When your car breaks down or starts to act up, you most likely think of the cost to fix it first. Most drivers are not prepared for an unexpected repair bill and car troubles can be a big drain on your bank account. If you have an auto protection plan in place, though, you can be prepared for even the most serious vehicle issues. Whether your vehicle is still under the factory warranty provided by the manufacturer or you have extended warranty coverage, doing everything you can to ensure it is in good standing will be a big weight off your shoulders the next time you have to head to the repair shop.

Vehicle warranties are designed to protect you from unexpected car repairs, but you have to do some things to keep them valid. You can void your warranty by failing to maintain your vehicle or using the wrong components when getting a repair. If you want to be sure that you can always have the coverage you need, it is important to know some maintenance tips on how to keep your warranty valid.

Understanding the best ways to keep your protection plan active allows you to rest easy whenever you get behind the wheel.

Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommended Maintenance Schedule

No matter what kind of warranty coverage you have on your new or used car, staying on top of maintenance is crucial. Your vehicle has a recommended maintenance schedule for things like oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements. Many factory warranty providers require you to follow this schedule to prevent your coverage from being voided. If you don’t know what your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule is, you can usually find it in your owner’s manual.

Warranty providers want you to keep up with routine maintenance because it helps prevent bigger, more expensive repairs. Many car issues can be avoided entirely if you keep up with scheduled maintenance, and failing to do so can speed up the wear process for certain components. Because of these requirements, you should always be sure to follow the provided guidelines for your vehicle and keep your car running smoothly.

Keep Detailed Service Records and Receipts for Your Car Warranty

One of the key requirements if you want to get warranty coverage is to keep detailed records and documentation for anything regarding your vehicle. Whenever you get maintenance done, be sure to keep any documents related to that service. This will help you prove that you have kept up on maintenance and that your warranty should remain valid.

You should also be sure to keep any documents related to repairs you get done, especially if you want them to be covered by your warranty. The warranty claims process is relatively simple, but you will need to have the proper documentation and records. It can be helpful to have a binder or folder dedicated to your car’s invoices and documents so you can always have them handy when you need them.

Use Approved Parts and Certified Repair Shops

When the time comes to get a repair done on your vehicle, it is essential that you go to the right shops. If your car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, you will most likely have to take it to the dealership for covered repairs under your protection plan. For third-party extended warranties, going to an approved certified shop will almost always be your best bet. The last thing you want to do is take your vehicle in for a repair and have your claim denied because it was done by an unapproved repair facility.

When getting parts replaced on your vehicle, you also want to be certain that you are getting OEM parts and not aftermarket parts produced by a company other than your car’s manufacturer. Aftermarket parts can be less expensive, but they can also be more inconsistent when it comes to quality. Because of this potential inconsistency, auto warranty providers often won’t cover them. Making sure that you go to qualified repair shops that use approved parts will ensure that your repairs are covered by the warranty.

Address Warning Lights and Issues Promptly

Your vehicle is most likely equipped with a sophisticated system of sensors and warning lights. This system is always checking the status of different components and ensuring that they are working properly and aren’t malfunctioning. As soon as an issue arises, they send a signal to turn on the different warning lights on your dashboard. While these lights can be easy to ignore, they should be taken seriously and checked out as soon as they turn on.

When you take your car in for service, it is easy to tell how long the different warning lights have been on and whether or not you have put off bringing the vehicle in. Most warranty providers require you to get service as soon as a warning light comes on so a bigger, more expensive problem can be avoided. Automotive issues tend to have a domino effect, so getting to the shop right away can be a good way to keep your costs down and make sure that the repairs are covered.

How Endurance Auto Protection Ensures Continued Coverage

When you buy a new car off the lot, it will most likely come with a warranty from the manufacturer. This is meant to protect you from things like flaws in the design or issues with the production that can show up in the first few years of a vehicle’s life. Most of the time, these new vehicle warranties are valid for anywhere between three years or 36,000 miles and five years or 60,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer and the type of warranty. During this time, you will have to abide by all the different rules and regulations set forth by the automaker if you want to keep your warranty valid.

Once your factory warranty is up, you will be financially responsible for any repairs that might need to happen on your vehicle. If you want to continue your coverage, though, you can also get an extended warranty either from the manufacturer or from a third-party provider. While the manufacturer extended warranty may seem like a good option, a third-party extended car warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), will usually offer more choices and more freedom when it comes to the requirements, the length of coverage, and the shops you can take your vehicle to for repairs.

When choosing a third-party provider for your extended coverage, you want to make sure you have the best possible range of plan options as well as extra perks. Endurance offers customizable vehicle protection plans for car owners of all kinds. Whether you have an older high-mileage vehicle or a top-tier luxury or exotic car, there is an Endurance plan available for you. Plus, Endurance Warranty covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles with a rebuilt or salvage title, and cars used for commercial purposes like rideshare or delivery.

When you have an Endurance vehicle protection plan, you also get a large suite of standard benefits and perks. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. You can also get access to Endurance’s Elite Benefits package. This set of extras comes with tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.* All of these benefits help you feel confident on the road, no matter what kind of car you drive.

Gain Peace of Mind With Endurance

When you have an auto protection plan in place for your car, you know that you can always get the repairs you need as soon as they come up. By knowing how to properly maintain your car and keep your warranty valid, you can rest easy whenever you are behind the wheel. With an Endurance plan, you can be sure that you have the best possible coverage.

If you are ready for the ultimate protection for your car and your bank account, contact our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 or request a FREE email quote. You can also visit the online store to get an instant price preview so you can make the right choice.

For more expert advice and helpful resources, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find frequently asked questions, DIY tips and tricks, provider comparisons, mechanical breakdown insurance information for California drivers, and much, much more.