For several months every year, winter weather is every driver’s leading adversary- slippery roads, salt trucks, whiteouts and dead batteries. No matter the severity of your winter, safety must always be your first priority. Erie Insurance and Albion Agencies offer the following tips to help you deal with winter’s challenges:

Tires first

• Use properly inflated all-season or winter tread tires. Don’t forget a spare.
• Take your car to your local tire shop or auto parts store to check the tread.

Under the hood

• Have a mechanic check your battery, cables, hoses, belts, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, exhaust system and fluid levels.
• Make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid.
• Always maintain at least a half tank of gas.

On the road again

• Beware of ice. Bridges and overpasses freeze with the slightest amount of moisture.
• Stopping—Drivers without an Antilock Brake System (ABS) should gently pump the brake. Drivers with ABS should use continuous pressure. Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations specific to your vehicle.
• Starting—Gently press the gas to accelerate from a stop.
• When going up hills, gather momentum slowly and do not stop on the hill.

Load it up and bring it along

• An ice scraper and a snowbrush
• Water, snacks, warm blankets and some extra clothing in case of a long delay
• A 25-pound bag of sand, salt or kitty litter to add traction
• A shovel to free your car in case it gets ‘snowed-in”
• A first aid kit with bandages, gauze, hydrogen peroxide and medical tape

If you get stranded – If you are ever stranded with help hours away, follow these guidelines:

• Do not leave your car.
• Wool items, newspapers or paper bags help protect from frostbite.
• Slightly open one window so heavy snow or ice cannot seal the car shut.
• Run engine and heater for 10 minutes every hour.  Be sure the exhaust system and underside of your car are clear of snow and blockage.

For more information, drop by our website at www.albionagencies.com, or get in touch with me.

The information in this post is general in nature, and geared toward insurance conditions in Western New York.  As always, you should speak with an insurance adviser to determine your specific insurance needs.