda en línea for instant cost and plan details. For one-on-one help, call (800) 253-8203 to speak with an Endurance plan adviser.

El Blog Endurance is another handy resource. This extensive library of expert-written articles provides advice about DIY car care, vehicle maintenance, model comparisons, warranties, car insurance, and more.

Should you notice that your Honda CR-V is pumping out warm air or perhaps not working at all, rest assured knowing this article will cover everything you need to know to fix your AC system.

The Cold Hard Facts: Understanding AC Systems

Ahead of diving into the reasons behind why your AC is blowing warm air, it’s worth starting by understanding exactly how air conditioning works. From a high level, imagine a closed loop filled with refrigerant, a specially formulated liquid that acts as the lifeblood of the system. As this liquid moves through the system, each of the following parts plays a key role:

• The Compressor: This component sits at the heart of the air conditioning system and utilizes engine power to compress refrigerant gas into a hot and high-pressure liquid. This process generates a significant amount of heat, which is why the compressor is typically located near the front of the vehicle.
• The Condenser: The next component in the system is the condenser, which is usually located just behind the grille of your CR-V. Its job is to dissipate the heat extracted from the compressed refrigerant. The condenser has fins that maximize its surface area, thus allowing air flowing through the front grille to absorb the heat and carry it from the system.
• The Evaporator: Going further, the evaporator is essentially a heat sponge. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the condenser enters the evaporator through an expansion valve where it is then rapidly evaporated, turning it into a cool gas. From there, the cool air is circulated through the cabin.
• The Expansion Valve: The valve mentioned earlier plays a critical role in regulating the pressure and temperature within the air conditioning system by controlling the flow of refrigerant into the evaporator.

This movement cycle for the refrigerant continues endlessly thanks to a lubricant carried within the refrigerant that keeps all the parts functioning smoothly. However, as with any complex system under the hood, anything can go wrong.

Chilling Challenges: Common Causes of Warm Air

Now that you have developed an understanding of how the air conditioning system under your hood works, it’s time to dive into the common problems that cause a faulty AC:

Refrigerant Leaks

As mentioned earlier, the refrigerant is essentially the lifeblood of the AC system. Leaks can cause a significant drop in refrigerant levels, thus compromising the system’s ability to cool your CR-V effectively. Below are a couple of key signs that your vehicle may be leaking refrigerant or freon:

• Visible Fluid: Look around underneath your vehicle for oily residue or freon, especially near the condenser and hoses.
• Hissing Sounds: Should you notice any hissing noises coming from the AC system, it may be indicative of escaping refrigerant. The sound is caused by the high-pressure gas escaping from the leak point.

A professional technician can use leak detectors to pinpoint the location of refrigerant or fluorescent dyes that a UV light can later scan for. If you suspect refrigerant is leaking, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Repairing leaks will involve locating the source, patching the leak point, and then recharging the system with the right amount of refrigerant.

Faulty Compressors

The compressor mentioned before plays a crucial role in circulating the refrigerant under the hood. If it malfunctions, the entire system can quickly grind to a halt. Below are some of the most notable signs that something is wrong with your AC compressor:

• Unusual Noises: Any type of grinding, clunking, or whining sound coming from the engine bay could be indicative of a faulty compressor.
• Decreased Airflow: Even if you notice cool air coming out, a weak compressor may struggle to maintain sufficient airflow for long.
• Clutch Issues: In some CR-Vs, the compressor utilizes a clutch mechanism to engage and disengage from the engine. A failing compressor clutch can prevent the compressor from working, resulting in no cool air.

Again, a qualified technician will be required in order to diagnose compressor issues in your Honda CR-V AC. They may utilize a visual inspection to look for signs of damage or loose connections, performance tests using specialized gauges to measure refrigerant pressure at different points in the systems, or even electrical tests to see if the compressor is receiving a signal.

Repairing a compressor can be extremely expensive, but an automotive extended warranty contract can help to offset those expenses while stopping the problem of no cold air. The process will involve removing the old unit, installing a new one, and ensuring the entire system is re-calibrated, which is the cause for the large cost.

Blocked or Dirty Condensers

Imagine trying to work out in a heavy sweater on a warm summer day. That’s what happens to your condenser when clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, which can lead to AC problems. It can’t efficiently dissipate heat, leading to warm air blowing through the vents. Here’s a more in-depth look at how to prevent this issue, as luckily, you don’t necessarily need a mechanic to prevent it:

Regular Inspections: Schedule routine maintenance checks, typically every 12 months or 15,000 miles, to ensure the condenser is clean and free of obstructions. This is especially important before the summer season, when the AC system is used more frequently.

DIY Cleaning (with Extreme Caution): If you’re comfortable, you can carefully remove debris from the condenser fins using a soft brush and compressed air. Important: Never use sharp objects or water directly on the condenser, as it can damage the delicate fins. Here’s a step-by-step guide for DIY cleaning:

1. Park your CR-V in a shaded area and turn off the engine.
2. Locate the condenser behind the grille. Consult your CR-V’s owner’s manual for the exact location.
3. Carefully remove any large debris like leaves or twigs from the condenser fins. Using a soft brush or compressed air nozzle set on a low pressure setting, gently brush away any dust or dirt accumulated on the fins. Work from the inside out to avoid pushing debris further into the condenser. Avoid bending or straightening the condenser fins, as this can hinder airflow.

Turning Up the Heat: Other Potential Issues

While the above culprits are the most common reasons for warm AC or an AC not working, there are a few other possibilities that can cause your CR-V to blow hot air:

• Electrical Problems: Faulty wiring or blown fuses can disrupt the electrical signals that control the AC system. Various sensors and electronic components rely on these signals to function properly. A technician will use specialized tools to diagnose electrical issues and pinpoint the exact cause of the problem
• Malfunctioning Fans: The condenser and cabin fans play a vital role in the cooling process. The condenser fan helps draw air through the condenser fins to dissipate heat. The cabin fan circulates the cool air produced by the evaporator throughout the vehicle’s interior. A malfunctioning fan, either due to a burnt-out motor or a faulty electrical connection, can significantly reduce the AC system’s efficiency.
• Thermostat Issues: A faulty thermostat might not be sending the correct signal to activate the AC system, even when you set it to cool. The thermostat controls the system’s on-and-off cycles based on the desired cabin temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat can lead to the AC system not engaging at all or not reaching the desired cooling level.

Cool Solutions: 3 Troubleshooting Tips and Repairs

While you should never be making major repairs on your own, there are some quick troubleshooting tasks any CR-V owner can handle:

1. Check the AC settings: First and foremost, ensure your AC is turned on and that the temperature is set to a cool level. User error may actually be your culprit.
2. Visually inspect belts and hoses: Without taking anything apart, look under your hood at the AC belts and hoses. Cracks, leaks, and loose connections are relatively easy to spot, meaning you can point out any concerning signs to a technician.
3. Clear any obstructions: As covered earlier, you can check the condenser for any visible debris that may be blocking airflow. Feel free to check the cabin air filter as well.

The Extended Warranty Edge: Protection from the Heat

At the end of the day, we have to face the fact that all vehicles will have problems eventually regardless of how reliable the car is. Certain repairs, such as those concerning the air conditioning system, can be quite expensive. Luckily, an extended warranty or vehicle service contract from a reputable company, such as Endurance, can change the game by providing valuable protection against unexpected AC breakdowns all while saving you money.

Having an extended warranty contract that covers the air conditioning system means you can have peace of mind on the road, especially during the scorching summer months. You don’t need to worry about the financial burden of a major AC repair bill because your warranty contract will cover the costs. Additionally, warranties typically offer part-by-part coverage, such as for the compressor, condenser, evaporator, or just the entire system, meaning specific repairs will be covered, too.

Top-of-the-line providers like Endurance also offer a variety of coverage options to choose from, meaning you can tailor any plan to fit your specific needs on the road. Perhaps you only need the most important components in your Honda CR-V covered via a high-level stated coverage plan, or perhaps you are seeking something more comprehensive. Either way, there’s a contract for you.

The icing on this massive cake is the fact we work with a nationwide network of certified repair shops, meaning you can take your CR-V to a trusted location that accepts your warranty.

Protect Your Honda CR-V with Endurance Warranty

Don’t let a malfunctioning AC system turn your Honda CR-V into an uncomfortable sauna on wheels. By understanding the common issues behind why warm air is coming from your AC vents and taking action quickly, you can get back to enjoying cool air. Remember that for anything beyond basic troubleshooting, it’s best to contact a certified technician to run diagnostics and tackle the issue.

Many of Endurance Warranty’s contracts include coverage for vital components within the air conditioning system, including the Supreme, Superior, and Secure Plus plans, to help you save on auto repairs. In addition to protecting your air conditioning system, Endurance’s contracts offer protection for components ranging from simple, stated coverage all the way up to near bumper-to-bumper coverage. On top of this, all Endurance contracts come with Beneficios de élite, which offer bonus perks such as up to $1,000 in total loss protection, reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, and much more.

To see how Endurance can help protect your beloved Honda CR-V, contact our plan advisors at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS. Tú también puedes tienda en linea to get an instant price estimate based on your needs and budget.

Below, we will dive into the fascinating world of car A/C systems, thus empowering you with the knowledge you need to maintain optimal cooling and potentially save money on repairs. Everything from the system’s core functionalities, essential components, and even tips for ensuring peak performance will be covered to keep you comfortable on the road.

The Basics of Car Air Conditioning

At its core, a car’s air conditioning system operates on the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. It uses a refrigerant, a specially formulated liquid that undergoes a phase change to absorb heat from the car’s interior and release it outside the vehicle (as well as vice versa). A variety of parts work within this system to provide you with the clean and refreshing air that hits your skin.

5 Key Components of the A/C System

Diving a little deeper into the specifics, there are five primary components that are integral to the functions of your A/C system:

1. Compressor

First and foremost, the compressor is the heart of an automotive air conditioning system. It is a pump powered by your vehicle’s drive belt, drawing in low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and, as the name implies, compressing it significantly. The point of this process is to dramatically increase the refrigerant’s temperature and pressure before it moves through the rest of the system.

2. Condenser

Following the compression of the refrigerant in the system, the condenser plays a vital role in reducing hot air. As the high-pressure, hot refrigerant gas from the compressor moves through the condenser’s intricate network of coils, the airflow generated by the vehicles’ movement dissipates some heat. When this heat dissipation occurs, the refrigerant converts back into a high-pressure liquid.

3. Expansion Valve

Essentially serving as a glorified metering device, the expansion valve regulates the flow of the high-pressure refrigerant into the evaporator (which is the next stage of the process). As the refrigerant starts to expand and goes through the valve, it undergoes a significant pressure change. This sudden and dramatic pressure reduction causes the refrigerant to vaporize and absorb a substantial amount of heat rapidly. This causes the refrigerant to become notably cooler.

4. Evaporator

Tucked into the dashboard of your vehicle, the evaporator is another crucial component in the overall cooling process. As the chilled refrigerant from the expansion valve reaches the evaporator core, a blower fan continuously draws warm cabin air over the evaporator’s fins. When the cooled refrigerant starts to interact with warm cabin air, the heat is absorbed, and the air temperature plummets. This cool air is then directed into the passenger cabin, thus blanketing you in cool air on your drive.

5. Refrigerant

As a bonus, the term refrigerant has been mentioned quite a bit in the above, but it’s worth covering what exactly this part of the car air conditioner system is. Refrigerant is the lifeblood of the air conditioning system. It is a specially formulated liquid, usually a type R-134 refrigerant, that is designed to transition between gas and liquid states. As it does so, heat is absorbed and transferred.

