New Bedford Car Owners: Protect Your Vehicle in Summer Heat
Summer is on its way, and it will be hot before you know it. Your insurance agency in New Bedford wants you to stay cool and comfortable behind the wheel. There are things that you can do to make summer driving even more pleasant, and tips that you can use to help keep your car running smooth no matter what that thermometer says.
Air Conditioning
When you first start your vehicle in the hot summer sun, you might notice that it can take awhile to cool down. That’s because the air inside your car is much hotter than the air outside so that it can take a lot of cycling to cool it down well. Your MA auto insurance agent wants you to know that if you roll the windows down while you drive for the first few minute with the air conditioning cranked up to high, it will force most of the hot air out and allow the fresh, cooler air to circulate inside. After just a few minutes, you can roll up your windows and enjoy that cold, sweet air!
Steering Wheel & Dash
There are a few things that you can do to avoid a hot steering wheel and dash. If you allow the interior of your vehicle to be exposed to a lot of sun during the summer months, not only could you burn your hands when you go to drive, but you could also be doing some damage to the leather, vinyl, and other materials. Use a sun shade year-round to protect your dash and steering wheel from sun fading and damage. You can also get cool-touch products that can be put on top of the steering wheel that will prevent it from getting too hot in the summer. Dash covers can also be helpful to protect your interior from damage, but your New Bedford car insurance agent wants you to know that the best route is often a $10-20 sun shade.
Tire Blowouts
Did you know that more tire blowouts happen in the summer than any other time of year? Data compiled by MA auto insurance agents shows that the hot roads and long summer trips combine to create a tire blowout nightmare. The best thing you can do is to be prepared. Even if you have relatively new tires on your vehicle, make sure you always have a car jack, spare tire, auto-inflater, and tire patch kit on hand. You might also want to consider adding roadside assistance in with your auto insurance quote or talk with your New Bedford car insurance provider about other options in your area. You don’t want to be stuck out on the road in the middle of nowhere with no one to call.
BONUS TIP: Check the tread on your tires periodically when you get gas or add air. One tried, and true trick is to use a penny. Stick it into the groove of the tread with the head of President Lincoln facing inward. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to get a new set of tires. You can also get your tires checked when you get them rotated during oil changes for an extra set of expert eyes!
Overheating Engine
Another common issue in the summer months is an engine that overheats. It is important to take care of your car’s engine year-round to make sure it is working as it should. Hot outdoor temperatures combined with coolant levels that are below the minimum can cause your engine to overheat. It also makes your air conditioner work harder, putting a strain on the system. Check your coolant levels regularly, but especially during the summer. Always take an extra peek before a big road trip. Watch the temperature gauge when driving, especially when going up hills, mountains or under extreme heat warnings. If your warning lights come on, pull over immediately. Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool down before you open the hood. Top off any coolant levels that are low, but if the level is empty, you may have a leak. If that’s the case, make sure to get professional assistance before attempting to continue your trip.
Contact Borden Insurance in New Bedford
If you are in need of an auto insurance quote for New Bedford car insurance, give us a call at 508-999-3636. Your local MA auto insurance agent can help get you a quote for the best car insurance available in Massachusetts. Call today and see for yourself why so many New Bedford car owners trust Borden Insurance for all of their car insurance needs.