Winter Car Care Tips

Photo: OpenRoad Auto Group

The holiday season is usually a bright spot in what is typically a cold, gray, dreary time of year. Now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas and New Year’s is over, unfortunately we still have a few months of cold, gray, and dreary weather to get through!

Winter can definitely be a tough season, and the harsh elements can take a toll on both your home and vehicle (especially your vehicle) if you don’t do some preventive maintenance first.  There are a few simple steps you can take to get your vehicle road-ready for winter driving.

Install winter wiper blades. If you’ve never had winter wiper blades before, you’ll notice a difference the first time you use them. They’re heavier than regular blades and contain a special rubber portion on them that keeps ice from collecting. Like regular blades, make sure you buy a set of winter blades that are the right fit for the size and shape of your windshield so they work properly.

Check your tires. Most vehicles come with all-weather tires, but some older models still need to have the tires switched over to the winter ones. According to the PepBoys’ corporate website, winter tires are made of soft rubber that won’t harden in the cold, and their tread is typically deeper, which give them a better grip and allow them to pass through snow easier. And don’t forget to check your tire pressure! Cold weather can cause the pressure to decrease slightly, which can impact how well your tires handle winter driving. Check your pressure regularly throughout the winter and fill them as needed.

Keep your wiper fluid full. Anyone who has driven in a full-fledged winter storm knows how quickly the visibility can change. Your wiper blades work overtime on these occasions, and at the same time, you likely use quite a bit of your fluid. Check your wiper fluid well often—there’s nothing worse than driving in poor conditions and not being able to see, and as a bonus, having a splattered windshield and nothing to clean it with! It’s wise to keep some extra fluid in your car, as well.  Be sure to use all-season fluid so it doesn’t freeze in the line (note that “summer” fluid will freeze once the temperature drops below 32 degrees F).

Check your brakes. Sailing over a patch of black ice is not the best time to discover your car needs new brakes. If they’ve been showing signs of wear and tear or you’re nearly pushing the brake pedal to the floor, don’t wait to take your vehicle in for service. You don’t want to take any chances with your vehicle when driving in winter weather, so winter is not a good time to put off any kind of vehicle maintenance.

Pack an emergency kit. Winter can be unpredictable at best, and you never know when you might be stuck on the road for an extended amount of time. Be prepared with an emergency kit for your car. It should include blankets, at least one extra set of clothing, candles, extra cell phone charger, nonperishable food (protein bars and/or trail mix work great), road flares (in case your vehicle is in distress), first aid kit, flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, and bottled water.

Being proactive with preparing your vehicle both inside and out will go a long way towards staying safe on the roads this winter. But the best way to protect yourself and your car is to watch the weather forecasts and don’t go out if you don’t have to!

Five Car Care Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

Photo: RepairPal

Your car is very much like your body—the more you take care of it, the better it will perform. And like your body, your car needs checkups now and then just to keep everything running like it should. Cars are incredible machines and many models can run for years before they start slowing down a bit, but that doesn’t mean they run forever. They have expiration dates just like everything else.

As a responsible car owner, one of the worst things you can do is ignore warning signals from your car. A small, fixable problem that you ignore today could lead to serious, more expensive problems later. Today’s models have warning lights for essentially every function—if your dashboard is lighting up, it’s time to stop and investigate the problem. It could be something simple (low or empty washer fluid) or serious—in any case, listen to what your car is telling you.

Below are just a few of the mistakes you don’t want to make when it comes to taking care of your car:

Put off scheduled maintenance. Pennsylvania state law requires annual vehicle inspections. Although this is the ideal time for you to take care of your car, don’t let it be the only time of year you take care of your car! Simple maintenance like changing the oil and filter (ideally every 3,000 miles) and keeping the fluids filled are all easy ways to keep your car running well all year long.   

Try to fix a problem yourself. Unless you have experience working on cars, or a warning light pops up for something simple like low oil, fluid, or you get a flat tire and know how to change it, let your mechanic pinpoint and repair other problems. Trying to fix it yourself can actually make a problem worse, and you’ll likely have to take it to a mechanic to undo your “repair” anyway, so just eliminate a step and go right to a garage.

Take your car to an unqualified mechanic or service center. If you’re going to go to a 

professional, however, make sure they know how to service your vehicle.  