How Does the A/C System Cool Your Vehicle?

Now that you’re familiar with all of the key components of the air conditioning system in your vehicle and their purpose, it’s important to look at what actually happens when you turn the system on. The minute you click your A/C system into place, the compressor will spring into action. The low-pressure refrigerant gas will be drawn from the evaporator and compressed dramatically, raising both the pressure and temperature.

This refrigerant will then journey to the condenser, where the airflow from the vehicle’s movement, courtesy of the cooling fan, plays a vital role. The heat is dissipated once it passes over the condenser fans, transforming it back into a high-pressure liquid. This then passes through the expansion valve, where the pressure reduction cools it into a low-pressure and chilled gas. Finally, this chilled gas reaches the evaporator, where it is cooled further and directed into the passenger cabin. From this point, the cycle continues to ensure you keep receiving cold air against your skin.

Essential A/C Maintenance Tips

Given the importance of the air conditioning system, it’s important to look at some essential air conditioning system maintenance tips. The following are some of the most crucial to consider:

1. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: The air filter is the first line of defense for your air conditioning system against pollen, dust, and other debris that may enter the interior. Usually, a cabin air filter needs replacing once a year or around 12,000 miles (variable dependent upon your vehicle). Clogged air filter cabins can restrict airflow to the evaporator core, thus reducing efficiency and potentially leading to bad smells in the passenger cabin.
2. Leak Checks: Since refrigerant is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s system, the last thing you want is for it to leak out of your car. If left unchecked, refrigerant leaks can lead to a loss of cooling capacity and even potential damage to the A/C compressor. By detecting leaks early through routine maintenance, the issue can be solved before it evolves into something worse.
3. Visual Inspections: Building on the prior point, it’s worth performing visual inspections of the vehicle’s parts to ensure nothing is amiss. During routine checks, ask your mechanic to inspect the belts and hoses associated with the A/C system for signs of wear and tear.
4. System Cleaning: Certain mechanics may recommend handling a system cleaning on a regular basis to remove accumulated debris and mold from the evaporator core, potentially improving airflow and reducing odors.

The Role of Extended Warranties in A/C System Care

Car repairs can be quite expensive, especially if they are associated with repairing major components, such as the air conditioning system, and specific parts, such as the compressor, radiator, or condenser. An extended warranty can provide you with protection against these unforeseen costs. Third-party warranties essentially act as a safeguard against mechanical breakdowns in your vehicle. Assuming the breakdown is covered under your specific warranty plan, some, if not all, of the cost will be covered by the plan through the claim process.

Depending on your warranty plan, individual parts or an entire system may be covered. It’s important to read the coverage terms and conditions of your contract prior to signing the agreement so that you can rest easier while driving.

When to Seek Professional Repair Services

The air conditioning system is an intricate grouping of parts and components, meaning the average person likely can’t handle major repairs on their own. If you notice any of the following signs, consider taking your vehicle to be diagnosed for A/C issues right away:

• Weak or warm air: One of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with the A/C system on your vehicle is if the air coming out is lukewarm, hot, or if there is no air at all. This could have a variety of sources as the cause and should be an immediate reason to contact a professional.
• Odd noises: Another major sign that something is amiss with your air conditioning system is odd noises sounding the minute you turn your air conditioner on.
• Strange smells: Any type of musty or odd smell emanating from the vents of your vehicle when you turn the system on should be immediate cause for concern and a reason to take your vehicle to a professional.

Protect Your A/C Unit with Endurance

A well-maintained A/C system not only keeps you cool and comfortable during hot weather but also helps defrost windows during cold mornings and improve overall cabin air quality. Therefore, it’s not just for comfort but also for safety on the road, which is why ensuring your A/C system is up to date is crucial.

The best way to stay safe and have peace of mind on the road is to invest in an extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, that offers protection for your car’s A/C system. Endurance auto protection plans provide financial coverage for repairs affecting parts ranging from the total A/C system, cooling system, electrical system, and so much more.

Each Endurance vehicle contract comes with standard driving perks, including Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (with towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car coverage, and trip interruption reimbursement. You can also choose to activate our exclusive Paquete de beneficios Élite, which offers up to $1,000 in total loss protection, reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, key fob replacement, and more.*

Consider investing in an garantía extendida to ensure your vehicle’s air conditioning system and other vital systems stay working properly. Call an Endurance plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS, o tienda en linea para ver su precio ahora.

Read more about automotive A/C systems en el blog Endurance. You’ll also find articles on other DIY maintenance tips, extended warranty comparisons, and vehicle buying guides.

But unlike something you’d purchase at a grocery store, vehicles don’t have an expiration or best-used-by date. Many factors determine a car’s lifespan.

Understanding these elements can provide critical insights during shopping and help keep your vehicle on the road longer. Keep reading as we explore this essential information.

Understanding Vehicle Lifespan

The answer to the “How long will my car last?” question has improved in recent decades. At the start of the 21st century, the lifespan of the average light vehicle (passenger cars and light trucks) was about nine years, reports the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. By 2024, the typical vehicle would stay on the road for 12.6 years, a gain of over 40%.

From a mileage perspective, this means that modern automobiles can reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles, according to Informes de los consumidores. This achievement is a significant improvement over cars from the 1980s and 1990s that struggled to reach 100,000 miles. The progress can be attributed to better engineering and manufacturing techniques and consumer demand for more reliable vehicles.

Key Factors Influencing Vehicle Lifespan

Many factors contribute to vehicle longevity, and these can influence your car-buying process. Here’s a breakdown:

Make and Model

The make and model of your vehicle play a significant role in its expected lifespan. Some automakers have a reputation for producing cars that can rack up major mileage. Brands like toyota y honda are known for cars capable of traveling 200,000 to 300,000 miles or more with attentive upkeep.

In addition, certain models tend to be especially long-lasting. Search any well-known online marketplace, and it’s not too hard to find a Toyota Camry o Honda Accord with 300,000 miles or more. Full-size pickup trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado are capable of even higher mileage.

It’s vital to remember that build quality influences vehicle lifespan, but only to a point. There are other ingredients in a long-life formula.

Routine Maintenance Practices

Regular maintenance is essential to achieving a long vehicle life expectancy regardless of what you drive. Neglecting cambios de aceite, rotaciones de neumáticos, fluid flushes, and other routine services can lead to premature wear and breakdown of critical components. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your make and model is crucial.

Critically, staying on top of routine servicing keeps your car’s engine running efficiently while minimizing strain. This is also an opportunity to catch minor issues before they become big (and expensive) problems.

Your Driving Habits

How you drive also influences how long your car will last. Frequent hard acceleration, slamming on brakes, and aggressive cornering all put added stress on your vehicle. Over time, this type of driving can lead to excess wear on the engine, transmisión, suspension, and other components.

Smooth, steady driving puts less strain on your car. Accelerate gradually and anticipate stops to minimize hard braking. Go easy on your vehicle, and it will likely return the favor with an extended lifespan.

The type of miles you drive matters, too. Many short trips never let the engine fully warm up, allowing condensation and sludge to build up. Whenever possible, combine errands into longer trips. Steady highway driving is easier on a car than the constant stopping and starting typical of urban and suburban driving.

Environmental Conditions

The environment your car operates in also plays a part in its longevity. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can accelerate wear.

If you live by the ocean, salt in the air and water can speed up corrosion, especially of the undercarriage. Regular washes can help mitigate this. Road salt has a similar effect in snowy climates, making frequent washes key. Scorching temperatures can be equally harsh on plastic and rubber components, leading to cracking and splits. Parking in the shade and using sunshades can reduce heat exposure.

Potholes, gravel roads, speed bumps, and other rough conditions increase the toll on your suspension and steering components. Avoiding hazards and checking the alignment if you hit a bump can prevent issues from worsening.

Maximizing Your Vehicle’s Mileage

Taking your car for granted is the surest way to reduce its longevity. In contrast, a proactive approach to ownership will extend your car’s life while preserving value and minimizing the risk of a breakdown. Here’s how to keep the odometer rolling.

• Observe the recommended maintenance schedule for your make and model, which includes:
  • Regular oil changes and filter changes
  • Tire rotations and alignment checks
  • Transmission, coolant, and brake fluid changes
  • Belt and hose inspections and replacements
  • Air filter changes
  • Spark plug replacements
• Check fluid levels regularly and top off as needed.
• Keep the tires properly inflated for even wear, and periodically inspect them for wear or damage.
• Use quality replacement parts that meet factory specifications.
• Keep the exterior washed and waxed.
• Be alert for unusual conditions like a strange smell, an uncommon noise, or vibrations.
• Address minor problems right away.
• Drive smoothly and steadily, and avoid rapid acceleration or sudden braking.

The Role of Extended Warranties

While diligent upkeep goes a long way, unexpected breakdowns can still happen, especially as vehicles age. The older your car gets and the more mileage it has, the higher the likelihood of needing repairs. An garantía extendida, like those offered by Endurance, can be essential to your car’s long-term health.

An extended car warranty, also called a contrato de servicio de vehiculo o plan de protección automática, helps pay for certain repairs after the factory coverage expires. This is vital protection because, like car prices, repair costs have risen.

De acuerdo a Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a visit to the mechanic can be eye-opening and wallet-draining. Here are the average out-of-pocket expenses for some popular vehicles. Luxury models are even more pricey.

• Honda Civic: $1,667
• Tesla Model Y: $1,356
• Subaru Outback: $1,768
• Ford F-150 (regular cab): $1,833
• Toyota Camry Hybrid: $1,726

Meanwhile, specific repairs can be especially costly. RepairPal reports the following:

• Air conditioner compressor replacement: $930–$1,149
• Reemplazo de la bomba de combustible: $1,082–$1,251
• Exhaust manifold replacement: $1,180–$1,284
• Cylinder head replacement: $3,575–$3,928
• Transmission replacement: $5,266–$5,469

In short, extended warranties provide peace of mind against surprise repair bills and make the cost of car ownership more predictable.

When to Consider an Extended Warranty

Several scenarios make an extended warranty worthwhile. Consider this protection if you:

• Have a car that has lost or is losing its original coverage
• Are purchasing a used vehicle that doesn’t have warranty protection
• Prefer the predictability of affordable monthly payments over large, unplanned repair costs
• Drive an older car or one with high mileage.
• Can’t afford a large and sudden repair bill or the downtime associated with a major repair

Vehicle Longevity FAQs

What is good mileage for a used car?

The answer depends on the vehicle’s make, model, age, and overall condition. Generally, most modern cars can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with proper care. When evaluating a used car, consider not just the number on the odometer but also its maintenance history, previous use (a highway commuter will likely have less wear than a city delivery vehicle), and how well it’s been cared for. A well-maintained car with higher mileage may be better than a neglected one with lower mileage.

How many miles can a car last?

There’s no set rule for how many miles a car can drive, but with current manufacturing standards, most vehicles can deliver 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Some makes and models can have even longer lifespans, with 300,000 or more miles possible. Factors like upkeep, driving habits, and conditions all impact longevity.

Is it worth buying a car with 150K miles?

It can be if the car is well maintained and in good overall condition. At 150,000 miles, many modern vehicles still have significant serviceable life left. However, you’ll want to be especially attentive to car maintenance and be prepared that some wear items, like the timing belt, water pump, and suspension components, may need replacing sooner than on a lower-mileage car.

What is the average lifespan of a car?

