Beat the Heat With Summer Tips & Car Insurance in New Bedford
A change in weather can require a lot of considerations and maintenance to keep your vehicle running in tip top shape. Your local New Bedford auto insurance company wants you to stay safe on the road this summer, so we are providing some hot weather tips that will help you to keep everything performing as it should. Whether you have a brand new car that you are still making payments on or have got a lot of mileage on an older and trusted vehicle, it is essential to spend a little bit of time making sure that everything is prepared for the season. The daily commute, weekend trip to the shore, or week-long vacation on the open road (are we there yet?) can all come to a screeching halt if your car buckles under the heat and humidity of summer.
Perform a Battery Check
While most of us think about our batteries all the time in the winter, summer puts a strain on the battery as well. Experts say that heat can cause more damage to a battery than freezing temperatures, resulting in an internal breakdown and ultimate failure. Get your battery tested before the weather gets too hot and just prior to any long trips. This will help you make sure everything is operating properly. Take time to clean up any corrosion or buildup around the battery terminals and cable clamps. For batteries that are three years old or more, get it tested more frequently and change it before it breaks down. A good battery is good car insurance in New Bedford and the surrounding area any time of year.
Add Engine Coolant
The last thing you want to do is spend your weekend or holiday on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck while your engine steams. Your vehicle’s coolant system is designed to prevent your engine from overheating. As a result, it should be flushed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should check to make sure the coolant is at the proper level and top it off with a 50/50 mix of the product suggested by the owner’s manual. Never attempt to remove a radiator cap while the engine is still hot, as the coolant could cause serious burns or damage to you and your vehicle.
Check the Tires Regularly
Drivers need to know that tire inflation is responsible for a lot of things. If your tires are properly inflated, you will get better gas mileage. Under and over-inflated tires can be dangerous and cause your vehicle to operate improperly. Check the pressure of your tires at least once a month. Normal use will cause the pressure to go down throughout the month, so you want to check it regularly and inflate them when necessary. Do an extra check before and during a long road trip or every week if you have a long commute. Insurance companies in New Bedford recommend tire checks, rotations, and replacements throughout the year in response to changes in weather conditions to prevent accidents and dangerous breakdowns.
Fluid Checks and Levels
Another essential inspection recommended by your New Bedford auto insurance agency is to check your car’s fluids to make sure they are at the proper levels. Motor oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and even windshield wiper fluid should be checked whenever you perform an oil change or more frequently, depending on how you use your vehicle. You can top them off as needed but should have them replaced at the proper intervals by a trained professional.
Air Conditioning and Vents
Your HVAC system is just as important in the summer as it is in a New England winter. Hot weather can make focusing on driving difficult, which results in increased accidents. If your A/C is not performing as it should, bring it into a certified technician. The cabin air filter should be checked and replaced on an as-needed basis to provide proper airflow during the summer months. Consider getting your HVAC system checked just prior to the summer when you get your next oil change.
First Aid and Emergency Kits
The more you can prepare for breakdowns and other emergency situations, the easier it will be if you find yourself on the side of the road. Some things to include: water bottles, non-perishable food, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, a charged quick-charge for your cellphone, emergency flares or beacons, essential hand tools, and a first-aid kit. You should also have the number for your New Bedford auto insurance agent handy just in case you need to contact them about roadside assistance or to submit a claim.
Get a Free Auto Insurance Quote
It’s a good idea to go over your policy for car insurance in New Bedford from time to time. Get a free auto insurance quote from Borden Insurance Agency and get pricing from the top insurance companies in New Bedford and the surrounding area. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 and speak with one of our agents about all the options available to protect your automotive investment.