• Battery - The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
• Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching never use a dry rag.
• Exhaust System - Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.
• Tires - Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare and be sure the jack is in good condition.
• Emergencies - Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flash light and a cell phone. Put a few “high energy” snacks in your glove compartment.
Winter Insurance Tips
Windshields (cracks) are covered by comprehensive insurance minus the deductible. Eligible drivers can secure Met Life who offers full glass coverage.
Be careful on black ice for if you hit another auto or a person’s property it will be considered an At Fault Accident. In the state of New Hampshire you must always be in control of your vehicle.
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How Much Auto Coverage Do I need? |
| Almost every state requires you to buy a minimum amount of liability
coverage. The state of New Hampshire minimum is 25/50. You are
financially responsible and must pay for what you damage. Chances are that you will need more liability insurance than the state requires because accidents cost more than the minimum limits. If you’re found legally responsible for bills that are more than your insurance covers, you will have to pay the difference out of your own pocket. These costs could wipe you out! Brownell Insurance Center recommends that you have $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident. If your net worth is more than $300,000, consider buying additional liability insurance. You may also consider purchasing an umbrella or excess liability policy. These policies pay when your underlying coverages are exhausted. Typically, these policies cost between $200 - $300 per year for a million dollars in coverage. If you have your homeowners and auto insurance with the same company, check out the cost of coverage with this company first. If you have coverage with different companies, it may be easier to buy it from your auto insurance company or combine your coverages with one company for a discount or premium. In addition to liability coverage, consider buying collision and comprehensive coverage. You don’t decide how much to buy. Your coverage reflects the market value of your car and the cost of repairing it. Decide on a deductible - the higher your deductible the lower your premium. |