The average American car life expectancy is around 12 years or about 200,000 miles. However, this is just an average — many vehicles last significantly longer with proper care, even in high-mileage vehicles. The make and model, driving habits, maintenance practices, and operating environment influence how long a specific vehicle lasts. Generally, a well-built and well-maintained car can deliver many years and miles of reliable service.

Get Ready for the Road Ahead with Endurance

Keeping your car in drivable condition means paying for costly repairs — a contrato de servicio de vehiculo from Endurance can help. Car owners can choose from primary coverage that protects the powertrain (engine, transmission, and drive axle) or a more extensive plan with safeguards like a manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. Intermediate programs balance cost and protection. Endurance even has plans for high-mileage cars, select luxury models, and commercial-use vehicles.

Every Garantía extendida Endurance includes the freedom to choose from any ASE Certified mechanic or facility, Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (with towing coverage), rental car reimbursement, trip-interruption support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and flexible payment terms.

Learn all the benefits of Endurance. Request a FREE quote or visit our online store for instant price and plan information. Call (800) 253-8203 to speak with an Endurance plan advisor and get one-on-one help finding a plan that meets your situation.

Explorar el Blog Endurance for timely articles covering car repairs, maintenance advice, warranty recommendations, and more.

“From early on in my racing days, I learned that regular maintenance is key to keeping a car performing at its peak,” says Danica. “Just like athletes need to care for their bodies, cars need regular check-ups and maintenance to stay in top shape.”

Danica’s racing accomplishments include Rookie of the Year awards for her performances in the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series. During her initial Indy 500 run, Danica led the field for numerous laps, ultimately finishing fourth. Throughout her IndyCar career, Danica continued to shatter barriers for women in motorsports, including driving for elite teams such as Rahal Letterman Racing and Andretti Autosport. In 2008, she reached another milestone by becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, triumphing at that year’s Indy Japan 300.

In 2012, Danica made a bold move to NASCAR. That same year, she claimed the pole position at the sport’s crown jewel event, the Daytona 500, setting yet another record as the first American female driver to accomplish such a feat. Her NASCAR days included racing the #10 GoDaddy Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing. Danica continued to compete at NASCAR’s highest levels until her retirement in 2018.

Now, with her racing days behind her, Danica is sharing her top tips for springtime car renewal.

The Importance of Vehicle Health

Ideally, car care should be a year-round effort. However, even if this isn’t the case with your vehicle, spring is the perfect opportunity to focus on its health. Just like you should be going to the doctor for an annual check-up, a spring cleaning effort with your car can spot and treat underlying issues before they turn into more significant problems later.

Danica remarks, “Keeping your car well-maintained is just as important as staying physically fit. These steps help prevent costly repairs and keep you and your passengers safe.”

She reminds car owners that regular maintenance provides numerous benefits, starting with maximizing vehicle lifespan. Other advantages include improved fuel economy, enhanced performance, and increased reliability. Ultimately, keeping a car well-maintained preserves resale value and saves money.

Pro-active maintenance has always been a top priority for Danica, thanks to her experience as a professional driver. “In racing, success comes down to the fine details,” she says. “A car that’s perfectly dialed in can be the difference between reaching the podium or not.”

While checkered flags and 200 mph speeds probably aren’t part of your daily driving, taking Danica’s maintenance advice to heart can keep your car ready for the roads ahead.

Spring Cleaning Checklist: 7 Useful Tips

Danica notes that tackling spring car cleaning doesn’t require fancy tools or mechanical skills. Here’s her list of simple tasks to help refresh your ride for Spring. She also offers guidance on essential maintenance activities that are a natural part of the seasonal cleaning process:

1. Wash and Wax the Exterior: Start this seasonal renewal by thoroughly cleaning your car’s exterior. Wash away the build-up of winter grime, paying attention to the undercarriage, wheel wells, and other hidden spots. Pay attention to the openings along the hood and trunk or cargo area. Once the painted surfaces are dirt-free, apply a clay bar across the exterior to remove contaminants. Follow-up with fresh wax for protection and luster.
2. Clean and Treat the Interior: A clean cabin complements a shiny exterior. Vacuum debris from the carpets, floor mats, seats, and storage cubbies, being sure to get into crevices, cupholders, and door jambs. Apply stain remover to any carpet, mat, or upholstery spots, making sure to use a car-safe solution. Use a leather or vinyl conditioner on non-fabric upholstery.
3. Check Fluid Levels: Top off fluids for the brakes, cooling system, windshield washer, and transmission (if your car has this capability). Danica emphasizes the importance of reviewing the owner’s manual to confirm how to add fluids correctly. In addition, she recommends following the manufacturer’s guidance on using the correct fluid types and following the required change intervals.
4. Change the Oil: The most critical fluid change involves aceite de motor. Danica advises using high-quality synthetic oil and premium filters and not exceeding the manufacturer-recommended oil change interval.
5. Inspect Wipers and Filters: Take a few minutes to examine the windshield wipers and replace worn blades. If you can’t remember the last time you did this, replacements are likely needed. Also, check the engine and cabin air filters to see if they need to be switched out.
6. Check Tire Pressure: Proper tire inflation maximizes fuel efficiency, enhances tread life, and improves stopping power. Tire pressure requirements are in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s door jamb.
7. Inspect the Battery and Terminals: Clean any corrosion or build-up accumulated on the battery terminals and ensure the cable connections are tight.

Addressing Common Post-Winter Issues

Danica notes that while racecars encounter more predictable environments, ordinary automobiles are exposed to a full range of climates, including winter’s wrath. Spring is the time to focus on crucial maintenance areas that may not have gotten proper attention during the colder months.

• Check Hoses and Belts: Extreme temperatures can damage rubberized components like hoses and drive belts. Take a few moments under the hood to inspect for cracking, other deterioration, and looseness, especially if your car has over 50,000 miles.
• Address Outstanding Issues: With the winter past, now’s the time to look after any nagging mechanical problems or unusual noises. Have any areas of concern inspected by a professional mechanic while they are still minor issues.
• Test the Battery: Extreme cold is not a friend to a car battery, especially one that is older (most batteries last three to five years). Have the battery tested and replace a failing unit before it leaves you stranded. The health of the battery is so important for reliable starting, so check it first thing after winter.
• Inspect the Tires: Tire maintenance involves more than checking pressure, which can be affected by fluctuating temperatures. Examine the tires for inconsistent wear (a sign of misalignment o suspension issues) and any physical damage to the tread or sidewall. Your tires are the only contact with the road, so you want them in optimal condition. Keep up-to-date on rotaciones de neumáticos, too.
• Check the Brakes: Salt, water, and grime accumulation over winter can accelerate brake wear. Inspect the brake pads and rotors, and test the brake fluid for moisture contamination. The calipers may need lubrication.
• Inspect for and Treat Rust: Snow, ice, and road salt promote the development of rust, particularly on unprotected metal or damaged painted surfaces. The onset of warm weather doesn’t stop rust, either. Treat any small rust spots by sanding away the corrosion, applying a rust inhibitor, and then covering with touch-up paint. Larger or more complex trouble areas should be handled professionally.

The Role of Extended Warranties

The effects of winter on a car can be more than maintenance requirements. It’s not unusual for plunging temperatures, snow, and ice to push a vehicle past its breaking point. Car owners can be protected against surprise repair bills with an extended warranty, like the levels of coverage offered by Endurance Warranty Services. An extended warranty, more accurately called a vehicle service contract, takes away the stress of unanticipated expenses, providing peace of mind after the factory warranty has expired.

Endurance offers a variety of coverage options to suit different budgets and vehicle needs. Below is an overview of the different coverage plans. Review our sample contracts para más detalles.

Powertrain Protection

Engine and transmission repairs are usually the costliest. A powertrain warranty covers the lubricated components of these systems, as well as water pumps, lubricated drive axle parts, turbochargers, and other vital elements. Endurance expands on powertrain protection with a Secure Plus upgrade covering air conditioning, brakes, select electrical components, steering, and hybrid systems.

Expanded Coverage

Car owners concerned about repair bills beyond essential systems turn to Endurance’s Superior protection. It’s the company’s highest level of stated component coverage. This means more parts are mentioned explicitly in the extended warranty (or auto protection plan) than in lower-level programs. For instance, the cooling system, suspension, fuel system, and transfer case are among the protected components.

Exclusionary Protection

Endurance flips the script on an extended car warranty with its Supreme plan, an exclusionary coverage offering. Unlike stated coverage, which details precisely what the extended warranty coverage pays for, an exclusionary program protects every vehicle component unless exclusions are explicitly mentioned in the agreement. This protection is similar to a new car warranty.

Recognizing that some car owners have additional protection needs, Endurance has programs for:

• High-mileage vehicles
• Select luxury models
• Commercial-use automobiles.
• Modified vehicles
• High-tech automotive electronics

Advantages of Endurance Warranty

Endurance offers flexible and convenient auto protection plans. You can take your car to any certified mechanic and deal with folks who make the process smooth. There are other perks, including:

• Nationwide Coverage: Endurance plan holders can get help with covered auto repairs from any Mecánico certificado ASE or repair facility, so you don’t need to go to the dealership (unless you want to). This feature is ideal if a mechanical breakdown occurs while on a road trip or far from home.
• Money-Back Guarantee: Endurance provides a 30-day money-back guarantee during which you can review coverage more closely and receive a full refund if you’re unsatisfied. Afterward, you may cancel anytime for a prorated refund (see the plan’s terms for details).
• Roadside Assistance and Trip Support: All Endurance customers can access Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (with towing coverage and lockout assistance), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.
• Endurance Elite Benefits: Every Endurance plan includes a free year of Elite Benefits. Just pay a small enrollment fee for tire coverage (up to four tire repairs or replacements due to road hazards, key fob replacement, collision discounts, and total loss protection.
• Endurance Smartphone App: All Endurance customers can access an exclusive smartphone app that provides convenient access to plan documentation, claim processing, and live customer support.
• Flexible Payment Options: Endurance plans can be paid for upfront or via monthly payments, ensuring getting coverage isn’t a hassle or strain on the budget.

Preparing for Spring and Beyond

Use the changing of seasons as motivation to give your car some TLC. Take time this spring to assess its current condition and identify any problem spots before they grow into bigger headaches down the road. A little planning and prevention go a long way. Approach car care with the same care you do for your health, and you’ll keep your vehicle running smoothly for the long haul.

Attention to detail also matters. Here are some of Danica’s extra spring car care tips for preparing your car for the months ahead.

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: 6 Crucial Steps

1. Clean the Headlights: Yellowed or faded headlights impact nighttime visibility. Headlight restoration kits make cleaning up hazy headlamps a simple DIY project.
2. Detail the Wheels: Scrub clean the wheels to remove brake dust and road grime build-up. Follow up with a wheel protectant that will make future cleaning easier.
3. Clean Inside the Tailpipe: Use a pipe brush (on a cold tailpipe) to remove soot and other debris accumulated over the winter. This effort is often overlooked but can transform a car’s looks. While down there, inspect the exhaust system for loose fittings, rust, or cracks.
4. Inspect the Windshield: Tiny parabrisas chips can turn into large cracks. Avoid any issues with windshield repairs or replacement.
5. Lubricate Latches and Hinges: Use a spray lubricant to latch mechanisms and hinges to keep the hood, trunk, and doors operating smoothly.
6. Touch-up Paint Chips: Use touch-up paint to fix minor paint imperfections and chips to maintain your car’s appearance and ward off rust

Get Ready for the Road with Endurance

Discover all that Garantía Endurance has to offer. Request a FREE quote or check out our eStore for instant price and plan information. Personalized help is also just a call away at (800) 253-8203. Speak with an Endurance advisor to find an auto protection plan that matches your needs and budget.

Read more on the Blog Endurance for expert-written articles covering car reviews, automotive news, DIY tips, maintenance advice, vehicle protection plan insights, and more.

Thankfully, there are some ways to keep expensive repairs to a minimum, whether it’s by carrying out maintenance tasks regularly or with the help of an extended warranty. In this comprehensive guide, we look at why spring maintenance is so essential and how investing in extended auto protection can save you some serious money.

The Role of Yearly Car Maintenance: 9 Tips for Spring

A calmer period between the harsher conditions of winter and summer, spring is the perfect time to take stock and bring your car back to top working condition. Maintenance should be carried out at regular intervals in line with your manufacturer’s guidelines, but our spring recommendations include:

1. Inspect under the hood for any corrosion that winter weather may have caused
2. Inspect all belts and hoses for cracks and damage
3. Inspect the undercarriage of your vehicle for dirt, rocks, or damage
4. Check your tire pressure is at the correct PSI
5. Test your car battery is working efficiently
6. Replace windshield wiper fluid
7. Replace windshield wiper blades
8. Test the air conditioner to see if it’s operational
9. Replace the air cabin filter if necessary

Any component that isn’t running at 100% efficiency not only strains itself, but the components around it too. So by spotting any issues and addressing them promptly, you can potentially prevent multiple repairs (and the accompanying car repair bills).

Understanding Extended Warranties

If you aren’t totally sure what an extended warranty plan is and why you should invest in one, we’re here to help. Put simply, having one in place protects you from unexpected repair costs. But to give you the full picture, we need to go right back to the beginning of a car’s life cycle.

Every new car rolls off the production line with what’s known as a Garantía de Fábrica o un manufacturer’s warranty. This is effectively the manufacturer’s promise to repair or replace any components that fail due to fault within a predetermined number of years or miles traveled (whichever comes first). How long it lasts will completely depend on your manufacturer, but one thing’s for certain: as soon as it expires, you, as the owner, are fully responsible for any future repair bills.

If you’d like to continue enjoying the peace of mind that you’re used to, there are two key options. The first is what’s known as a more traditional garantía extendida, which can usually be purchased via your dealership or directly from your manufacturer. This does exactly what the name implies and extends your factory warranty coverage beyond the expiry date. While it might sound great on paper, there are actually some pretty significant drawbacks.

For example, extended warranties stipulate that all work must be carried out at an authorized dealership, which isn’t ideal if you suffer a mechanical breakdown hundreds of miles from one. To make matters worse, an extended warranty must be purchased while your factory warranty is still active. Leave it just one day late, and you’ll no longer qualify for coverage — so used car owners are excluded completely.

Because of this, a contrato de servicio de vehiculo (or plan de protección automática) from a third-party provider is the universally preferred alternative. Third parties, like Endurance, are incentivized to offer almost like-for-like coverage at an even better price point, usually throwing in some additional perks to give you even better value for money. Covered repairs can be carried out at the certified auto shop of your choice, and you don’t need an active factory warranty to purchase one. When you put the two side-by-side, a vehicle service contract really is a no-brainer.

While we’re on the topic, it’s worth pointing out that an extended warranty or vehicle service contract and auto insurance are not one and the same. More specifically, an extended warranty or vehicle service contract protects you from repair bills incurred as a result of unexpected component failure, while car insurance protects you from repair bills incurred as a result of a collision, severe weather, or other such incident. The two work great in tandem, so it’s highly recommended that you invest in both and cover yourself from all angles.

Benefits of Extended Warranties for Spring Maintenance

During your spring maintenance checks, there’s a high probability that you’ll find some components are on the brink of failure, or they could have even failed already. With an extended warranty watching out for you, you’ll be able to get them repaired instantly without spending a penny. Having a vehicle protection plan in place will also free up more cash to spend on routine maintenance when you need to, as you’ll have saved on repairs throughout the year. Depending on your plan, you might even find that some maintenance tasks are covered under the terms of your contract. For example, Endurance’s industry-leading plan de ventajas includes up to $3,500 in annual maintenance fees and covers regular services like oil changes.

In general, an extended warranty means you can keep your car in the best shape possible without having to worry about the financial implications. When your car runs more smoothly, its components have an even longer lifespan — meaning an easier maintenance schedule, fewer trips to the repair shop, and a much more enjoyable ownership experience.

4 Tips for Choosing the Right Extended Car Warranty Plan

There are plenty of extended warranty providers out there, and each of them will offer multiple levels of coverage options. Even if it’s something you’ve done before, it can be a daunting experience, but it helps if you know what you should be looking out for. There are a number of key factors to consider, such as:

• Provider reputation: You might have found the most comprehensive plan imaginable, but if the provider can’t be trusted to make good on their promises, it’s a total waste of time and money. Start by finding the most reputable car warranty companies in your area and make a shortlist. Do your research by reading automotive publications and checking out customer reviews.
• Consider your vehicle: Do you have an older vehicle with high mileage? Or perhaps you’re lucky enough to drive a luxury car? Think about your vehicle and what you might require from coverage, then search your shortlisted providers for something suitable.
• Consider your driving habits: Similarly, think about your driving habits. For example, you might be a rideshare driver or use your car for commercial purposes. If you’ve found a provider or plan that you’re interested in, you’ll need to ensure that how you intend to drive the car won’t void any coverage.
• Understand the terms: Before you put pen to paper, always make sure you fully understand the terms of your contract. The number one reason that claims are denied by providers is that the auto repair isn’t covered by the plan in question, so ask for a copy of your contract and read it thoroughly (including any fine print).

Endurance Warranty: Your Partner for Spring Savings

If you want to save on spring maintenance, you want Endurance Warranty. Since opening our HQ in Northbrook, Illinois, in 2006, we’ve protected thousands of drivers from the rising cost of car ownership — and we’re ready to protect you, too. We pride ourselves on our unrivaled eligibility, offering a wide range of plans designed to cater to an even wider range of drivers. Whether you’re a casual commuter, a rideshare driver, own a high-mileage vehicle, or even a luxury car, we have you covered. And if our base plans don’t quite meet your individual needs and budget, we’ll be more than happy to tailor a bespoke plan that does.

It doesn’t stop at top-quality coverage: we also offer some of the best added benefits in the business. Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage are included as standard with every Endurance plan. On top of that, new Endurance customers receive a year’s access to our Paquete de beneficios Élite, piling on up to four tire repairs or replacements annually, key fob replacement, up to $500 in collision discounts, and up to $1,000 in total loss protection. Just pay the small activation fee, and they’re all yours to enjoy.

Better yet, we’re also the direct administrator of most of our plans, meaning no pesky middlemen to deal with when you want to make a claim. Our award-winning customer service team is always on hand via phone or email if you have any queries. Plus, the Endurance smartphone app puts all of the most important information right in the palm of your hand. If that wasn’t enough, Endurance plans are also fully transferable to subsequent owners, giving you extra selling power should you decide to part ways with your vehicle, and potentially increasing its value.

Maximizing Your Extended Auto Warranty

Once you’ve invested in extended warranty coverage, you’ll want to get the most out of it. To ensure that things go smoothly when you want to make a claim, there are a number of basic rules you should follow. For example, every provider will stipulate that your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is followed to the letter in order to keep coverage active. You should also keep detailed records of this and any other work that has been carried out on your vehicle so that proof is available should it be required during the claims process.

When it comes to making a claim, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the process ahead of time. If your coverage is with Endurance, making a claim looks something like this:

1. Prevent further damage. Immediately pull over in a safe spot and call roadside assistance to avoid causing further damage to your vehicle.
2. Take your vehicle to a licensed repair facility. With Endurance, you’re free to have your vehicle towed to any certified auto shop.
3. The service manager obtains authorization from the administrator prior to making any repairs. Let the service manager know you’re with Endurance and they’ll contact us.
4. Authorize tear-down and/or inspection. They may need to tear down or inspect your vehicle to confirm the issue.
5. Review your warranty coverage. The service manager will go over your warranty coverage with you to review what’s covered.
6. Pay any applicable deductible. If your car warranty cost includes a deductible, now is the time to pay it. It can range anywhere from $0 to $500, depending on your contract terms.
7. Keep all forms of documentation during this time. You may need to produce them later in the process.
8. Sit back and relax while your car is getting repaired. Should your car be in the shop for a longer period of time, your replacement vehicle reimbursement and trip-interruption perks will come in handy.

Get Total Driving Confidence with Endurance

Modern car components can cost hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars to maintain and repair. An extended auto warranty is one of the best ways to protect yourself from unexpected repair bills, but no matter how comprehensive your vehicle coverage is, it isn’t worth a dime if you can’t rely on your provider. You need a contrato de servicio de vehiculo you can trust — and Endurance is America’s top choice.

Wherever you look online, automotive experts agree that we have the best coverage in the country. To find out more, call (800) 253-8203 para solicitar un Cotización Gratis, o tienda en linea para ver su precio ahora!

If you’d like to keep reading about all things automotive, we also have plenty more helpful articles, just like this one, on our extended warranty blog.

Automobiles are more than just wheels connected to tires. Rather, they’re a symphony of science that turns your gestures at the wheel into movement on the road. Learning about your vehicle’s steering system works can be interesting – and even make you a better driver! In this article, we’ll review the nuances of your steering system, how it works, and the mechanics behind it all.

The Basic Mechanics of Steering

The basics of the steering system on your vehicle start with one fundamental principle: leverage. As you turn the steering wheel on your vehicle, which is essentially a large lever, your movement is amplified. The steering column then activates, which is a sturdy shaft on your vehicle connecting the wheel to the rack and pinion. As you turn the wheel, the steering column uses the pinion gear to rotate at the end, which engages teeth on the rack, essentially a long, bar-shaped gear.

This back-and-forth effort of the rack then pushes something known as the tie rods, which are directly connected to the wheels. These rods move in opposite directions, which allows the wheels on your vehicle to turn accordingly. While it may seem somewhat complicated, it is actually a simple and elegant way of turning your rotational effort into a linear movement that a vehicle needs to steer.

The Different Types of Steering Systems

As mentioned, steering systems on a vehicle work by using the principle of leverage. As vehicles have evolved over the years, however, new types of steering systems have emerged that aim to improve the overall driving process. Manual, power, and adaptive steering are three of the most common types and learning the differences between each can help you understand which your vehicle utilizes.

Manual Steering

Manual steering is the simplest type of steering in a vehicle and is also the oldest of the three. This type of steering relies entirely on the power the driver has and utilizes the rack and pinion mentioned above. It is generally featured on lighter vehicles as there is greater resistance from the vehicle when it weighs more, which can make steering difficult for a driver. In older vehicles, the way to determine whether manual steering was used was to look at if the vehicle was an automatic or stick shift. However, this has changed in recent years as some manual vehicles now have power steering systems.

Power Steering

As cars began to evolve and become heavier, manual steering was becoming a challenge for some drivers. As a result, hydraulic and electric power steering were introduced to make the driving experience easier. Hydraulic power steering works by using a hydraulic pump in the steering system, which supplies pressurized fluid to the steering rack. This fluid then reduces the strength and resistance applied to the rack, thus making the vehicle more responsive at the wheel. The power from the hydraulic pump comes from another part under the hood known as the serpentine belt.