Ignore the “check engine” light. The engine is the heart and soul of your vehicle, and if the “check engine” light on your dashboard is on, make an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible. That light could signal a wide range of problems, so it’s not something you want to leave unchecked.

Keep driving when your car overheats. If your engine is overheating, pull over immediately (or as soon as you can do so safely).  Continuing to drive with an overheating engine could lead to an engine fire, which could cause serious bodily injury to the driver (or death). Don’t take the risk. If your engine overheats, pull over and call for a tow truck or roadside assistance.

Even the most diligent driver can experience an issue or collision because of factors beyond their control, but keeping up with basic maintenance is one way to keep your car as safe and reliable as possible.

Common Car Insurance Terms Explained

Like just about every professional field, insurance is full of industry-specific jargon and acronyms that can leave the average person scratching their heads, or calling their insurance agent in a panic, asking what something means.  We thought we’d clear up some of the confusion.

Let's take a closer look at an important document most people don't spend much time reading in great depth--your auto insurance policy. Read on for a helpful explanation of some of the most common auto insurance policy terms:

“Binder”.  A temporary insurance policy that shows proof of insurance until the insured receives a permanent policy.

“Comprehensive”. Also called “comp”, this coverage pays for loss or damage to your vehicle from something other than an accident, such as a fire, flood, hail, or other weather-related incidents.  

“Collision”. This coverage pays for accident-related damages, regardless of who caused the accident. The carrier must pay for the repair or up to the actual value of your vehicle.

“Contract”. An insurance policy is sometimes referred to as a “contract”, as it is an agreement between the insurance company and policyholder.

“’Dec page’”. Short for the “declarations” page or called the “dec” for short, this is an important part of an insurance policy because it contains all the vital information about the coverage—the insured’s name and contact information, policy period and limits, and other important details.

“Deductible”. This is the amount the insured must pay in a loss before the company pays out any money.

“Premium”. The amount a policyholder pays to the insurance company to maintain the insurance policy.

“Named Insured”. The named insured is the actual owner of the insurance policy.

“Second Named Insured”.  This is the second person named on the insurance policy who has the same coverage as the primary named insured.

“Vehicle Identification Number”.  Commonly referred to as the VIN, the vehicle identification number is the unique 17-digit code given to every on-road vehicle in the United States.  The VIN is found on the identifying documentation for your vehicle, including your insurance and registration cards.

If you’re still confused or overwhelmed about your car insurance or any other coverage, contact us! We work with several carriers for a wide range of coverage, and as independent agents we have the flexibility to shop around for the best plan for your needs and budget.

What to Do if Your Car Breaks Down

Photo: Crash Services

It can happen to anyone. You’re in your car, driving along, minding your own business, maybe singing along to the radio, when suddenly your car makes a funny noise and stops. Or you hit something and get a flat tire.

Do you know what to do?

Move your car to the shoulder of the road or a safe location out of the flow of traffic if you can, especially if you’re on a highway.  If your car dies right in the middle of the road, stay in the vehicle.

If this happens during the day, put on your emergency blinkers (4-ways) to alert other drivers that you’re having car trouble. If it’s at night, open the door not facing traffic so your interior overhead light comes on.

If your tire is flat, don’t try to change it unless you’re in a safe location and the flat tire is on the side away from traffic.

Call for emergency assistance. If you belong to AAA or another motor club, give them a call and they can send a tow truck. They’ll ask your location and what’s wrong with your vehicle, so if it’s something other than a flat tire, try to pinpoint the problem before calling.

You should have an emergency kit in your car for times like these—breakdowns can happen to anyone, at any time, so it’s always good to be prepared. According to the DMV’s website, an emergency kit should include:

• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher (ideally a small one that's easy to store)
• Road flares (if not already in your tire-changing tools)
• Jumper cables
• Rain ponchos
• Tarp
• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Rags
• Duct tape
• Scent-free baby wipes
• Drinking water and non-perishable snacks.
• Multipurpose tool

A breakdown can be a harrowing experience, but if you stay calm, put safety first (yours as well as your passengers'), and follow the steps above, you'll make it through the incident just fine.

