We know that some of our clients live in areas that get hit hard with winter weather. In severe storms, it is always the best idea to stay home instead of trekking out in your vehicle. But when there is no choice and you have to get out, you should always be mindful of the roads and your surroundings. Snow and ice make driving a very unpredictable experience. Here are some tips to make it just a little bit easier the next time you need to venture onto a snowy terrain.
• Clean off your car entirely. Don’t just wipe off the windows and be on your way. All that snow you left on the roof, hood and trunk can come back to haunt you when you start driving. In some places, it is illegal to drive with snow on your vehicle as it is a safety hazard for you and everyone around you.
• Check your windshield wipers and washer fluid. Driving with no fluid or faulty wipers will do you no good when salt gets stuck to your windshield.
• If your car door lock is frozen, don’t be tempted to pour hot water on it. It could do damage to your vehicle. Instead, try using a lock de-icer. If you do not have any de-icer, you can also try heating up your key and inserting it into the lock to melt any freeze. You can do this by using a lighter, but be careful not to burn yourself. Once you have unlocked the door, try putting some WD-40 or Vaseline on your key, sticking it in the lock and turning it a few times to distribute the lubricant. This will hopefully prevent your locks from freezing again.
• If you find yourself sliding when on the road, don’t panic. Just take your foot off the accelerator. Sometimes that is all you need to regain traction. However, if you find you are still sliding, do not slam on the brakes. Slowly brake and turn the wheel into the skid.
If you get into an accident, contact your insurance agent to file a claim as soon as you can. We would be happy to help you.
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