On the other hand, some vehicles have an electric power steering system. Rather than using hydraulic fluid to reduce the burden the driver feels behind the wheel, electrical energy serves as a conduit. Specifically, a bidirectional magnet remains permanently attached to the steering gear or column. A sensor detects movement from the wheel, activating the electric motor. The assistance comes from this motor.

Adaptive and Active Steering

Adaptive steering essentially takes all of the benefits of power steering and amplifies them. Adaptive steering is a technology which monitors in real time how the vehicle is being driven, then optimizes the steering ratio to the vehicle’s speed and power. Adaptive or active steering often has two modes (normal and sport) which engage the driving mechanism to different degrees.

Active steering even goes a step further by using sensors for features such as “lane assist,” which can keep your vehicle from accidentally merging into other lanes.

Technological Advancements in Steering

The modern day has seen many technological advancements impacting vehicles, with more and more advancements occurring on a daily basis. Steer-by-wire systems, as an example, are paving the way for the future by replacing mechanical linkages with electrical signals instead. This means that an incredible level of customization and adaptability within the driving experience can occur.

Going further, artificial intelligence is resulting in improvements in autonomous driving by taking control of the wheel entirely. Companies such as Waymo have demonstrated this by introducing self-driving vehicles in San Francisco and Phoenix, spurred by statistics such as 94% of U.S. traffic crashes are the result of human error and that there are, on average, 1.35 million deaths worldwide due to roadway accidents every year. It’s only a matter of time before this technology is introduced into passenger vehicles.

The Importance of Steering System Maintenance

Given how fast the technology in steering systems is advancing, it has never been more important to handle maintenance on a regular basis. Even small problems can have a compounding effect, resulting in the entire steering system, from the front wheels to the rack and pinion steering system itself having issues. That’s why the following maintenance items should be taken care of on a regular basis:

• Change your power steering fluid filter on an annual basis
• Have your power steering fluid flushed if necessary
• Replace the hydraulic pump if it begins to fail
• Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
• Replace the tires on your vehicle every five to six years
• Take care of Mantenimiento regular check-ups as outlined by your vehicle manufacturer

Extended Warranties and Steering System Protection

Due to the intricacy of modern car steering systems, fixing issues can come with a heavy price tag that makes you wonder if the maneuverability of your power-assisted steering is actually worth it. Manufacturer warranties often have limited coverage for the steering inputs on your vehicle, which is where an extended warranty can be used to fill in the gap.

Automotive extended warranties, more accurately called contratos de servicio de vehículos (VSCs), often offer protection for smaller components such as the power steering pump, the steering shaft, ball bearings, the suspension system, and more. To reduce repair costs resulting from manufacturing errors, consider adding an extended warranty to your vehicle to protect the steering mechanism.

Protecting Your Steering System With Endurance

No one wants to find themselves driving down the road when their steering system stops responding. While recurring steering system maintenance can certainly reduce the risk of this happening, it is not foolproof. All vehicles can have manufacturing issues under the hood, and the steering system is no exception.

An plan de protección automática, such as those offered by Endurance, can reduce the repair costs associated with these issues. We offer customizable levels of coverage for the steering system, suspension, and drive axles. In addition, we offer useful standard perks such as Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana, towing, rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage.

Every new Endurance customer can take advantage of our Paquete de beneficios Élite for a small activation fee. The perks of these benefits include complete tire coverage, key fob replacement, up to $1,000 in total loss protection, and more.

To learn more about how Endurance can protect your vehicle, call (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS or shop online to ver tu precio now!

Read more informative articles, such as comparisons of extended warranty providers, car and SUV buying guides, expert auto tips, and more, on the Blog de garantía Endurance.

In this guide, we will explore the intricacies of your car’s bodywork, covering everything from the raw materials to the construction techniques that yield your vehicle’s body.

Materials Used in Car Bodywork

Car manufacturers utilize diverse materials when constructing the bodywork for their vehicles, each with unique properties and applications. All of these items are hidden beneath the high-quality auto paint. Some traditional materials, such as steel, make up your car body and offer unparalleled strength and durability, but at the cost of increased overall curb weight.

On the other hand, more modern materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and various composites reduce weight drastically and improve fuel efficiency. Still, they are far more expensive to work with.

By far and wide, steel remains one of the most commonly used materials in auto construction due to the strengths it offers outlined above. Some recent advancements in steel manufacturing have led to the development of high-strength, lightweight steel alloys that improve performance without sacrificing safety.

Despite the higher cost, certain high-end vehicle manufacturers will use aluminum or carbon fiber. However, this cost gets passed to the consumer, which is why certain brands come at a higher premium. In return for an elevated price, those who purchase these are rewarded with a vehicle that is corrosion-resistant and even recyclable to a certain degree.

Carbon fiber, in particular, offers an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, which is why it is commonly used in performance vehicles and racing cars. However, the complex manufacturing process means that it won’t be used in the mainstream automotive market for many years.

Construction Techniques for Auto Bodywork

While it’s easy to see your vehicle sitting on the curb and to imagine that it just came straight off the assembly line looking how it does, various construction techniques were required to bring it to fruition. Stamping and welding are two commonly used traditional manufacturing processes often combined with more modern methods, such as bonding, to create your vehicle.

Specifically, stamping involves shaping flat sheets of metal into complex multidimensional forms using both presses and dials. Manufacturers can create intricate body panels with the most precise dimensions for aerodynamic vehicles. The welding process then occurs to piece these individual panels together, thus creating the base framework for the vehicle. Traditional welding is still the primary method used, though newer techniques such as laser welding threaten to dethrone the traditional method as king within the coming years.

In addition to the two techniques above, bonding and adhesives are commonly used to join materials without applying heat. Structural adhesives can bond metals, plastics, and more together to create a lightweight, seamless structure. In some cases, bonding or adhesives can even improve a vehicle’s corrosiveness and help to improve its longevity.

Common Designs and Aerodynamics

Design plays a major role in your vehicle’s efficacy and safety. A sleek and aerodynamic design doesn’t only look cool; it also helps to reduce drag at high speeds and improve fuel efficiency over lengthy distances. Common designs seen on vehicles that contribute to these benefits include curved surfaces, spoilers, and certain underbody panels that optimize airflow. Car designers carefully balance form with function to ensure your vehicle is as beautiful as it is efficient.

On the topic of aerodynamics, high-performance vehicles, and racing cars are where things really come into play. With vehicles routinely driving at high speeds, even minor improvements to drag reduction can make or break safety. Techniques such as wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), simulations are used by manufacturers in order to optimize and test the vehicle’s bodywork.

The Safety Features and Innovations of Today

Beyond just offering you performance and aesthetics, the bodywork on your vehicle also plays a key role in ensuring occupant safety. Modern vehicles are equipped with various safety features integrated directly into the manufactured bodywork. One of the most common examples of these safety features is crumple zones on the vehicle. These zones are areas on the vehicle’s body designed to crumple upon impact to absorb most of the force.

Generally, the front and rear frames are the zones, but this can vary depending on the vehicle. This absorption of the impact helps reduce potential injuries drivers or passengers may receive, and fixing the frames is relatively easy. Another safety feature worked into the body of a vehicle is the side-impact beam. Typically, these are located on the doors and side panels, which are the opposite of crumple zones. The side-impact beams are sturdy metal beams designed to block a blow from a side impact in a crash.

Additionally, the passenger compartments of vehicles are specifically designed to withstand the forces generated by a collision. A mixture of high-strength steel, aluminum, and other strong materials reinforces the vehicle’s roof, pillars, and floor. This creates a rigid safety zone for occupants during a crash or rollover. None of the above includes the myriad of technological safety features built into the frame, including sensors for collision avoidance or lane departure, automatic emergency braking, and much more.

The Impact of Bodywork on Vehicle Longevity

Despite popular belief, one of the quickest factors leading to the degradation of a vehicle is a failure to maintain your bodywork and automotive paint job. Exposure to environmental elements, including moisture, salt, and various debris encountered on the road, can lead to more than just dents; rather, damage, rust, and corrosion occur over time.

This can result in a compromised bodywork integrity that reduces the vehicle’s strength and safety. For perspective, rust forms when iron and steel are exposed to moisture and oxygen, causing them to oxidize over time (resulting in that iconic reddish-brown color) and weaken.

If left unchecked, rust and general corrosion can spread to other parts of the vehicle and result in expensive repair costs, not to mention the impacted effect on safety. Simple car maintenance tasks such as taking the vehicle through the car wash, waxing the paint occasionally, and merely inspecting the auto body parts for damage on a monthly basis can help extend the lifespan of your vehicle.

In a worst-case scenario, be sure to get an auto body repair task taken care of as soon as possible. Certain tasks, such as sanding or touching up car paintwork, can be handled by DIY and still look good. However, more complex tasks beyond car paint may require the assistance of a collision repair shop, auto body shop, or dealership.

Extended Warranties and Bodywork Protection: What You Should Know

Given all of the above and the obvious importance of your vehicle’s bodywork, the last thing anyone wants is for it to be damaged. However, mechanical breakdowns can happen on the road, damaging the vehicle’s body. An extended car warranty, such as those offered by Endurance, can reduce the impending headache by removing some, if not all, of the automotive repair costs.

Extended warranties, also known as a vehicle service contract (VSC), work by protecting certain components on your vehicle in the event that a manufacturer-related problem occurs, unlike what an insurance company covers. These warranties can vary in coverage levels from simple high-level stated coverage to near bumper-to-bumper protection, and they should be purchased to protect your vehicle after your factory warranty expires.

Certain warranty contracts will even often cover specific maintenance items or protection against things such as rust and corrosion to help keep your vehicle fresh. The last thing you should be doing is driving around with a damaged vehicle body, so take action by investing in an extended warranty contract that can help repair damage as soon as possible.

Use Endurance to Keep Your Vehicle Secure

As alluded to above, auto protection plans can help remove the financial burden related to repair costs resulting from manufacturer defects or issues with your vehicle. Endurance Warranty offers many opciones de cobertura, each of which is customizable to your needs, meaning there’s a contract for someone who wants all types of protection for their vehicle. Whether high-level stated coverage for only the most crucial parts, such as the engine or transmission, or more comprehensive coverage for nearly all components is what you’re seeking, there’s an Endurance contract for you.

Additionally, perks such as 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursements, and trip interruption coverage all come included with Endurance contracts, meaning you can get your life back on track while your car is being fixed. All new Endurance customers also get access to Elite Benefits for a small activation fee, which offers bonus perks such as up to $1,000 in total loss protection, reimbursements for up to four tires per year due to road hazards, and more.

To learn more about how Endurance can help protect your entire vehicle, not just the body, contact our award-winning team to Solicite una cotización GRATIS at (800) 253-8203. You can also conveniently comprar en línea ahora to see your price instantly.

Whether you want a quality car wash or an intensive polish, using the right automotive cleaning supplies makes all the difference. Buying inferior detailing products can make these tasks more challenging or cause damage. We’ve narrowed down the thousands of items on Amazon to a handful of curated products that will make cleaning tasks easier while ensuring superior results.

You’ll notice a few names (Meguiar’s, Chemical Guys, Mothers, TriNova, and Stone Car Care kits) appear multiple times. Why? Because these companies produce gold-standard products for the average car owner. The key to purchasing top car cleaning items is sticking with brand names.

Amazon is littered with countless offerings from no-name outfits that may or may not sell a decent product. Buying an item with a familiar brand name lessens the chance of encountering problems while providing access to a responsive customer service department.