Would you add any other tips to the list? We'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Do's and Don'ts During Thunderstorms

Summer can have some unexpected (and dramatic!) weather, from hurricanes to tornadoes and massive flooding. These major weather events can cause extensive damage to people and property, but a common lightning storm can leave a devastating impact, as well. Lightning can pose serious safety risks, but there are precautions you can take to protect yourself and your property until the storm blows over. Below are a few basic do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during a thunderstorm. For more helpful safety tips, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website.

Do:

      Stay inside.  There’s no guarantee that lightning won’t affect an enclosed shelter, but you’ll be much safer inside.  A house, business, office building, or car with a hard top would all be considered enclosed shelters.

Stay away from windows.  It seems like a no-brainer, but make sure all entryways to your home are shut tightly so the rain won’t get in and cause water damage.  Once the windows are shut, move away from them. The lightning could travel through the metal in the window frame.  
Stay away from electronic equipment. If possible, avoid watching TV, using any electronic device or appliances during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through a house’s electrical system or TV and radio connection systems (and you can get a serious jolt if you use any of the above electronics). Invest in whole-house surge protectors to keep your electronics and appliances safe.

Don’t:

 Go near water. As mentioned above, don’t use your washer or dryer, but also avoid washing your hands, doing dishes, or taking a shower during a thunderstorm, as lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing.

Seek shelter in an open structure or space. If you’re outside and caught off guard by a sudden thunderstorm, try to get to a sturdy, enclosed structure rather than one that’s open, such as a pavilion or gazebo.  Also avoid waiting it out in a vehicle like a convertible or golf cart.  If you’re outside with no visible means of shelter, crouch down as low as you can, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible.

Use a phone with a cord. Corded phones are a bigger safety risk because lightning can travel down the phone cables. Cordless or cell phones are safe to use.

Go outside.  Watch the weather forecast and take weather alerts on your electronic device seriously. If there’s a storm in the forecast, be prepared to delay, postpone, or cancel your outdoor plans. Take the time to secure or bring in outdoor furniture or other lightweight items that could blow away when the storm finally hits. Bring pets and plants inside and be prepared to wait it out.

Lightning is impressive to watch (when you’re safely inside, at a distance) but it can be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Great Gifts for Your Graduate

Graduation is an exciting milestone in a young person’s life, and certainly a bittersweet time for their families. It’s also a big gift-giving occasion, in the same category with a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or new baby.

If you’re looking for some gift ideas for a special graduate in your life, below are a few ideas:

          Cash. Money—cash, check, or gift card—is by far one of the most popular (and welcome) gifts for budget-conscious graduates. What’s an acceptable amount? Although there’s no set rule for how much to give, etiquette experts say it depends on what you can afford and your relationship to the graduate. Generally, middle school graduates typically get $50 or under; high school, $100 or under, and college, $100 to $500 (again, it depends on how close you are to the grad).

          Jewelry. Graduation is an important first step toward adulthood, and gifting one good piece of jewelry to a child or grandchild is a nice way to recognize that life event. Earrings or a pendant are common gifts for girls; for boys, think a tie tack, tie bar, cuff links, or watch. An engraved inscription makes the gift even more meaningful.  

      Computer. Whether your graduate is going to work or pursuing additional schooling, chances are they’ll need a computer. Of course, there are countless options for technology on the market today, from laptops to tablets to iPads to the timeless desktop—so do some research on the make, model, type of software, and other useful features you might want before making your purchase.

·       
          Car.  Years ago, high school graduates often inherited their parents’ car so they would have transportation to summer jobs and college in the fall, and parents bought a new car. While that still happens today, usually it’s the graduate getting the new car.  Just like electronics, do some research on cars before breaking out your checkbook—it’s a big purchase, so you want to make sure you’re getting a safe, reliable vehicle that gets good gas mileage.

      As always, invest in the right kind of insurance for your graduation gift.  If you need valuables protection for items like jewelry or electronics, car insurance, or other specialty coverage for items not listed above, contact your insurance agent. Here at ETA Benefits Group, we are happy to work with you to choose the right type of insurance for your needs.

      Do you have any other good gift ideas for graduates? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!

