Tips for Winterizing Your Car to Prevent Insurance Claims

As temperatures begin to drop, the number of road hazards rise which can lead to costly insurance claims. Even if you keep up with regular car maintenance tasks such as oil changes and tire rotations, getting prepared for driving in icy conditions and the unfortunate experience of being stranded due to harsh weather is important. Winterizing your car to prevent insurance claims will also help safeguard the health and safety of everyone joining you on the road in the coming months.

At Doeren Mayhew Insurance Group, we ensure drivers like you have adequate auto insurance coverage anytime of the year. With our time-tested experience and expertise, we understand the complexities of choosing the best car insurance that will offer financial protection to meet your unique needs. Our highly-customized auto insurance solutions can protect your finances when the unexpected happens.

Follow these winterizing tips to prevent any number of car accidents this winter — and the financial impact associated with medical expenses, car replacements, and damage.

Check Antifreeze & Cooling System

Draining your cooling system to add new premixed antifreeze will ensure that your car’s cooling reservoir has sufficient liquid. Be sure that the antifreeze reaches the “Full” line and never add the coolant when the engine is hot.

Check Your Tires

Avoid sliding and skidding on ice or slippery roads by checking — or changing — your tires. All-weather or winter tires are best if you drive in snow and ice regularly. No matter what kind of tires you have, they should be in good condition, have proper tread, and be adequately inflated.

Create a Winter Car Emergency Kit

Find a clear, plastic bag or container to place your essential supplies for staying safe in your car this winter. This way, in case of emergency, all items will be easy to locate and access. Warm clothes and accessories should be accompanied by an ice scraper, flashlight, batteries, first-aid kit, and road flares. Other essentials may include tire chains, winter boots, sleeping bags, and a bag of sand to help with traction.

Check Heater & Defroster

Make sure your heater and both front and rear defrosters are working properly before venturing out on the road this winter. In order to melt the ice that accumulates on car windshields, the HVAC system directs warm air through the vents to resolve frosty windshields. These are hazardous because they impact visibility and could lead to car accidents and mishaps.

Test Your Car Battery

Make sure your car battery can withstand the cold by testing it. Before you start the engine, turn on the headlights to detect if they get brighter once you turn the car on. If they do, this is a sign that your car battery needs to be inspected. You’ll also want to ensure that its cables and terminals have not been corroded.

At Doeren Mayhew Insurance, we help protect the personal and financial health of our clients. With the right auto insurance policy, you can experience peace of mind that you’ll be covered in the event of a car accident this winter. Contact us today to learn more about winterizing your car to prevent insurance claims, or to schedule a customized consultation with one of our trusted agents.