The importance of buying brand-name products can’t be overstated because Amazon ratings can be manipulated. Less-reputable sellers can easily fool consumers into buying a product that may be of inferior quality. In addition, most of the product recommendations you’ll come across are sold through official Amazon stores for these brands, ensuring you’re buying a genuine product.

4 Tips for Shopping on Amazon

Amazon’s e-commerce dominance comes from offering a vast array of products that can be easily ordered and quickly delivered. That being said, Amazon shoppers need to be aware of a few buying basics that ensure a successful purchase, factors we’ve considered with these car cleaning product recommendations.

1. Understanding Ratings: As mentioned, buyer ratings can be influenced through bogus purchases and paid feedback. Look for products with hundreds or thousands of ratings; these are less likely to have false feedback.
2. Ignore “Amazon’s Choice” Products: Search results often show items tagged “Amazon’s Choice.” This label reflects search optimization more than product popularity or quality.
3. Beware of “Sponsored” Products: It’s easy to get confused by paid sponsored-product listings that appear at the top of search results. Often, these items compete with what you’re hoping to buy.
4. Look for “Best Seller” Items: Amazon sales rankings can’t be manipulated and directly reflect an item’s popularity. In particular, products labeled “Best Sellers” are successful for a reason.

Let’s dive into the details of Amazon’s best car cleaning products.

Car Wash Soaps and Shampoos

Washing your car every few weeks or so is essential maintenance. Quality car wash soaps lift dirt from the paint while adding gloss. pH-balanced formulas with wax or sealants leave a thin layer of protection as well. When choosing a car wash, look for a formula that doesn’t strip wax or damage the finish.

Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash is a top seller that foams away grime thanks to advanced surfactants (compounds that lower the surface tension between liquids, allowing them to mix). The rich suds cling to vertical panels to prevent water spots while rinsing cleanly. With regular use, the shine-boosting polymers limit fading. Meguiar’s Deep Crystal Car Wash dissolves mud and old wax rapidly for extra cleaning power on neglected cars and SUVs.

For an eco-friendly car wash kit, Chemical Guys Citrus Wash + Gloss y Optimum No Rinse are biodegradable formulas that are safe for the ground and waterways or require minimal water. Chemical Guys uses natural citrus to clean and shine, working well in hard or soft water. Optimum’s wash requires a few capfuls in a bucket or spray bottle, significantly reducing water use. Both options leave cars static-free without unusual chemical smells.

Bug and tar removers are essential for summer driving. Stoner Car Care’s Tarminator Tar, Sap, and Asphalt Remover zaps bug residue and is chrome-friendly. Meguiar’s Bug and Tar Remover works just as quickly, powered by a synthetic formula that is safe for all clear coat finishes. Apply to paint, glass, or plastic, let sit for one to two minutes, then wipe and rinse away.

Wheel and Tire Cleaners

Wheels take a real beating from brake dust, road debris, and environmental contaminants. A quality wheel cleaner cuts through the grime to restore a like-new shine to alloy or steel wheels. Tire cleaners rejuvenate sidewalls while adding UV protection and an eye-catching finish.

For regular wheel washing, Meguiar’s Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner is a longstanding favorite that wipes away brake dust easily. The clinging foam gun lifts dirt from the rims, spokes, and lug nuts without damage. Finish by wiping clean with a microfiber towel. Mothers Foaming Wheel & Tire Cleaner is similarly effective while repelling future dust.

More intensive wheel cleaning might require a specialty product like Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner Plus, which features a strong alkaline formula to dissolve thick deposits for shop-quality cleaning. It works wonders but requires careful application to avoid wheel or tire damage on sensitive finishes.

After washing, treat llantas to products like Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel o TriNova Trinova Tire Shine Sprayer for an instant car exterior makeover. These cleaning gel formulas revive deep black while protecting against cracking and fading all season. They also tackle unsightly browning on white-wall tires.

Interior Cleaners and Protectants

Over time, interiors collect dirt, stains, and odors that vacuuming and wipe-downs can’t fix. The right cleaners lift soil from carpets, upholstery, vinyl, and leather while leaving behind protection. At the same time, plastics and rubber seals can dry, fade, and crack. The best car interior cleaning products deal with these issues.

For carpets, Chemical Guys Lightning Fast Stain Extractor is the interior cleaner of choice by pro detailers. The enzyme-powered foam enters deep into fibers, effortlessly lifting old and new stains. Follow up with Meguiar’s Air Refresher for a fresh, new-car scent.

Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover is the miracle cleaner that every interior detailer should know about. Although it’s formulated for carpets, Folex is remarkable on fabric upholstery (it’s excellent for household use, too). The water-based solution is odor-free and safe around kids and pets (when used as directed).

Leather surfaces needing TLC will benefit from Meguiar’s Gold Class Leather Cleaner and Conditioner with nourishing oils and aloe. The cream gently removes soil and restores suppleness. For other non-porous cabin surfaces, Mothers VLR (vinyl/leather/rubber) lifts dirt while restoring original vibrancy thanks to the formula’s neatsfoot oil and lanolin. Wipe surfaces down routinely with TriNova UV Protectant Spray as added UV and stain protection.

Surface Treatments: Cleaners, Waxes, and Polishes

Washing alone won’t fully restore paint clarity and luster. Using finer cleaners, waxes, and polishes occasionally becomes necessary, depending on the paint condition. These treatments smooth the clear coat, seal against contaminants, and add incredible gloss with reflective polymers and carnauba wax.

Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound remains the amateur detailer’s choice for moderately dulled and swirled paint. The creamy formula smooths over light scratches and water spots by leveling the clear coat for a flawless finish before waxing. Follow up with Meguiar’s Ultimate Polish to perfect the clarity and luxuriousness.

Applying car wax protection to a rejuvenated surface creates a show-winning shine and slickness. For maximum brightness, Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax lives up to its name with pure carnauba and advanced polymers.

More intensive compounds and polishers become necessary on paint plagued by heavy imperfections like etching, oxidation, or swirling. Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound is, again, the go-to solution. However, Meguiar’s Ultra Cut Compound may be a better remedy for more extreme damage and can actually eliminate fine sanding marks.

Applying a clay bar treatment is tedious but is sometimes the best way to restore a car’s painted surfaces while removing embedded debris and airborne deposits. Mothers California Gold Clay Bar System is a one-stop-shop car cleaning kit with clay bars, spray detailer solution, and a microfiber towel.

Once your car’s paint is back to perfect (or as perfect as possible), treat the surfaces to Chemical Guys JetSeal for a show-car finish that lasts up to a year while helping water sheet away.

Glass Cleaners

Seeing clearly from the inside makes every drive safer and more enjoyable. Specialty interior glass cleaners tackle stubborn dirt, off-gassing build-up, smoke, and grime that washing alone can’t. On the outside, advanced formulas repel rain and make future window cleaning easier.

Invisible Glass Premium Glass and Window Cleaner is an ideal all-purpose cleaner and ammonia-free foaming spray that clings to vertical surfaces for easy streak-free cleaning of windshields, mirrors, and windows without overpowering fumes. Invisible Glass Premium Glass Cleaner with Rain Repellent is a step-up that repels rain, sleet, snow, and frost for improved visibility during inclement weather.

For interior glass, Sprayway Glass Cleaner foams away grime, nicotine film, and vapors easily without filling the cabin with noxious overspray. Follow up with Rain-X 630046 Interior Glass Anti-Fog if moisture build-up on the interior windows is problematic.

Car Cleaning Equipment and Accessories

High-quality tools and supplies make washing, waxing, polishing, and auto detailing much easier. Investing in purpose-built buckets, soft microfiber towels, and other gear minimizes damage while saving time and effort. Other useful car accessories include fender covers, drying blades, and storage solutions.

Think twice before using any bucket from the garage to wash your car. Leftover contaminants can damage the paint and require another round of work. The Chemical Guys Detailing Bucket uses food-grade polyethylene plastic for washing and exterior car detailing for durability and chemical resistance. Ideally, you want two: one for the sudsy stuff and another for clean-water wash mitt rinsing.

If you buy one thing from this list of recommended items, make it a Chemical Guys Dirt Trap. This grit guard rests at the bottom of a wash bucket to trap dirt and debris, ensuring damaging particles don’t get stuck on the wash mitt. Frankly, any grit guard you find on Amazon will do the trick.

A wash mitt is essential for both novice and professional detailers. This Meguiar’s Microfiber Wash Mitt is all you need. Plus, unlike other products, its white color lets you spot trapped debris that may scratch the paint.

Wiping down your car after a wash avoids water spots and is the proper way to finish the job. To make this happen, pick up a set of microfiber towels from The Rag Company—a quality product at an affordable price.

The next step in car cleaning involves numerous power-operated gear. While this equipment may not suit every owner’s needs or budget, it can make detailing easier and quicker.

• Skip the trip to a gas station car vacuum cleaner with a BLACK+DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum. This cordless edition can also handle wet clean-ups and includes a bristle car detailing brush for removing pet hair and a tool to clean crevices and air vents.
• When a Dustbuster isn’t enough, the Shark MessMaster puts a modern take on the traditional wet/dry shop vacuum. Its compact one-gallon capacity makes it convenient to use inside a car, while the option to add a plastic bag to collect nasty messes is especially clever.
• The BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner can take over when carpet and upholstery cleaning solutions aren’t working. Car cleaning tools are included to help with the process.

The Role of Regular Maintenance in Vehicle Longevity

By keeping your car clean and well-maintained, inside and out, it will last, look better, and retain more of its value. Removing surface contaminants preserves the paint, and treating stains keeps the upholstery and carpets looking new.

These efforts not only preserve aesthetics but also directly support reliability and mechanical longevity. Clearing debris from cabin air filters, engine air filters, cooling systems, weatherstripping, wheel wells, and undercarriages keeps vehicles running optimally for many miles.

Yet, there’s another way to protect your vehicle: by getting coverage from an extended car warranty. Also known as a contrato de servicio de vehiculo (VSC) or auto protection plan, This type of protection helps owners deal with breakdowns and surprise repair bills.

Personalized plans from Endurance enable car owners to select the VSC that best meets their needs. An extended powertrain warranty protects critical systems like the engine, transmission, and drive axle. Consumers can also choose an exclusionary plan that comes close to the bumper-to-bumper safeguards offered by a new car warranty. There are in-between options that balance cost and coverage.

Protect Your Car With an Extended Warranty

Every Endurance customer benefits from Asistencia en carretera 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana (with towing coverage and lockout assistance), rental car support, and trip interruption protection. Plan holders also enjoy the convenience of flexible payment plans and the freedom to choose from any Mecánico certificado ASE or shop for covered repairs.

Discover all Endurance offers by requesting a Cotización en línea GRATIS or visiting our tienda en línea for instant price and plan information. Prefer a personal touch? Call (800) 253-8203 to speak with an Endurance plan advisor and ask about our 30-day free-look period.

Leer el Blog Endurance to learn about the latest makes and models, uncover helpful DIY car care tips, and explore insightful automotive lifestyle articles.

Learning everything you need to know about a vehicle’s drivetrain, including its components and necessary maintenance, can help you safeguard this critical system.

What Is a Drivetrain?

At its core, the drivetrain system of an automobile is the mechanism that connects the engine’s power to the wheels, thus propelling the vehicle forward. Understanding the different parts of the drivetrain is essential for comprehending how power is distributed among the wheels. Different drivetrain variations include front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and four-wheel drive (4WD).

