Wintertime is a highly dangerous time of year for driving and not just because of icy roads and although insurance providers do see an increased incidence of snow and ice-related accident claims in winter, there are other issues to contend with as well.
Cold weather alone can attribute to the collisions and injuries reported to car insurance agencies once the temperatures drop.
Be ready this winter by minding these tips and suggestions in order to avoid calling your insurance agency because you had an accident!
1. Test the Battery
Car batteries can fail once winter settles in if they are not strong enough or the vehicle is not used often enough.
Avoid ending up stranded somewhere and needing to call your car insurance company for a tow by having the battery tested now and throughout the winter to be sure it is holding a good charge.
Replace a weak battery so you do not end up unable to start the vehicle in the wintertime.
2. Check the Tires and Spare
Tire condition is a critical factor in many accidents that lead to damages, injuries, and a claim being made to your auto insurance agency.
Use either all-weather or winter tires and make sure they have enough tread on them so they provide adequate traction on wet, icy, or snowy roads.
Tires alone will not always prevent an accident, but bald tires can cause one and be sure to carry a full-size spare that is in excellent condition, too.
3. Test the Wipers, Fluid, and Defroster
Poor visibility is a common cause of the chain of events that can lead to a dangerous winter car accident according to many car insurance agencies.
Prevent this from ever happening by making sure your car’s windshield wipers work effectively and keep the wiper fluid reservoir filled at all times.
Carry some extra fluid in your car if necessary and make sure it is the cold weather formula so it does not freeze, rendering your windshield wipers useless.
Also, test the front and rear windshield defrosters to see that they clear the glass effectively so you can see.
4. Test the Heating and Coolant
Another critical component of your car that should be tested is the heating and coolant system.
Keep the antifreeze reservoir topped off and make sure the cooling system runs correctly and produces heat inside the vehicle.
If either of these is not functioning properly, get repairs made.
Coolant problems can affect the engine, and getting stuck without heat can be deadly.
5. Get the Car Serviced This Fall
If you are planning on a long trip or will be doing a lot of traveling over the holiday months, personal auto insurance carriers highly recommend having your car serviced beforehand.
Starting the winter off with a safe vehicle is essential for preventing cold-weather driving concerns.
6. Stow Some Winter Emergency Items
If living anywhere that inclement weather could leave you stuck this winter, whether that is ice, snow, or even flooding, auto insurance agencies recommend carrying emergency items in your vehicle at all times.
Keep blankets, a snow shovel, flashlights, emergency flares, extra snacks and water, jumper cables, and a means for charging your phone as a bare minimum.
Carry what is needed to stay safe and warm until help arrives, even if that is overnight.
7. Know What To Do
Most of all, car insurance companies stress the importance of knowing what to do if you have an accident this winter or some kind of winter driving emergency.
Plan routes ahead of time, follow well-maintained roads and keep your phone charged in order to make calls for help if necessary.
Use common sense to avoid accidents and if involved in one, keep yourself safe until help arrives.
Stay Safe By Preparing For Winter Driving Now
As the temperatures drop and the holiday season nears, car insurance providers across the country point out that now is the time to make winter driving preparations.
With a vehicle that has been well maintained and is equipped for cooler temperatures, you are less likely to end up with a call to file a claim with your car insurance agency.
Following the above winter driving tips from your auto insurance agency, it is possible to stay safe this winter and enjoy the winter season!
