Cold Weather Playing Havoc

Cold temperatures across the United States have caused consumers havoc both in their homes and in their cars.

Potholes 

Americans spend over $3 billion per year to repair pothole-related damage to their cars.

Extreme cold weather coupled with heavy traffic cause anything from blown tires, dented rims, damaged wheels, dislodged wheel weights, displaced struts, dislocated shock absorbers and damaged exhaust systems are all costly common automotive issues.

So how do you help protect your vehicle?  According to AAA:

• Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.  To check the tread depth, insert a quarter into the tread groove with Washington’s head upside down.  The tread should cover part of Washington’s head.  If it doesn’t, time for new tire.
• Keep your eye out for potholes and don’t get distracted.  If you need to swerve, make sure to check surrounding traffic to avoid causing a collision.
• If you can’t avoid the pothole, reduce speed and insure you are not causing an accident with the vehicles behind you.
• A puddle can disguise a deep pothole, drive carefully through them.
• If after hitting a pothole, you knock your vehicle out of alignment, have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.

Pipes

• A simple way to help prevent outside pipes from freezing, let the cold-water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes.  
• Keep your thermostat to set the same temperature during day and night.
• To help pipes within the house from freezing (those that run through cabinets, or exterior walls) is to wrap them in pipe insulation.  
• Keep your garage door closed.
• If you plan to be away, set your temperature no lower than 55 degrees.

Keep warm during these winter months.  And, if you do experience a claim, we are here to assist you.