Break these bad car habits this winter to protect your car and yourself.
Many car owners take their vehicles for granted. Oftentimes, this leads drivers to develop habits that threaten their cars’ wellbeing as well as their own safety. If you want to take better care of your car and yourself, then break these bad car habits this winter.
- Avoiding the Car Wash
Many car owners are lazy and put off getting a car wash for as long as possible. This is especially true during the winter months when weather conditions are bad. However, having your car washed is not simply about making your car look better. When you wash your car, you are removing built-up grime that, if left to sit, can erode your car’s paint and leave its metal body to rust and weaken. To protect your car from the elements, make sure that you regularly wash and wax it to remove corrosive materials and seal out water and ice.
- Depleting Your Gas Tank
Many drivers do not fill up their cars until their gas gauge is nearly empty. While you may get away with this when the weather is warm, cold winter temperatures can cause the gas in your tank to contract. This means that you can actually run out of gas before your indicator light turns on. Additionally, when you have less fuel in your tank, you increase your chances of moisture getting into your gas lines and freezing over. As this would cause significant and expensive damage to your vehicle, it’s best to play things safe and fill up every time you hit a quarter tank.
- Defrosting Your Windshield with Hot Water
During the cold winter nights, it’s common for ice to accumulate on your windshield. Many drivers look for ways to speed up the task of removing this frost. Some may try to melt the ice by pouring hot water on their windshields. However, this drastic contrast in temperatures can actually cause your windshield to shatter. Rather than trying to rush this process, it’s safer to switch on your car’s defroster and either scrape away the ice or let it melt on its own.
Break these bad car habits this winter to protect your car and yourself. Remember, having the right auto insurance is also an important part of taking care of your car. For assistance with all your car coverage needs, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency. Our dedicated team is eager to find you the right coverage from one of our many carriers, including: Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, The Hartford, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance.