Category: Auto Insurance

Now that summer is winding down and the crisp months of Michigan autumn are fast approaching, it’s a good time to do a seasonal check-up on your vehicle. Fall brings inclement weather and is quickly followed by the hazardous months of winter, so we’ve put together these simple DIY tricks to help you get ready for driving in the last part of the year.

1. Take a look at your fluid levels.

Periodically checking your vehicle’s fluid levels helps keep your car operating in top condition. Check and change windshield-washer fluids, antifreeze, and brake-fluids. Also take this opportunity to discover any leaks; if fluid levels  are changing at a rapid pace, this could indicate leakage or larger automotive issues.

2. Check your spare.

It’s a good idea to check the tire pressure and quality of your spare tire each season to ensure that it will remain usable in case of emergency. It is especially important to look at spare tire quality if your spare is suspended underneath your vehicle.

3. Replace your wipers.

Since you typically use your wiper blades more in the fall and winter, it’s important to replace them each fall to make sure that your blades are functioning properly when you need them most. And don’t forget about your rear window wipers, if you have them! With leaves blustering (and eventually snow flying), you  don’t want to get stuck with a huge rear blind spot. 

4. Look at your lights and battery.

Regular car maintenance calls for a routine inspection of the electrical components of your vehicle. However, now is a great time to double-check your battery for corrosion or loose wires and to make sure that all of the car’s lights are working. By tackling any minor issues you find now, such as bulb replacement or corrosion cleanup, you can not only keep your car ready for the fall and winter, but can prevent major automotive issues in the future.

5. Replace filters.

Engine air filters should be replaced at least twice a year, so right now is a great time to get a new filter. Fresh filters improve fuel economy, emissions, and overall performance.

6. Review your auto insurance coverage.

With school back in session, the approaching fall season yields more traffic, time on the road, and pedestrians – not to mention it’s construction season here in Michigan. You may find yourself driving your car more frequently than you did during the summer. Now is a good time to review your current coverage before you get back out on the road. You may want to consider additional coverage to protect you from the additional hazards you may face in the coming months.

It’s the first day of summer, and the weather is already heating up fast! And while most Michiganders know tips for protecting their cars from the snow, many forget that extreme heat can take a toll on your car as well. Delicate interior components are particularly susceptible to cracking or warping if overexposed. While some people have the luxury of covered parking, the majority of us are forced to park under the sun’s sweltering rays. Follow these tips for keeping your car in the best shape possible during the summer heat.

• Find shade: If possible, park in a shady spot. Whether it’s a garage, under a tree, or even just a shadow cast down from a building, any little bit helps. If you must park in direct sunlight for a long period of time, consider using a windshield shade to block UV rays from damaging your dashboard or a car cover for more complete protection, including blocking the oxidation of your paint job.
  

• Leather and vinyl care: Your seats and other internal components can crack or dry out under the hot sun. Luckily, there’s an array of commercial products available to block these nasty effects. Leather conditioners, protectant wipes and even wax/polish for your car’s exterior can all prevent heat damage.

• Tint the windows: Tinting your car’s windows helps reduce the interior temperature of the vehicle and prevents damage caused by UV rays. Michigan does have laws restricting tinted windows; if you’re unsure whether you’re in compliance, be sure to check out the Michigan State Police guidelines to be certain your windows follow state law. If tinting isn’t an option, it can be helpful to at least leave your windows cracked open a bit to vent out some of the heat while you’re away.

• Check the coolant: Regularly check the radiator for proper pressure and coolant levels and adjust as necessary. It’s also a good idea to inspect the hoses for cracks or bulges, which may need to be repaired.

• Battery life: Extreme heat can cause fluid evaporation and reduce the life of your battery. Test its charge regularly, keep the top of the battery clean and, if you have the type of battery that needs liquid, top it off with distilled water when necessary.

• Keep it cool: The air conditioning system is forced to work on overdrive during summer. It’s a good idea to have it inspected to make sure everything is working as it should. Additionally, check the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.

• Plan your errands: To keep your car out of the hot sun as much as possible, plan your errands during the morning or evening, when it’s cooler outside.

• A warning: Remember, the sun’s rays pass through car windows and rapidly heat the interior. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked car! Doing so can result in heat stroke, dehydration or even death.

Have you found an effective method to keep your car cooler in the harsh summer sun? We’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below! And for more helpful articles, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

Here in Michigan, winter can be the hardest season on your car.  And with exposure to snow, sleet, ice, and frigid temperatures, the potential for major damage is high.  Performing proper maintenance on your vehicle during inclement weather is the key to avoiding damage and costly repairs.  Keep your vehicle in proper working condition this winter season by considering the following preventative steps.

Tires and Brakes
The tires you use during summer months are not appropriate—or safe—for winter use.  Adding chains or updating your tires to specially made winter tires is your best bet to ensuring that your vehicle handles well on slippery snow or ice. Also, since the air in your tires contracts during the colder months, it is important to keep an eye on your tires’ air pressure.  Properly inflated tires are not only better for gas mileage; they also help your brake system work more efficiently.

While it is certainly vital to maintain your breaks year-round, you should pay special attention to them during the colder months, since you may use them even more on the slick winter roads.  Make sure your brake fluid stays adequately filled, and pay attention to any engine lights indicating your brakes or anti-lock braking system might need to be checked by a mechanic.

Vehicle Body
During the winter, automobiles are often covered with snow which can lead to rust on your vehicle’s body.   In addition, salt or ice on the roads can contribute to undercarriage problems or even chipped and scratched paint.  A good way to prevent this is to start the winter season with a detailed cleaning of the vehicle followed by a heavy wax job with the appropriate protection against winter weather perils. It is also a good idea to add a paint sealer to the vehicle to give it an added layer of protection. And when you’re at the car wash, consider adding an undercarriage wash. The few extra bucks now could save you hundreds in future replacements of rusty parts. 

Battery and Motor
Colder temperatures can bring strain to your vehicle. The battery often feels the brunt of this strain. During the winter, watch for any abnormal hesitation and look for corrosion in the wires.

To help protect your engine, make sure all your filters, hoses and belts are supple, clean and not cracked.  The harder your vehicle has to work to compensate for these types of problems, the more damage it may incur and the worse it will perform.  It is also important to make sure you are using the appropriate oil for colder temperatures.

Finally, it is imperative that a sufficient amount of antifreeze is kept in your radiator to ensure that the coolant in your vehicle continues to move through the motor regardless of freezing temperatures.

Windshield
With snow and slush flying and ice chunks on the road, winter debris can seriously impair your vision and your ability to drive safely. Ensure that you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid on hand during the winter to help keep your windshield clear of this debris.  This fluid works better to clean your windshield than plain water because it contains a special soap that helps remove the small pieces of debris that might otherwise result in a scratched windshield.  It is also important to check your wipers.  Cracked or stiff wipers might not clean effectively which could result in a cracked windshield.

As Michiganders, we’re used to harsh winters. Make sure your car is as prepared as you are, and ensure that your family travels safe and warm during these snowy months.

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