Preparing Your car For Winter
As winter’s extremely cold temperatures and harsh weather begin to take shape, now is a great time to prep your car for winter driving.
This winter – and always – Selective is committed to your safety, which is why we’ve compiled these winter car prep tips to help you steer clear of road hazards and keep your car well maintained.
This winter – and always – Selective is committed to your safety, which is why we’ve compiled these winter car prep tips to help you steer clear of road hazards and keep your car well maintained.
General Checkup
Snow, ice, rain, and slush all represent hazards that can take a serious toll on your car. As such, you must perform the proper diagnostic checks before taking on harsh driving conditions.
Extreme cold temperatures can quickly deplete a battery, so be sure to test your battery to ensure it is producing the maximum amount of power. If battery issues are present, you should replace the battery at your earliest convenience.
Additionally, check all fluids, including engine coolant and oil, and the heating and cooling systems for any irregularities, damages, or shortages. A quick tune-up at your local auto service center can help you take care of general maintenance.
Snow, ice, rain, and slush all represent hazards that can take a serious toll on your car. As such, you must perform the proper diagnostic checks before taking on harsh driving conditions.
Extreme cold temperatures can quickly deplete a battery, so be sure to test your battery to ensure it is producing the maximum amount of power. If battery issues are present, you should replace the battery at your earliest convenience.
Additionally, check all fluids, including engine coolant and oil, and the heating and cooling systems for any irregularities, damages, or shortages. A quick tune-up at your local auto service center can help you take care of general maintenance.
Tires, Brakes & Brake Pads
If you live in an area with a lot of precipitation, you might want to invest in proper winter tires and have them installed soon to practice winter driving safety. Winter tires tend to not only offer a smooth and fuel-efficient ride of those made for all seasons but can also provide the extra traction necessary to drive in snowy conditions.
If you choose to keep your all-season tires, check the treads to ensure they are not too worn. For ideal performance, it is recommended that treads be no more than half-worn. If they exceed half-worn, it may be time to seek replacement tires.
Equally as important as tire treads are your vehicle’s brakes. To avoid a decline in braking performance resulting from wet driving conditions, have your brake system frequently checked for functionality or wear and tear, and replace any parts accordingly.
If you live in an area with a lot of precipitation, you might want to invest in proper winter tires and have them installed soon to practice winter driving safety. Winter tires tend to not only offer a smooth and fuel-efficient ride of those made for all seasons but can also provide the extra traction necessary to drive in snowy conditions.
If you choose to keep your all-season tires, check the treads to ensure they are not too worn. For ideal performance, it is recommended that treads be no more than half-worn. If they exceed half-worn, it may be time to seek replacement tires.
Equally as important as tire treads are your vehicle’s brakes. To avoid a decline in braking performance resulting from wet driving conditions, have your brake system frequently checked for functionality or wear and tear, and replace any parts accordingly.
Windshield
The best way to help maintain visibility on the road, even when salt, snow, and other hazards pound on the glass, is by getting a proper windshield treatment. You can get a windshield treatment done at your local auto body shop or even at home with store-bought windshield solutions.
The best way to help maintain visibility on the road, even when salt, snow, and other hazards pound on the glass, is by getting a proper windshield treatment. You can get a windshield treatment done at your local auto body shop or even at home with store-bought windshield solutions.
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DMV.org also suggests ensuring:
Additionally, while it may be tempting to remove just enough snow from your windshield to make your morning commute, your car must be completely free of ice and snow following a winter storm. Not completely removing the snow causes a risk to you and other drivers on the road, and in certain states, there are laws against leaving snow on your vehicle while driving. |
Emergency prep
Extreme conditions can translate to emergency situations even if you take all of the precautions to avoid a breakdown or other issues on the road. Having a winter survival kit for your car is essential to your safety.
When driving in the winter, you should keep blankets, boots, water, flares, flashlights, engine coolant, washer fluid, and engine oil in your vehicle at all times in case of an emergency situation. Remember to also keep a snow brush and ice scraper in the car so you may clean all snow and ice from your vehicle before hitting the road.
Extreme conditions can translate to emergency situations even if you take all of the precautions to avoid a breakdown or other issues on the road. Having a winter survival kit for your car is essential to your safety.
When driving in the winter, you should keep blankets, boots, water, flares, flashlights, engine coolant, washer fluid, and engine oil in your vehicle at all times in case of an emergency situation. Remember to also keep a snow brush and ice scraper in the car so you may clean all snow and ice from your vehicle before hitting the road.
Unique Risk Management Resources
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While understanding how to prep a car for winter can help keep you safe on the road, Selective Commercial Lines policyholders also benefit from access to Safety Management, at no additional cost. Selective’s Safety Management team can help businessowners navigate their exposures with complimentary resources aimed at addressing and reducing industry-specific risks this winter – and all year round.
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Or, to best prepare by having the right level of auto insurance coverage in place, find a local independent agent, today. By partnering with your agent, Selective can deliver a best-in-class auto insurance experience customized to fit your unique lifestyle.
Discover how you can Be Uniquely Insured! |