Tips for Dealing with Spring Driving Challenges

Winter driving has its challenges—snowy, icy roads, sharing the road with salt trucks and plows, and poor visibility—and unfortunately, the lingering effects of winter weather take a major toll on our roadways, and driving in the spring can be just as challenging. Below are just a few of the headaches we face on the road during this season:

Potholes

Potholes are probably the biggest nuisance when it comes to spring driving, mostly because they can impact our vehicles directly.  Hitting a deep pothole can cause anything from alignment and engine issues to shock and strut or tire rim damage. If you drive on a pothole-riddled road for your daily commute, it will take its toll on your car. Try to find an alternate route to school or work until the road is fixed to minimize your risk of costly damage.

When you’re driving, if you can’t avoid a pothole due to oncoming traffic or another obstacle, try to slow down before you hit it to lessen the stress on your car.  If you suspect damage, pull over as soon as you can do so safely and check your car. Some damage is obvious, like a flat tire. Other issues are less noticeable but can have long-term effects on how your car runs.  If you want to be sure, take your car to your mechanic, explain what happened, and ask for a full inspection. It’s cheaper to pay a bill for a good report than one for costly repairs.

Construction

Whether it’s paving projects, widening roads, line painting, or filling potholes, it’s hard to avoid road construction this time of year.  If you’re aware of construction projects on your daily commute, keep these tips in mind:

·         Give yourself more time. If you absolutely cannot avoid the road you travel to school or work every day, leave at least a few minutes early if you know you’ll be sitting in traffic.

·         Find an alternate route. If the road construction will be going on for weeks or months, find at least one alternate route for your daily drive.

·        Wear your seat belt and keep sunglasses handy. Hopefully wearing your seat belt is second nature, but it’s an important reminder for all of us.  Stop-and-go traffic can cause wear and tear on your vehicle, but it can have unfortunate health consequences on drivers and passengers, as well, so buckle up before getting on the road. Sunglasses are just a good practical item to keep in your car. Squinting miserably in the sun’s glare can make sitting in traffic seem even longer and more uncomfortable.

Flooding

Spring temperatures mean two things: lots of rain and melting snow, which increases the risk of flooding.  Even if you don’t live in a flood zone, you should always take flood warnings seriously.

If you live in flood-prone areas, make sure you’re prepared during heavy rainstorms. Put your belongings on high shelves out of the floodwaters so nothing gets damaged. Be sure your family has an escape plan in case you need to leave your home. (It’s also smart to have a home inventory checklist on file with your insurance agent so you can document anything that’s lost or damaged).

Finally, if you’re driving, avoid flooded roadways. The water may look shallow, but there’s no way to know that unless you try to drive through it, and unfortunately that increases your odds of getting stuck.

What other tips would you add for dealing with spring driving challenges? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Prevent Scary Accidents This Halloween

Halloween is the time of year for some spooky fun. But as always, along with fun comes the need for safety to prevent scary accidents on your property.

If you plan to welcome trick or treaters, clear away any yard debris or clutter from your porch or walkway. Little ones love Halloween, but when their enthusiasm and a long or cumbersome costume meets debris, they could trip, fall, and get seriously injured.  Likewise, you wouldn’t want an adult taking their kids trick or treating to fall on your front steps or sidewalk, either. For this same reason, be sure your porch or walkway is well lit. And if your kids are trick or treating, be sure to check their candy when they get home. Any pieces that look suspicious (such as, the wrapper has been opened or it looks like it’s been tampered with in some way), should be thrown away immediately.

Carving pumpkins into scary or funny jack o’lanterns is a favorite holiday activity, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re not handling the knife correctly, or little hands are trying to carve their pumpkin by themselves, it could lead to a serious injury. Paint or decorate the pumpkins instead of carving them, especially if you’re working with kids. Jack o’lanterns are traditionally lit with candles, but open flames are another potential safety hazard. If the pumpkin is sitting on your front porch or in a high-traffic area, it could easily be knocked over.  Use a battery-powered LED candle rather than a live flame instead. Better yet, stick with an artificial jack o’lantern.  Sure, the genuine article always looks better, but the artificial version is much safer!

And of course, we can’t forget the Halloween party, whether it’s a traditional costumed gathering or not. If you’ll be serving alcohol, make sure your guests are able to drive or have named a designated driver.  Encourage them to stay over if they’re not able to drive.  

