Winter driving presents unique challenges, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Follow these tips to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for icy and snowy conditions.

Assess Road Conditions and Drive Cautiously

Driving in snowy or icy conditions requires extra attention. Understand how your vehicle responds to ice and snow. If you notice cars swerving ahead, slow down and consider taking an alternate route. On highways or any road, double the usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Avoid speeding and stick to the right lane to minimize lane changes. This approach will enhance your control and reduce the risk of accidents.

Prep Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Check Tires
Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure, so regularly check and maintain the correct air levels. Make it a habit to inspect your tires each time you fuel up. Properly inflated tires are essential for traction and safety in winter conditions.

Inspect Windshield Wipers
Worn wiper blades can impair visibility. If your wipers leave streaks or fail to clear large areas, replace them. Investing in new blades, usually costing around $10, can significantly improve your visibility during snow and rain.

Test the Defroster
The defroster is crucial for maintaining visibility. Test it to ensure it’s working efficiently. If it’s not functioning properly, visit a repair shop. A well-working defroster is vital for safe driving in winter months.

Check Fluid Levels
Regularly monitor all your vehicle’s fluid levels. In winter, you’ll likely use more windshield washer fluid due to road salt and grime. Ensure your fluids are topped off to maintain vehicle performance and safety.

By following these steps, you can better prepare for winter driving and reduce the risks associated with harsh weather conditions. Stay safe on the roads this winter

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If you’ve become the victim of a hit-and-run, remain calm and resist the urge to chase the other driver—it’s unsafe and won’t benefit your situation.

1. Ensure Safety and Document the Incident

Initially, pull over safely and verify that all passengers are okay. Next, assess the damage to your vehicle and begin documenting the incident. Record as many details as possible:

• Vehicle Description
  For instance, note the color, make, model, and license plate number of the fleeing vehicle if visible.
• Accident Details
  Furthermore, document the time, date, and location of the accident. Describe the direction in which the other car fled and your position during the incident.
• Witness Information
  Additionally, if any witnesses observed the accident, gather their names and contact information. Their accounts can be crucial, especially if you didn’t catch the license plate. Witnesses might also provide additional details about the vehicle that could prove useful.

2. Contact the Police

After documenting the details, promptly call the police to report the hit-and-run. Filing an official accident report is essential, as it will support your insurance claim. A police report serves as a formal record of the incident, which is necessary for processing your claim.

3. File a Claim with Your Insurance Company

Following the police report, reach out to your insurance company to file a hit-and-run claim. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process. Generally, your car insurance will cover the costs associated with a hit-and-run.

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage
  Moreover, most insurance policies include protection for hit-and-run incidents. However, verify whether you have “uninsured motorist” coverage, which can be mandatory in some states and optional in others. Therefore, check with your state’s department of insurance to ensure you meet the legal requirements.

4. Tracking Down the Driver

If you manage to locate the driver responsible for the hit-and-run, they will likely be held financially accountable for the damages. Conversely, if your vehicle was parked and unoccupied during the incident, follow the same steps: report to the police and file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible.

By taking these steps, you can effectively navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run and ensure you receive the necessary support for repairs and compensation.

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When looking for an auto repair shop, there are a few things to consider. But our biggest piece of advice is: find the perfect repair shop before you need it! It’s an important decision and you don’t want to make it under pressure. For most people the consideration doesn’t come until you’re on the side of the road calling your insurance company. Well we’re here to outline how to find a quality auto repair shop and what to look for. We hope that you’ll consider us.

There are also other ways that you can narrow down your search. Finally, remember to look for ASE certifications. Technicians are required to pass at least one specialty exam and fulfill two years of work experience to become ASE-certified. If they pass a range of exams, they earn Master Technician status. So, take a peek! What’s the harm. Repair shops expect this sort of thing. You won’t hurt their feelings by asking a few questions. Do the research and take your time choosing your auto repair shop. Because when you really need them, you’ll be happy you took the time.

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Road conditions this time of year can be extremely hazardous. The rainy season has begun, and with rain obstructing your visibility, it can make driving increasingly dangerous. It is also conducive weather for hydroplaning. Auto accidents happen frequently during this season, and it’s important to be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of what you can do to prepare yourself for an accident, as well as what to do if you do find yourself in this unfortunate situation.

Before an Accident

Keep certain items on you when you go out on the road in your vehicle. You’ll of course want to have your driver’s license and proof of insurance on hand. This is a no brainer. But, it would also be helpful to keep a pen and paper and a mobile phone with you. This way, you can take down pertinent information if need be, take photos of the accident and of course call for help. This will make the process much easier on you. Also, we recommend keeping a set of cones, emergency flares or warning triangles in the trunk to alert traffic. Any one of these items will do. However, a combination of flares and cones/triangles is even better.

After an Accident

In the event of an accident, it’s important to stay as calm as possible. The adrenaline from the crash can prevent you from thinking clearly. Take a deep breath and look at your surroundings. Assess all potential dangers and make sure that you and others around you are safe from further harm.

Call 911 immediately if someone is injured. You may also need to call the police if extensive damage has been done to your vehicles. You will want to get out of the road as soon as possible. If you were in a minor accident and can move your vehicles, absolutely do so. If you cannot move your vehicles, put on your hazards and set up your system of cones, warning triangles or flares to alert traffic. You want to do anything you can to prevent further pileups. If the accident occurs at nightfall, be especially aware that other drivers may not see you—in or out of your car. Sometimes, staying in your car can be more dangerous than not. Again, try to assess your environment and potential dangers as best you can given the circumstances.

When approaching the other party/parties involved

Be sure to watch what you say. Avoid phrases like “it was my fault.” Again, with adrenaline pumping, there’s no way you can take full stock of the situation. It’s best to just exchange information at this time. You’ll want to get the following insurance information from the other parties involved:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Make, model and year of the vehicle
• Insurance Carrier
• Insurance Policy Number

If possible, getting a few photos of the damage would be helpful. Make sure also to get the location of the accident and photos of people involved with their permission. If you needed to call the police, also get the name, badge number, phone number and police report number from the officer. You can also ask for a copy of the police report for your records.

As soon as the dust has settled, call your insurance provider. Remember, you have the choice of who works on your vehicle. Car Struction will be happy to give you a free repair estimate and work with your insurance company to get you back on the road. You can even email any one of our estimators:

Matthew Winslow: matt@carstruction.com
Nathan Turton: nathan@carstruction.com
Ray Korchak: ray@carstruction.com

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