Winter weather is here! Are you and your car ready for the cold? Keep your vehicle running well in the frigid temps and poor road conditions with these quick few tips:
- Check your battery: batteries generally need to be replaced every 3 years: check to see when yours was replaced and also check the connections on your battery to ensure that cables are tight and there is no visible corrosion;
- Check your anti-freeze and fluids: coolant should be flushed every few years! Be sure your fluids are topped off and consider using a lower viscosity oil in extremely cold winters for peak performance;
- Windshield wipers and fluid: be sure these are in good condition and fluid is topped off;
- Tires: it is important that your tires be filled according to the label posted on the driver side door frame- proper tire pressure is important for good traction and handling in poor conditions. Check your tire pressure more frequently when temperature changes have been more dramatic.
Keeping your car running well is important for safe travels during the cold months- no one wants to be stuck in the cold with a disabled vehicle! Keep some extra blankets and non-perishables in the car/trunk should you get stranded. In snowy conditions, keeping a bag of kitty litter in the trunk can come in handy for getting out of a slippery spot!
MAIF Insurance is a local top area provider of Maryland Auto Insurance Fund policies. Contact one of our convenient locations for more information. MAIF is available to ALL Maryland residents.