If you’re expecting a lot of visitors at your house this Halloween, whether for a party or the neighborhood trick or treat night, make sure you’re protected. Consider umbrella coverage for your homeowners’ policy, which can give you additional coverage should a visitor get injured on your property.  ETA Benefits Group works with several carriers that offer this valuable protection.  Please contact us to learn more.

How do you celebrate Halloween? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Quick Tips to Get Your Car Ready for Fall

Now that you’ve gotten your home ready for fall by using these tips,

it’s time to do the same with your car. Just like your home, fall is a great time to do some preventative maintenance on your vehicle before it’s tested by harsh winter weather. Depending on where you live, you may get snow and ice as early as October, so it’s important to have your vehicle ready.

Fill fluids. You’ll need wiper fluid to wash the nasty grime of road salt, slush, and moisture residue off your windshield. Make sure you use a fluid that is meant for cold weather conditions, otherwise it may freeze on your windshield and won’t be very helpful. As always, do routine oil, transmission, and HVAC fluid checks throughout the winter to ensure your car’s engine and electrical system runs smoothly.

Check tire tread. If you get a lot of snow and ice where you live, it’s critical that you have good tires on your vehicle. Make sure the tread is in good shape and not worn down so you have good traction.

Check and replace brake pads as needed. Good brakes are another necessity in bad weather. You need to be able to go downhill slowly and navigate safely if you skid on an icy patch.  You want to make sure your brake pads have enough “grab” so they can help you stop suddenly if you need to.

Check headlights. Visibility is essential when driving in snow and icy conditions, and if one of your headlights is out, it can be very risky to simply rely on one to see where you’re going.  Replace any burned out head- or taillight bulbs to ensure your visibility is good.

Assemble an emergency kit. Bad weather can strike at any time, so make sure you’re prepared. Pack an emergency kit to keep in your trunk that contains cat litter (to help with traction if you’re stuck), a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket, and even some non-perishable food just in case.

Auto maintenance is essential all year round so your vehicle is in good working condition. Accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some preventative maintenance can go a long way towards keeping you and your passengers safe. ETA Benefits Group works with several auto insurance carriers and can shop around to find the best coverage for your needs. Contact us for a free, no obligation quote.

What else can you do to prepare your car for winter weather? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Insurance Needs for Your College Student

In just a few weeks, college campuses will be coming back to life after a long, quiet summer. Freshmen will be participating in orientation, trying to navigate their way around campus, and adjust to life away from home; upperclassmen will be catching up with friends, getting mentally prepared to take their most challenging classes, and start thinking about graduation and securing a job or internship. There’s so much for students to think about; chances are insurance isn’t near the top of that list. This is something parents can think about instead. If your child is going off to college this fall, there are some insurance policies that can benefit them while they’re away from home:

Renters. If your child will be living in an off-campus apartment, encourage them to purchase renters’ insurance.  There are several benefits to this type of coverage:  it will cover personal belongings (including furniture, clothing, and electronics) if they are damaged or stolen; medical payments for anyone who is injured at your child’s apartment, and expenses if your child’s residence is having major repairs and he needs a place to stay for a few days.

Auto. Your child may or may not have a car on campus for various reasons. (Some colleges don’t allow freshmen to have cars, for example). Some carriers offer discounts on car insurance depending on how far your child will be from home (more than 100 miles is the standard distance for the discount with most carriers). It’s a good idea to leave your child on your insurance policy, otherwise their coverage will lapse when they purchase their own policy, resulting in a higher payment.

Identity theft.  With so much business conducted online and personal information a prime target for hackers, identity theft is a real potential risk for college students. Identity theft insurance, along with credit monitoring plans and similar services, is meant to protect your child from the expenses incurred from having their identity stolen. This type of coverage is relatively new, only a few carriers sell it, and it’s gotten mixed reviews—financial and cybersecurity experts say that protecting confidential information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account PINs, is a better strategy than purchasing identity theft insurance. It is best to do your research and weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you buy this type of coverage for your child.

If you’re sending your child off to college and want to make sure they have the right insurance, contact us. We work with over 50 carriers, and as independent agents, we can shop the market to find the best coverage at the best price.

Have you purchased any of the above policies just for your college-age child? What was your experience? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!