Happy New Year!

We hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!

Winter Driving Tips

Are you traveling over the holidays?  Winter Weather can make traveling dangerous this time of year.  Make sure to do these checks on your car and be careful when driving through a snow storm.  You can learn more about winter driving tips below and at Pittsburgh Insurance.

  


Prepare for winter driving before a storm hits:

•  Have a mechanic check your car’s battery, brakes, fluid levels (antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil), as well as the heating and exhaust systems to ensure that your car is in good, safe working condition.
• Try to keep your gas tank full during the winter months. Don’t allow the gas to go below half a tank. Not only will this prevent damage from freezing, you’ll avoid running out of gas if you’re stuck in a traffic jam during the dead of winter.
• Install snow tires or all-weather radials with adequate treads.
• An adequate supply of windshield washing liquid is critical to wash away the mud and melted snow that can severely limit visibility.
• Prepare for an emergency. Keep blankets, flares, a sack of sand for traction, shovel, windshield scraper and brush, tool kit, towrope, booster cables and a flashlight with extra batteries in your trunk. You should also stock your car with material for survival, such as waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water, a first aid kit, dry clothing and a brightly colored cloth (to tie to the antenna).

 When driving under adverse winter conditions

• Take care pulling out of streets blocked by mountains of snow. It’s often difficult to see who or what is coming.
• Back your car into the driveway so you have better vision when pulling out.
• Be aware of joggers on the street. Often sidewalks are impassable and die-hard joggers venture onto the street for a clearer path. Unfortunately, they may not see icy spots or other hazards hidden below the slush.
• Don’t turn corners too tightly.
• If your car does not have anti-lock brakes and you start skidding on the ice, try not to slam on your brakes. Gently pump your brakes to maintain better control and prevent your wheels from locking.
• If your car does have anti-lock brakes, slam on your brakes when skidding on the ice. Pumping your breaks prevents the anti-lock system from taking over.

 Traveling during a severe storm
 Travel only if necessary during a blizzard or severe storm. If you must travel:

• Don’t travel alone. Notify someone of your estimated time of arrival as well as your primary and alternate travel routes.
• If STUCK, stay in the car and wait for help. Run the engine and heater sparingly. Also make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ventilate your car so that carbon monoxide fumes won’t poison you.
• Keep your energy. Eat food that provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. Replenish your body with fluids to prevent dehydration. Don’t eat snow; it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.

Get That Salt Off Your Car

Have you washed the ice off your car yet?  Make sure to take these nice days to get the dangerous rock salt off you car.  It is great for the roads, but it can damage the paint on your car.  You can learn more here.

Wash Your Car

This winter we want to remind you to wash your cars as soon as it warms up to an above-freezing temperature. You’ll know it’s safe because lines at the car washes will start forming, as careful vehicle owners know how important it is to keep the exterior of the car free of salt. And even if you’re someone who hates to wait in line, find some way to rinse off the salt that’s stuck to the sides of your car. Try to wash your car during the day, so that if the temperature drops at night, you’ll be sure to avoid frozen doors and locks.

It’s important to remove the salt from your car for both mechanical and resale value reasons. Mechanically, salt can cause corrosion and rust damage, and especially to the undercarriage of your vehicle. This could result in costly repairs and damage of your vehicle. Cosmetically, salt can also create rust around the tires, fender and doors, and cause exterior paint to chip away. It’s especially important to prevent this when thinking about your car’s resale value. Vehicles with rust, paint chips and exterior damage will not be resold for the same value as cars that have been well maintained and kept clean.

Preventing Rock Salt Damage

One suggestion for preventing damage from rock salt is to wax your vehicle before the winter months hit. This will help put a polish on your car that prevents damage. Also, make sure to continually inspect your car and touch up any paint chips. Try to rinse off your car every 10 days, as the weather allows.

While You’re At it, Vacuum your Car, too.

While you’re working on keeping the exterior salt-free, run the vacuum through the interior of your car, too. When you keep the inside AND outside of your vehicle clean, it helps protect your investment and increase your resale value. Cars that have been properly maintained and repaired are often sold for much higher prices.

Salt: great for the roads, bad for your car. Make sure to wash the salt off of your car as soon as possible.