Winter Weather & Your Ford: What Your Warranty Really Covers

Ford has been known to be one of the most reliable car brands, but when winter arrives, you’ll want to be driving in the safest position possible. You don’t want to come across a sudden battery failure or malfunctioning heater in the freezing temperatures, but if you did, what could you do? Can a vehicle extended warranty help? These questions all have answers in this blog. Read more below on how we break down what a Ford warranty can cover and what you can do during the harsh winter months.

Deconstructing Your Ford Factory Warranty in Winter

Your new Ford comes with several warranties, each with specific terms and durations. Companies like Ziegler Auto Group have tons of plans to choose from, but we’re going to break down some of the most popular ones below:

New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper)

This is your most coverage, but it's not all-inclusive. It covers defects in materials or workmanship on most parts of your vehicle.

What's Often Covered in Winter:

• Heater Malfunction: If your heater core fails or the blower motor gives out due to a manufacturing defect, this warranty should cover the repair. Staying warm is a matter of safety, not just comfort.

• Frozen Door Locks/Latches: A lock or latch mechanism that fails to operate in the cold due to an internal defect is typically a covered repair.

• TPMS and Other Sensors: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is vital in winter as cold air causes tire pressure to drop. If a sensor fails due to a defect, it is usually covered. The same applies to other electronic sensors that malfunction.

• Alternator/Starter Stress: Extreme cold puts a heavy load on your vehicle's electrical system. If your alternator or starter fails prematurely due to a manufacturing flaw, your bumper-to-bumper warranty is designed to cover it.

Powertrain Warranty

This warranty has a longer term than the bumper-to-bumper coverage, but is much more specific. It covers the essential components that make your car move.

What's Often Covered in Winter:

• AWD/4WD Components: Ford’s four-wheel-drive systems are a blessing in snow. If a part of the transfer case, front or rear axle, or another internal powertrain component fails due to a defect, the Powertrain Warranty is your protection.

• Engine Coolant Issues (Internal): While fluids themselves are not covered, a failure of a part like the water pump or a thermostat that is caused by a defect would fall under this warranty. Proper engine temperature regulation is critical in extreme cold.

Common Winter Problems That Are Usually Not Covered by a Warranty

Many of the most frequent winter headaches fall into categories that standard warranties exclude, such as wear-and-tear items, maintenance, and external damage. Understanding these exclusions for your Ford warranty in winter is crucial.

Wear-and-Tear Items

These parts are designed to wear out over time and are the owner's responsibility.

• Tires: Winter or all-season tires are your first line of defense, but the vehicle's factory warranty never covers them.

• Brake Pads and Rotors: While essential for winter safety, brakes are considered wearable items.

• Wiper Blades: Ice and snow cause rapid wear on wiper blades. Replacing them is routine maintenance.

• Fluids: Antifreeze/coolant, washer fluid, and other fluids are your responsibility to maintain at proper levels and concentrations.

Maintenance Exclusions

Your warranty requires you to properly maintain your vehicle.

• Battery Failure: A car battery is a classic winter casualty. While it may be covered for a very short period under the bumper-to-bumper warranty if it has a manufacturing defect, most battery failures in cold weather are due to age and the increased electrical load. After the initial period, a dead battery is typically not a warranty issue.

• Frozen Fuel or Coolant Lines: If your coolant isn't mixed to the correct temperature rating or if water gets into your fuel system and freezes, the resulting damage is considered a maintenance issue, not a defect.

Damage Exclusions

Warranties cover defects, not damage from external sources.

• Cracked Windshield from Road Debris: A rock or piece of ice kicked up by another vehicle that cracks your windshield is not a warranty claim. This falls under your auto insurance policy (specifically, comprehensive coverage).

• Damage from Road Salt: As mentioned, surface rust and corrosion on the frame, suspension components, or exhaust system caused by road salt are considered environmental damage and are not covered by the corrosion or bumper-to-bumper warranties.

• Accidents: Sliding on ice and hitting a curb, another car, or any object is an accident. Any resulting damage is an insurance matter, not a warranty one.

Summary

Your Ford is built tough, but winter can be even tougher. While your factory warranty provides solid coverage for manufacturing defects, it doesn’t protect against everything. Knowing what’s not included, like normal wear and tear, maintenance issues, or damage from harsh weather, can help you stay one step ahead. For extra peace of mind, a Ford extended service plan can save you from costly repairs when the unexpected happens. Checking out your options with a trusted source like Zeigler Auto Group before winter really sets in is a smart move for any Ford owner.