Cold Weather Tips for Vehicles: Auto Insurance in New Bedford
If you have lived in Southeastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island during the winter for any period of time, you know that the cold winter weather can cause problems for your car. Not only will you have to contend with all that snow and ice on the roads, but there are also issues caused by low temperatures. It helps to be aware of these potential hazards to avoid becoming stuck somewhere with a car that won’t start in the middle of winter. Your local insurance agency in New Bedford has lots of great tips that you can use year-round to protect your vehicle from damage. If you need auto insurance in New Bedford, MA or anywhere in the surrounding area, contact Borden Insurance for a FREE quote.
Battery Strength
There’s nothing quite like a dead battery at the end of a long workday. Studies reveal that car batteries can lose approximately 35 percent of their strength when the temperature hits 32 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets cold enough to freeze water, your battery can pay the price. Also, when the temperature drops down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, your battery can lose up to 60 percent of its strength.
If your battery is already struggling and in need of replacement, the chances are good that it will finally give out in cold weather. While most will die during the first instance of cold weather, others might hang on a bit and will usually die at the most inopportune moment. All of the wear and tear that gets put on your battery during the year in both hot and cold conditions will eventually catch up and cause the battery to die.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Get your battery tested in the fall before the cold weather hits. If it needs to be replaced, just do it. It’s better to replace it before it fails than to have to pay for roadside services and purchase a battery in an emergency situation. Ask your New Bedford car insurance company about options for roadside assistance that you can use in case of a dead battery or another roadside emergency.
Low Tire Pressure
In the winter months, the pressure in your car’s tires can drop dramatically. Even just a few degrees in temperature can cause them to go down. Unfortunately, once the tire pressure gets to a low point, it will stay there until you add air. Check the owner’s manual, look at the information on the inside of the driver’s door, or look at the pressure guide on the tires themselves to determine the proper amount of pressure for your tires. Use a reliable pressure gauge to make sure you have them inflated properly.
While many new cars have detection systems that alert the driver if the pressure is too low or too high, not all vehicles come with this feature. If you do not have a tire pressure alert system, make sure to check the pressure on your tires weekly. Getting in the habit of checking pressure whenever you fill up the tank or once a week on your day off can save you a lot of trouble with your tires. Regardless of the season, tire pressure is important not just for safety, but also to provide you with better fuel efficiency and handling.
Electrical Issues
Another feature of your vehicle that can suffer in cold temperatures is the electrical components. You might notice that some things are not working properly when the temperature drops significantly. Some electrical components are more prone to having issues with cold weather than others. If you experience electrical issues, check with your trusted mechanic. It might be cold weather, but it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Just like your battery, sometimes the cold weather simply brings small issues to light that you otherwise might not have noticed.
Check Your Fluids
The final bit of advice is to check to make sure that your fluids are all topped up and that you use a quality anti-freeze in your vehicle. Help your engine out by allowing it to run for a few minutes to “warm up” before you begin driving. Anti-freeze windshield wiper fluid is also important to prevent the liquid from freezing in extremely low temperatures. If you have questions about which fluids to use for your particular vehicle, check your owner’s manual or consider contacting the dealer direct.
Review Your Auto Insurance in New Bedford, MA
We all know that having car insurance in New Bedford is the law in Massachusetts. However, it is essential to review your policy with your insurance agency in New Bedford on a regular basis to ensure that you have proper coverage. Your agent can help you pick the best auto insurance in New Bedford, MA, and the surrounding area, but they can also provide you with changes and upgrades that will make your coverage even more effective based on your needs. If you would like a FREE quote for New Bedford car insurance or if you want to update your policy, just call Borden Insurance at 508-999-3636.