Most of the state of California has fairly mild winters but there are some parts that can occasionally see a bit of sleet, snow and ice. These wintry weather conditions can make the roads a little more dangerous than usual and we all know that getting into an accident could mean a rise in your auto insurance premium or deductible. This is why it is incredibly important to do everything you can to make sure you are safe when traveling in your vehicle during the winter months. Here is a brief checklist of all of the things you should do in order to ensure that your car, truck or SUV is prepared for winter weather conditions.
Check Your Tire Pressure – Cold weather can impact tire pressure, which is why you’ll want to check your tires more often during the winter. You can determine the proper pressure level for your tires by locating the sticker located on the side door jamb of your vehicle.
Replace Wiper Blades – If you live in or are traveling to a region that is frequently impacted by snowfall, you will want to replace your vehicle’s windshield wiper blades with ones that are equipped to handle snow and ice build up.
Inspect Lights – Visibility can be drastically minimized during snow storms, so you’ll want to make sure that your brake lights, headlights, taillights, turn signals and reverse lights are all operating properly. If any bulb is not working or seems dim, you should replace it as soon as possible in order to avoid an accident.
Refill Washer Fluid – Did you know that there are certain types of washer fluid which are specifically formulated to reduce ice and snow buildup? It’s true. Refilling your washer fluid reservoir with this kind of solution can help you keep your windshield free of ice and snow all winter long.
Once you have completed our short vehicle maintenance checklist, your car, truck or SUV will be ready to get you safely through the winter. If you are curious about other ways you can increase the safety of you and your passengers while on the road, it’s recommended you contact your auto insurance agent.