Car Insurance in New Bedford: Planning to Go on a Road Trip?
Whether you are planning to hit the road right now or somewhere later in the year, it is always a good idea to check your car first. Even if you have a brand new car, it pays to do all of the required maintenance and check on the main components of your vehicle. A short trip across the state or a more extensive trip across the country, nobody wants to get stranded on the side of the road. Your New Bedford car insurance policy is an important ingredient in your road trip.
Check with your MA auto insurance agent if you have any questions about coverage. If someone else will be driving your vehicle on the trip, ask your agent about how that might impact car insurance in New Bedford. You can benefit from speaking with your insurance companies in New Bedford, MA at least once each year to make sure that you are fully covered. It only takes a few minutes, but it is time well spent, especially if it means the difference from being covered in the event of an emergency or getting stuck with a big bill that you can’t afford to pay.
Get a Professional Check-Up
Start by bringing your vehicle to your local mechanic or dealership for a check-up. If any maintenance is required, take care of it before you leave town. Simple things, such as checking the fluid levels, performing an oil change, or checking the windshield wipers, can save you expensive repairs on the road. Having the peace of mind that comes with knowing that everything is in good working order is worth the extra effort. You might not think that you have the funds to invest in car maintenance right before a big trip, but then consider how much it would cost to tow it home. Even a short 100-mile trip could wind up being a significant expense if your car breaks down.
Check the Battery
Your car battery is a critical component in the safety and daily operation of your vehicle. You can get your battery checked for free at most auto supply shops in the Greater New Bedford area. Take time to clean the terminals with a little bit of baking soda and water. You don’t want to have to replace your battery during your trip. If your battery does go out, do you know if you have roadside assistance? Contact your MA auto insurance agent before your tip to find out. If you don’t have roadside assistance as part of your New Bedford car insurance policy, ask how much it would cost to add it. It is usually just a few dollars a month and can pay off big time in a pinch.
Inspect the Tires
Don’t forget to check your tires before you head out on the highway. Check both the pressure and the tread. Even if your tires only have a few thousand miles on them, it’s a good idea to look them over before a trip. Consider bringing your car in to get your tires rotated as well. That way, you’ll get a second opinion from the mechanic about the condition of your tires. You want to check for any bulges or tears in the sidewall of your tires. There should be a fair amount of tread left that can be measured with a quarter. Insert the quarter in between the treads upsidedown. If you can see George Washington’s head, then its time to get new tires. Check the tire pressure according to the gauge that is on the driver’s door jam or by what is listed in the owner’s manual.
Brake Check
You don’t want to end up on a hill, in bad weather, or stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, only to discover that your brakes are bad. When you do all of the other checks for your vehicle, make sure to get your brake pads checked. If they are worn out or need to be replaced, take care of it before your trip. Insurance companies in New Bedford, MA can provide you with plenty of statistics about accidents that were caused by bad brakes.
Get a FREE Quote for New Bedford Car Insurance
If you live in the SouthCoast area and would like to speak with an MA auto insurance agent about car insurance in New Bedford, give us a call at 508-999-3636. We can answer any questions that you might have about auto insurance and provide you with lots of great tips to help you have a safe road trip.