Winter Auto Tips To Keep You Safe All Year Long

Residents of Sandpoint, Idaho are lucky to experience a beautiful range of seasons including beautiful winters perfect for outdoor activities. As one of America’s most beautiful locations, you are lucky to be living in or near this naturally gorgeous area.

With winter on its way, it’s a good time to go over your vehicle and make sure it is ready for the cold, snowy season. Many traffic situations can be avoided this time of year by doing a seasonal safety inspection, and doing some simple prep. Here are some things to check:

  • Check your battery and terminals. When the temperatures drop, more strain is put on your battery. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested to make sure it has enough juice to get you through the season. Visually inspect terminals and cables to make sure everything looks good. You don’t want to be stranded!
  • Check your tires. Make sure you have adequate tread. Roads are slippery, so tires need to be in good condition.
  • Check wiper blades  and replace if necessary.
  • Make sure brakes are working optimally. 

It’s also a good idea to update your auto emergency kit, making sure that you have fresh batteries in your flashlights and things like warm blankets and a first aid kit. Double check and make sure your roadside assistance is up to date, and that you are equipped with chains and any other snow gear, if necessary.

It’s best to take your vehicle in for a thorough check before winter starts, and it’s also a good idea to make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Sit down with an agent at The Insurance Shop USA to make sure you have the coverage that you need.

A Simple Tire Pressure Check

A simple maintenance aspect of car care involves the tire pressure. The pressure is created by pumping a sufficient amount of air into the tire that it not only inflates but stays that way even when a significant weight load is applied to the tire. It also allows the tire to absorb shock and changes in surfaces that the tire rolls over, making the design an ideal way to move transport without an extremely rough ride (as would occur with wood or steel wheels). However, a tire is only as good as its ability to maintain pressure and keep that air contained. When the pressure goes too low, the tire begins to lose its ability to retain shape and strength. The typical result is that the tire then disconnects from the wheel rim it is a frame on, or the tire material itself rips apart due to too much drag and friction with the road.

Fortunately, maintaining one’s tire pressure in Sandypoint, ID is a simple task of using a tire pressure gauge and regularly checking (every two weeks or so). Car tires have the normal inflation printed on the outer side just for this purpose. A good check applies the gauge, confirms the pressure needs increasing, and then uses an air compressor at a gas station to raise the tire pressure up to the right amount again. If the pressure continues to keep falling after multiple checks, then there’s a good likelihood the given tire has a small air leak and needs replacement.

To find out more tips on how to take care of your car and avoid car accidents, contact your local Sandypoint, the ID insurance agent at The Insurance Shop USA. There are multiple ways to easily monitor and keep your car in good operating condition, which goes a long way in avoiding accidents.