As the winter months approach and temperatures start to drop, snow and ice increase the number of road hazards for drivers. Despite keeping up-to-date with regular vehicle maintenance including oil changes and tire rotations, there are still opportunities for costly insurance claims due to the harsh weather. As a result, winterizing your car to safeguard yourself against expensive claims is imperative to your safety, as well as the safety of your passengers and everyone else on the road. Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group offers five helpful tips to winterize your vehicle.

  1. Check Your Antifreeze and Cooling System

Drain your cooling system and add new antifreeze to ensure your vehicle has enough. Remember to fill the antifreeze to the “full” line and never add the coolant while your engine is hot!

  1. Evaluate Your Tires

Simply checking (and/or changing) your tires can prevent your car from sliding and skidding out of control. If you live in a climate prone to snow and ice, investing in all-weather or winter tires is a safe bet. No matter the type of tires you have, ensure they are in good condition, have sufficient tread and are properly inflated.

  1. Create a Winter Emergency Kit

Fill a clear bag or container with the following items to ensure easy access in the event of an emergency:

  • Warm clothes
  • Hats, gloves, scarves, etc.
  • Ice scraper
  • Flashlight (with batteries)
  • First aid kit
  • Road flares
  • Winter boots
  • Tire chains
  • Sleeping bags
  • Hand warmers
  • Bag of sand (for traction if you’re stuck in snow)
  1. Check Your Heater and Defroster

Before you head out on the road this winter, ensure your heater and all defrosters are working properly in your vehicle. Not having a functional HVAC unit in your car could result in impaired visibility through ice, potentially resulting in car accidents.

  1. Test Your Car Battery

Prior to taking a drive, double check that your vehicle’s battery can withstand the colder temperatures by testing it. Turn on your headlights before starting your engine to see if they get brighter once the car is on. If they do, you should inspect your battery. Be sure to also evaluate your battery’s cables and terminals to confirm they haven’t tarnished.

Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group aims to protect both the personal and financial health of its clients. When equipped with the ideal auto insurance policy, drivers can have peace of mind when getting on the road during hazardous winter conditions. Contact Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group today to schedule a customized consultation with a trusted insurance agent.