Beware of Winter Road Hazards

It goes without saying that winter driving can be more dangerous than at others times of the year. Slippery roads and limited visibility dampen one’s ability to drive safely, but there are also winter road hazards that some individuals may not be as familiar with. Let’s take a look at some of the most common road hazards and what you can do to improve your winter driving experience.

• Rain, snow and ice: These wintertime staples can lead to slippery road conditions. The degree of slipperiness can be affected by type of precipitation and varying temperature changes during precipitation and/or winter storms. If you begin to slip, remove your foot from the pedals and steer in the direction your car is sliding. If you need a boost of traction, pour salt or kitty litter around your tires.
• Drifting snow: Drifted snow is more densely packed than fallen snow. Because of this, deep snow drifts can lift cars up off the road and strand them. See below for emergency kit items that will get you through being stranded.
• Diminished visibility: Conditions out of your control, such as sleet, rain and snowfall, can affect driving visibility. However, there are easy ways to improve your chances of clearer winter vision. Thoroughly de-icing your windows and mirrors will assist with your ability to see in all directions while driving. And don’t forget your headlights. They should also be brushed free of ice and changed regularly to ensure that they remain bright and functioning. This not only improves your own visibility, but also helps other drivers see you on the road. Turn your headlights on during any form of precipitation and when the weather is misty or grey.
• Tires and battery: Tires loose air pressure faster in cold temperatures. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure monthly and fill them as need, according to your owner’s manual. Before winter hits, check the tread on your tires. They’ll need replacing if the tread has worn down. Batteries over three years old should be replaced, as the cold can impair a battery’s ability to start a car. Have your battery properly checked and replaced if needed.
• Plan for emergencies: You should always plan for the worst. Anyone can become stranded in a car for hours during poor winter driving conditions. Pack an emergency kit, which can include items such as blankets, protein-rich food, bottled water, weather radio, salt or kitty litter, road flares, jumper cables and any other items you see fit.

Stay safe while driving down harsh winter roads. Call Security First Associated Agency Inc. at (810) 732-5800 for more information on Flint auto insurance.

5 Actions You Should Take Before Purchasing a Used Auto

Since new vehicles can lose more than 15 percent of their value once they are driven off the lot, purchasing a used car is often a smart financial choice to make. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to do any research before making the purchase. There are five important things you should do before you sign the papers and commit to buying a used automobile.

1. Contact your insurance agent. Your Flint auto insurance agent can give you some direction in deciding which type of car would be the most reasonably priced as far as your insurance policy is concerned. This can be based on safety features, popularity with thieves and other factors.

2. Get a Carfax report. A used car has an unknown past that it can never reveal to you—but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t want to know about it. Carfax has a series of complimentary and paid reports that will show you the history of your car with its previous owner or owners. This will help ensure that you don’t buy a lemon or a car that may have been mechanically compromised in a way that is not completely corrected through repair or replacement.

3. Compare safety options. Not only will a vehicle with front and rear airbags, anti-lock brakes and automatic seatbelts help keep you and your family secured, it will also lower your insurance premiums. Because used cars can be decades old, you cannot take for granted that the one you consider purchasing will have the safety features you desire. Make sure you research what options are available in used cars of different years and different models so that you can better focus your search.

4. Look up car values. Before you spend money or get a loan for a used car, make sure that you are paying a reasonable price based on its Kelley Blue Book value. Don’t believe that the company selling it is being completely fair; do your own research and, if necessary, be prepared to negotiate.

5. Bring the vehicle to your mechanic. Your mechanic can tell you whether or not a used car you are about to buy is worth purchasing or if it’s better left in the lot. He or she may charge you a small fee to inspect the car, but it would be well worth it to avoid potential repair fees beyond the basics that any used car buyer should expect.

Used cars may be a fiscally responsible choice, but it is still a big decision to make when buying one. Put the time in and do your research so you can drive off the lot with full confidence, an insurance policy you can afford, and an intact wallet.

Contact SecurityFirst Insurance Agency today at 810-732-5800 for all of your auto insurance needs!