The main difference between these drivetrains is where the power is sent. On a front-wheel drive vehicle, the power is distributed to only the front wheels, and the rear wheels follow. Alternatively, power is directed to the rear wheels on a rear-wheel drive vehicle while the front wheels simply steer. As you may be able to guess by the name, an all-wheel drive system sends power to all of the wheels at once. Four-wheel drive is similar to all-wheel drive, but the latter is meant more for poor weather than off-road endeavors.

5 Components of the Drivetrain

As mentioned, the drivetrain system sends power to some or all of the wheels. Five primary subsystems make up the larger drivetrain, each of which serves a crucial role in the overall system.

1. Engine: The power source.

The engine is arguably the most important part of the overall drivetrain system, providing the power source. By triggering miniature controlled explosions with gasoline within the engine, the resulting power is transferred to torque energy for the wheels. Specifically, the pistons within your energy are sent jolting up and down from those explosions, which is the torque power the next component uses to get the wheels moving.

2. Transmission: The gear system.

You’ve likely heard of the transmission (or gearbox) under the hood of your car, but you may not know what it does. The transmission is typically composed of five and six-gear sets and a series of gear trains, which allow a driver to regulate the amount of power generated by the engine, which goes to the wheels. Essentially, the transmission is what allows you to maintain a slower or faster rate of speed by regulating the engine’s cranking.

3. Driveshaft: The transfer mechanism.

A lesser-known component within the drivetrain system is the driveshaft. The driveshaft is a long metal tube that transfers power from the transmission to the differential (a part that will be discussed further below). The driveshaft works by rotating at different speeds depending on how much power the transmission is attempting to pull from the engine. At a 1:1 power ratio, the driveshaft spins at the same speed as the engine. The driveshaft spins slower when the transmission reduces gears to reduce speed. Along the same vein of thinking, the driveshaft spins faster when the transmission is in overdrive.

4. Differential: Distributes power to the wheels.

The purpose of the differential is crucial to the overall movement aspect of the drivetrain system. A differential takes the torque from the driveshaft and absorbs the movements, transferring power from the prior two components. This power is then transferred to the wheels, yet split, allowing the wheels to turn at a different speed, helping the vehicle move.

5. Axles: Connect to the wheels.

Finally, the last aspect of the drivetrain system is the axle itself, which is the mechanical link between your transmission and the wheels. The axle shaft converts the energy pulled from the differential so that the wheels turn. However, the primary purpose of the axle is to retain the position of two wheels to one another while retaining the position of the other two wheels in another state. For example, when you go to turn, your front wheels will both turn to the right an equivalent amount, and your rear wheels will simply follow.

Maintaining Your Drivetrain

As evident from the above, the drivetrain is a complex grouping of major parts under your vehicle’s hood. You can likely imagine how important maintaining this entire system is. To that end, drivers should follow a few crucial tips to keep their drivetrain system working properly:

• Conduct fluid checks. Two of the most important fluids under the hood are the transmission and differential fluids. It’s recommended to replace your transmission every 30,000-60,000 miles and your differential fluid at the same rate.
• Take care of periodic inspections. Each part of the drivetrain system requires periodic inspections at different rates. Refer to your owner’s manual for the engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential, and axles to determine when to take your vehicle in, but as a general rule of thumb, don’t miss the major milestone check-ins.
• Have alignment checks performed. Having your wheels and overall axle aligned is important for keeping your vehicle moving down the road in a straight line. The wheels on your vehicle should be aligned roughly every 6,000 miles for optimal performance.

Drivetrain Problems and Diagnosis

No matter how much maintenance you perform on your drivetrain, it’s always possible that something can go wrong with the system. Regardless of whether you have a FWD vehicle, RWD, AWD, or 4WD, consider looking for the following signs of problems with the drivetrain system:

• Odd noises or vibrations stemming from the front of your car
• Performance issues when you step on the gas pedal or attempt to brake
• Burning smells coming from the engine
• The check engine light turns on in conjunction with other problems
• Weird fluid begins to look from the front end of your vehicle
• There is a delayed shift occurring on your vehicle

Unfortunately, the bulk of issues with the drivetrain will need to be diagnosed by a professional automotive technician. This is because the problems occur with the major parts under the hood that the average person cannot determine.

The Role of Extended Warranties in Protecting Your Drivetrain

Extended warranties or contratos de servicio de vehículos, such as those offered by Endurance, significantly protect your drivetrain and overall vehicle health. These warranties cover certain drivetrain repairs and replacements, alleviating financial stress for car owners. Real-world scenarios attest to the value of extended warranties, where they have saved customers substantial repair costs and provided peace of mind on the road.

Beyond protecting the overall drivetrain system, many extended warranty packages offer specialized coverage for the parts that make up the drivetrain itself. When something goes wrong with these parts, so long as the warranty contract covers it, the repair will be covered, which takes away financial considerations.

However, certain warranties offered by dealerships may only cover certain items, such as a powertrain warranty, which only covers parts associated with the powertrain. On the other hand, a bumper-to-bumper warranty means nearly everything between the bumpers is covered by the contract.

How Endurance Can Protect Your Drivetrain

No driver wants to be headed down the road in their vehicle only for something to go wrong under the hood, apparently. Noticing odd vibrations or hearing troubling noises can quickly lead you to pull over on the side of the road. The only thing that can make this situation more tolerable is finding out that the problematic part can be covered by an extended car warranty, more accurately known as a contrato de servicio de vehiculo.

Endurance Warranty offers customizable plans for drivers of all types. For example, our Superior plan covers the most common parts that break down over time, such as the car engine, front and rear drive axle, air conditioning, and more. The Secure Plus plan is more niche in that it is affordable coverage designed for older vehicles, thus protecting only the most integral parts. In addition, our Supreme plan is the closest offering to near bumper-to-bumper coverage, with even small components such as gaskets included in the coverage.

Whether you have an automatic transmission or manual transmission, an auto protection plan from Endurance can help protect your drivetrain components. To learn more about how Endurance can help, call our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS. Tú también puedes tienda en linea to see your price right away!

While you may see your brake calipers daily, many are unfamiliar with how they function. Let’s look at what a brake caliper does and its role in your vehicle’s safety.

Basic Overview of a Vehicle’s Braking System

While many different types of vehicles are on the market, one thing stays relatively the same throughout each of them – the brake system. The core brake system components found on most vehicles include brake calipers, brake rotors, brake lines, a master cylinder, and a brake booster.

Here’s a closer look at types of brake calipers and braking parts and how they work together to ensure your vehicle stops on a dime:

• Brake Calipers – The brake caliper is the C-shaped component mounted over your brake rotors and acts as a clamp for your brake pads. When your brake pedal is pushed, a caliper piston, or pistons, push the brake pads together, clamping against the brake rotor to slow the vehicle.
• Brake Rotors – The brake rotors are the circular components seen behind the wheels of your vehicle. These rotors are what the brake pads clamp onto to slow your vehicle down. They are designed to wear out over time, so ensure you have them inspected during routine maintenance.
• Brake Pads – The brake pads clamp onto the rotor to slow your vehicle down. Over time, these wear down and will need to be replaced for proper brake functionality.
• Brake Lines – The brake lines are what carry your brake fluid from your master cylinder to each caliper. These lines are made from metal, and your vehicle may have rubber brake hoses to make brake jobs much easier.
• Master Cylinder – The master cylinder is a component made up of a reservoir and ports that hold and distribute your brake fluid. These are usually located within the engine bay for easy access.
• Brake Booster – A brake booster is an intricate component that helps make braking easier by utilizing a vacuum from the engine to decrease the force needed to apply the brakes.

What Is a Brake Caliper’s Role and Function?

So now that we know how the brake system works, let’s take a closer look at the role and function of the brake caliper. Depending on the age of your vehicle, you may have two or four brake calipers in your brake system. Brake calipers were widely used on rear axles in the early 1990s, as many manufacturers still used brake drums.

A brake caliper is essentially a large clamp that utilizes brake fluid to push a single piston against your brake pads. Most brake calipers will be of a cast aluminum construction and feature one or more pistons. They will have provisions for your brake pads to be mounted into and will have a brake hose fitting to attach your brake hose and a bleeder valve to bleed the brakes.

As you push your brake pedal, brake fluid is sent to the caliper, pushing the piston against the brake pad. The brake pad makes contact with the rotor, slowing your vehicle down. Once you release your brake pedal, the piston can retract into the caliper, allowing you to resume regular driving.

Common Issues and Maintenance of Brake Calipers

Brake calipers, when properly maintained, can last the life of the vehicle. However, due to driving styles, environmental factors, and quality of parts, you can experience a few different issues with your brake calipers, including a check engine light or other warning lights. To give you a better idea of what problems you may face, let’s take a look at some of the most common brake caliper issues and braking performance.

4 Common Brake Caliper Issues

1. Leaking Caliper – Since brake fluid travels throughout the brake caliper, you can develop leaks at multiple locations. Brake calipers may leak at the brake hose mounting surface, the piston, or the bleeder valve. You may notice brake fluid leaks on the ground or inside your wheel’s barrel.
2. Corrosion – If you live in a climate where salt is used to de-ice roads or in a beach town where sand is prevalent, you can experience corrosion on your brake calipers. Corrosion can cause many different issues that can damage key components of your caliper.
3. Piston Seals Worn – The piston in your caliper has a seal that seals it against the bore. This can become worn over time, causing your piston to malfunction.
4. Caliper Slide Pins Stuck – The caliper slide pins are metal pins that direct the proper angle where your brake pad meets the disc. If these become seized or damaged, it may cause your caliper not to move freely.

Brake Caliper Maintenance

• Regular Inspections – The brake system should be inspected during regular maintenance to ensure no potential issues can be prevented.
• Brake Fluid Check – A quick fluid check should be done every oil change to ensure your brake fluid is at the appropriate level. If it is low, perform a full brake service.
• Lubrication – Depending on your brake caliper setup, your caliper slide pins may need to be lubricated often. Check with your mechanic or owner’s manual for recommended brake caliper lubrication guidelines.
• Brake Pad Replacement – Lastly, ensure your brake pads are changed on time to prevent uneven pressure from the piston. This can damage the piston seals and lead to malfunction of the caliper.

The Impact of Calipers on Vehicle Safety and Performance

Brake calipers play a crucial role in both the safety and performance of a vehicle’s braking system. Your brake system components must work in unison to slow your vehicle down and allow it to stop safely.

The brake caliper functions in an important role as it clamps your brake pads together against the side of the rotor, slowing the vehicle down. If your calipers are malfunctioning, your vehicle may not stop as quickly or stop at all, causing your vehicle to be unsafe for you and the drivers around you.

Your brake system will also affect the performance of your suspension and handling as well. A properly functioning brake system will ensure that weight distribution and the unloading of your suspension are done properly under heavy braking applications. With a brake system that does not function correctly, it may feel as if your car is jerking or surging as the weight transfer is thrown off during braking.

Lastly, if your brake pads or rotors are worn down, you will notice that your car will take longer to slow down or come to a stop. That is due to your brake system working harder due to worn components. This is a dangerous hazard, so replacing your brake rotors and pads on time will help ensure this does not happen.

Protecting Your Brake System With an Extended Warranty

With all that out of the way, it’s time to talk about what is and isn’t covered under an extended warranty. Most extended warranties, more accurately called contratos de servicio de vehículos, are offered in various levels of coverage ranging from basic drivetrain coverage to near factory-like coverage.

An extended car warranty usually covers the repair and replacement of specific components of the brake system that fail due to a manufacturing defect. This can include replacing faulty brake rotors, calipers, pads, and other components of your brake system. However, they will usually only be replaced if the failure can be proved to be a defect in manufacturing.

Most extended warranties or auto protection plans will not cover a brake job or routine maintenance of “wear and tear” parts. Wear and tear parts are parts that are designed to wear out over time and require routine maintenance, such as brake pads and rotors. If these have worn down to the point of replacing them, your extended warranty will not cover this as part of your coverage.

The exception is if you purchase additional maintenance services with your extended warranty. Some companies, such as Endurance, will offer maintenance plans that allow you to get up to a certain amount of maintenance jobs done during a specific time period.

Maintain Your Vehicle with Endurance

Inspecting and maintaining your brake calipers is an important part of your vehicle’s routine maintenance. Maintaining your entire brake system properly ensures your vehicle slows down and stops safely.

By repairing any brake system issues immediately, you can prevent larger issues from occurring, keeping your vehicle as safe as possible. A brake failure can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,200, depending on the issue, so an auto protection plan is key to preventing large, unexpected repair bills.

You can find coverage plans for your car’s brake system with Endurance Warranty. As an added bonus, Endurance offers a 30-day free-look period. If you are dissatisfied with your mechanical breakdown coverage or the customer service we offer, you can cancel for a refund of your payment. After that period, we also allow for cancellation at any time with a prorated refund (see plan terms for full details).

Learn more about Endurance by requesting a FREE online quote and visiting our tienda en línea for instant warranty costs. Or call (800) 253-8203 for personalized help from a plan advisor.

Read our Blog Endurance for expert-written articles covering maintenance, dealership repairs, bumper-to-bumper coverage, car reviews, comparisons of warranty companies, preguntas frecuentes, and more.

An oil leak can be caused by several different things, and it is crucial that you find out what the issue is right away. When you buy a new car, it will come with a Garantía de Fábrica that the manufacturer provides to help you pay for repairs that happen prematurely due to factory issues or design problems.

After this warranty is up, though, you will be responsible for any repairs, including oil leaks on your used car. An extended car warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), is your best option if you want the protection your car needs. Knowing how an extended warranty can help you repair oil leaks and prevent serious engine issues will help you get your car back on the road and running smoothly for a long time.

The Basics of Engine Oil Leaks

Engine oil leaks are a fairly common issue for vehicles of all kinds, even late-model cars. Because the oil in your engine is under constant pressure, any inconsistency in the vehicle’s seals, gaskets, or components can become the source of an oil leak. Understanding some of the causes of a leak and the signs to watch out for can give you a good idea of when the time has come to bring your vehicle to the repair shop.

4 Common Causes of Oil Leaks

1. Loose Oil Filter or Oil Plug

One of the most common causes of oil leaks is also one of the cheapest to repair. When you get your vehicle’s oil changed, the technician at the repair facility will loosen the oil plug to drain the old oil and put in a new filter. If either of these things aren’t tightened down, they can leak oil quickly. Generally, you will notice a leak from one of these areas fairly soon after an oil change, and it will be a good indication that they are the culprit. Then, all that needs to be done is quickly tighten the filter or the plug, and the oil leak should be fixed.

2. Broken Oil Pan Gasket

Your engine’s oil pan sits at the bottom of the engine block, where the oil plug is located. There is a gasket that helps seal the joint between the pan and the block; over time, it can become damaged. The area under your vehicle is subject to a lot of heat, cold, and debris, which can be hard on the seals and gaskets. Even a small bit of damage to the gasket can cause a leak. Generally, all that needs to be done to repair this issue is a quick replacement of the gasket, and everything should be sealed up tight so no oil can make its way out of the pan.

3. Damaged Oil Pan

El oil pan can also be susceptible to damage, even if you are a careful driver. While the oil pan is usually made of high-quality steel or aluminum, road debris, and objects can damage it when moving at high speeds. You can also damage it by accidentally driving over things like parking dividers or curbs. Generally, you will notice a leak from a damaged oil pan right away, and the puddle that gets left behind will be fairly large. In most cases, the pan will need to be completely replaced to repair the issue.

4. Blown Head Gasket

The head gasket in your vehicle is a crucial component; if it blows, you could look at all kinds of issues, including an oil leak. The head gasket sits between the combustion chamber of the engine and the rest of the powertrain, sealing off the area for the most pressure. If the head gasket blows or deteriorates, an engine leak could be one of the symptoms.

You may also notice things like smoke from the exhaust due to coolant getting in the combustion chamber, overheating, and a loss of power. A head gasket replacement is one of the most labor-intensive car repairs, which makes it a fairly serious and expensive issue.

Identifying Signs of an Engine Oil Leak

Puddle Under the Car

One of the most common signs of an engine oil leak is a puddle under your vehicle after it has been sitting for a while. While a puddle under your car can be many different things, if it is black or amber in color, you can be sure it is oil. Look for small puddles, especially if your vehicle has been sitting for a long time. Even a small leak can be a big problem, and checking for puddles occasionally is a good idea.

Overheating

If your vehicle leaks oil, the moving engine parts will not be lubricated like they should be. This means extra friction will be between things like the pistons and the camshaft. Most of the time, this will cause the engine to overheat, which you will notice through warning lights or smoke coming from the engine compartment. If your engine is allowed to overheat for too long, parts inside it can warp or deteriorate, causing serious problems and even a total loss of the vehicle.

Blue Exhaust Smoke

If oil is being let into areas of the combustion chamber where it should not be, it can mix with the fuel ignited by the spark plugs. It usually ends up in the exhaust system and gets expelled through the tailpipe as blue smoke. While some steam or emissions are common, solid smoke is a sign of a more serious issue. Blue smoke indicates that a seal or gasket somewhere in the powertrain has failed and is letting in oil.

Burning Oil Smell

El smell of burning oil is distinct and immediately apparent once it enters the vehicle’s cabin. If your car leaks oil somewhere in the engine, it will usually start to burn and cause a strong, acrid odor. Any time you notice a new smell, especially one that smells like it is burning, getting your vehicle to the repair shop as soon as possible is a good idea.

Coverage Aspects: Extended Warranties and Oil Leaks

When a problem arises with your vehicle, you want to be sure that you have a protection plan in place that will help you pay for repairs so you can get back behind the wheel. A VSC can give you the coverage you need for all kinds of issues, many of which can be the cause of oil leaks. A VSC or extended warranty covers the most important components of your vehicle, including the engine, drive axle, y transmisión. This is true even with basic coverage that only protects the powertrain. Since these will be the general areas where oil leaks start, a VSC can be an excellent defense against leaks and a great way to get them repaired as soon as they come up.

Remember that not all VSCs will cover gaskets and seals in their most basic powertrain coverage. Since gaskets and seals are susceptible to wear and will be some of the most common components to break down on an engine, they may be excluded from baseline coverage. You should always be sure to fully understand what your VSC covers and what is included with your plan before you decide it is right for you and your vehicle.

In the case of an oil leak due to a loose filter or oil plug, these fixes may not be covered under your plan if you don’t have maintenance coverage included. They will be fairly easy repairs to make, though, and should not cost you anything if they were the shop’s fault that did the oil change.

Navigating Your Extended Warranty

When you notice an oil leak in your vehicle, it is important to know what steps you should take and how to use your VSC to repair the vehicle. One of the first things you should do when you see a puddle or notice smoke is look at your dashboard to see if any warning lights have turned on. If so, it is a good idea to pull over and not drive your vehicle any more than you absolutely have to. This will prevent damage to the engine due to friction or overheating. After that, you should take a look at your VSC contract. There, you will find all the different components that are covered and what exclusions your contract has. This will give you a good idea of what causes will be covered and which will not.

Before you take your vehicle into the shop, check the engine’s oil level. This can be done using the vehicle’s dipstick. All you have to do is pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a cloth, put it back in the holder, and take it out again. There, you will see what the oil level is like in your vehicle and whether or not a significant amount of oil has leaked out. Take a photograph of the oil level on the dipstick as well as the puddle that has been left behind by your vehicle. This will help you explain the situation to the shop and your VSC provider.

The Claims Process for Car Leaking Oil Under Your Extended Warranty

The claim process for checking your oil leak will change from provider to provider. For the most part, you must take your vehicle to a certified repair shop to find out the oil leak repair cost. Sometimes, this will be the dealership where you purchased your coverage and other times, it will be any certified shop approved by your provider. Once there, the shop will look at the leak and diagnose the issue. If the necessary repair is covered by your protection plan, the shop will either work out the payment with your provider or give you documentation that you can then use for reimbursement. The important thing is to be sure that whatever component is the source of the leak is covered by your particular service contract.

During the claims process, you can expect to either have everything taken care of by the shop and your provider or submit documentation regarding the auto repair, including the photographs you took of the leak puddle and the oil level. The claims process is very specific to each individual vehicle protection provider, though the most reputable companies, such as Endurance, will try to make it as simple as possible. The best thing to do is make sure you are documenting every step you take. As a car owner, you should also keep track of your scheduled upkeep throughout its lifetime to show the provider that you have been staying on top of maintenance.

Preventative Measures and Regular Maintenance

While having a VSC in place to protect you and your vehicle from problems due to an oil leak can be reassuring, your best bet will always be to keep up with its maintenance. A vehicle regularly serviced and kept in good condition will be much less likely to develop an oil leak or other issues that can be incredibly expensive to repair. All of the components that make up your vehicle’s engine are related, and when one fails, you are much more likely to have issues with others. Things like cambios de aceite, brake fluid flushes, transmission service, and tire rotations will help keep your car running smoothly.

If you want to prevent oil leaks in your vehicle, keeping it cool and lubricated will be your best bet. Getting oil changes at the factory-scheduled intervals will help reduce friction in the engine, which will keep it cooler. One of the main causes of broken seals and gaskets is high temperatures, and clean oil is a great way to reduce the risk of leaks. You should also ensure that your cooling system is always in good working order. Flushing the coolant regularly and getting the radiator checked frequently will ensure that your gaskets stay in good shape and that they won’t have to be replaced prematurely.

Leveraging Your Extended Warranty for Engine Health

Keeping your engine in good condition at all times is the best way to prevent oil leaks and avoid expensive auto repairs down the line. With a high-quality auto protection plan from Endurance, you can get things repaired as soon as they need it instead of waiting for the right time financially. This will ensure that your engine doesn’t develop leaks and that you can drive with confidence every time you get behind the wheel.

Endurance tiene customized automotive protection plans available for every situation, so you can get a protection plan for your vehicle, no matter what kind of driving you do. With options ranging from basic powertrain coverage all the way up to bumper-to-bumper exclusionary protection, there is something for nearly every car and every situation. Endurance also offers warranty coverage for vehicles other providers don’t, such as Mercado gris canadiense vehículos, automóviles con título reconstruido o rescatado, o vehículos utilizados con fines comerciales como viaje compartido o entrega.

Every Endurance vehicle protection plan also has standard benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. We also offer low monthly payments and a 30-day free-look period. Plus, for a small activation fee, you can access Beneficios de élite, with extra perks like tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.

Póngase en contacto con nuestro equipo dedicado en (800) 253-8203 a Solicite una cotización GRATIS and take advantage of our award-winning customer service. You can also check out our tienda en línea for an instant price preview to find the perfect plan for your budget and needs.

You can find more auto-expert resources on the Blog Endurance. Explore FAQs, warranty provider comparisons, DIY maintenance tips and tricks, and more.