

As winter approaches and we face the reality of scraping icy windshields and preheating cars, it is crucial to remember to unplug the extension cord before backing out of the driveway. Driving in the winter requires a few extra adjustments to ensure you and your vehicle stay safe. Here are five tips for winter-proofing your driving skills:
The mornings can be hectic, and time is usually tight, but taking 90 seconds to clear your car off and scrape the windows is always worth it. Shaking any snow off the hood is a good idea so it doesn’t blow back onto your windshield and block your view. Ensure that your headlights, taillights, and licence plates are visible and that you have completely defrosted the windows before driving away.
If you can, switch to tires that are specifically designed for winter conditions, such as winter tires or all-season tires. The deeper treads will work to clear away snow from the road’s surface, giving you better traction and improved control of your vehicle. Studded tires are a good choice if it is wet outside and the temperature is near zero. However, they don’t provide as much benefit as winter tires when the temperature is freezing. Make sure to regularly check the pressure of your tires to help prevent a blowout. The owner’s manual or the tire’s sidewall will tell you the ideal pressure for a regular passenger car – typically between 30 and 33 lb/in2. Remember that each 5° C change in temperature can cause a drop of 1 lb/in2 in pressure.
When driving during the winter months, it is important to take one’s time. The slower pace will help ensure you remain safe on the roads. As an alternative, it can be beneficial to proceed with caution. This will help to minimize the chances of an accident occurring.
If you want to be on time for work, you can’t be stuck pushing your car out of a snowbank or waiting for help after an accident. To stay safe on the roads when the conditions are poor (covered with snow and ice, for example), it’s important to give yourself more time to reach your destination. Start out slowly, checking your brakes and steering to get a feel for the road. Staying in control of your vehicle is essential, even if that means driving slower than the speed limit suggests. Be aware of intersections, look for areas of traction, like sand or clear pavement, and drive carefully when accelerating and decelerating.
(The below list is provided by SGI’s Knowledge Base)
Nobody anticipates being in an accident, similar to how no one expects to drive into a snowbank. That’s why they are called accidents and why it is important to consider obtaining a package policy to safeguard your car and finances. Generally, with plate insurance, the collision claim deductible is $700. Nonetheless, for a mere $15/month, you can reduce that deductible to $100 and get additional coverage like extra third-party liability and family security insurance!
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Posted in Auto on October 20, 2021 by Harvard Western Insurance