{"id":6125,"date":"2022-11-30T16:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T16:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=6125"},"modified":"2023-10-24T19:14:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T19:14:15","slug":"save-money-by-winterizing-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-tips\/save-money-by-winterizing-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Proof Your Car and Save Money on Car Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
“If you’re looking for ways to get cheap vehicle<\/a> insurance, one thing you might not have thought of before is winterizing your car \u2013 before the winter storm. Through the simple process of getting your automobile ready for fall and winter, you can keep it functioning well in all types of weather. Here\u2019s all you need to know about how to winterize and how it can save you on your auto insurance<\/a> premiums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve looked into how to save money on insurance before, you\u2019ve probably seen things like adding safety features to your car<\/a> and bundling your policies. You might be wondering why winterizing never came up. That\u2019s because, technically, there isn\u2019t a discount specifically for an owner who winterizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, the maintenance and care you put into your car is an important way to keep yourself safe. Snow, slush, and ice account for 24% of weather-related car accidents<\/a> each year. By keeping your vehicle working well, you\u2019ll minimize your chances of getting into an accident. And because safer drivers pay less in insurance premiums, this will indirectly result in you saving big. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It means greeting Jack Frost with a vehicle that is ready to perform in cold temperatures<\/a> and even help you out if you end up stuck somewhere due to wintery conditions. It\u2019s the season to think about how freezing weather may affect things like your engine, windshield wipers, brakes, car doors, windows and all of the other systems that make your vehicle run well. Being prepared is a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to give your vehicle a bath, especially if it has been exposed to rain, snow and road salt. These things can affect your paint job and lead to rust if not handled in a timely manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, an owner who isn\u2019t going to be driving for a long time and doesn\u2019t have a garage will find investing in a car cover is a good idea. A car cover protects your vehicle from some of the season\u2019s worst. Be sure and get the right car cover for your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know how winterizing your vehicle can help you save on insurance, you might be wondering, \u201cHow should I be getting my automobile ready for fall and winter?\u201d If so, this winterized car checklist<\/a> is for you. It covers all of the things you need to do before cold weather hits. Let\u2019s hit some of the high points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Winter is a bad time to have low tread on your tires. Tread is what helps to give you traction on the road, so with bald tires<\/a>, you have a much higher chance of skidding out of control on a patch of ice or snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To check your tire tread, you can rely on the penny trick. Take a penny and insert it into the tread so you see Lincoln\u2019s head upside down. Ideally, the tread should cover up the top of Lincoln\u2019s head. If you can see all of Lincoln\u2019s head, or there\u2019s a gap between the head and the edge of the tire, it\u2019s time for new tires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold weather is also notorious for deflating tires. That\u2019s why you should always keep a close eye on your tire pressure throughout winter. Top off your tires with more air if they drop after a particularly cold night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For certain areas of the United States, consider buying season tires.<\/p>\n\n\nWondering How to Save Money on Vehicle Insurance? Try Winterizing <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Does it Mean to Winter Proof Your Vehicle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Checklist to Winter Proof Your Car <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Inspect Your Tire Tread (and Check the Pressure) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n