AN insurance broker has unveiled her best tips for new or young drivers transitioning from winter driving to spring driving.
Drivers living in snowy climates should pay close attention.
Theresa, an insurance broker in Canada, uploaded a video to her account (@theinsurancelady.theresa) last year warning her viewers what to look out on their cars when the winter begins to thaw into spring.
Living in Canada where a majority of the country sees snowfall during the winter, drivers are commonly seen with winter tires on their vehicles.
When spring is on the horizon, she said it’s important to pay attention to the tires.
“Winter can be pretty rough on tires, so check the tread depth and the inflation to make sure they’re in good condition when you’re using all seasons,” she said.
“If you’re using winter tires, it might be time to switch to summers.”
All-season tires should only be used if the climate receives a low amount of snow and ice during the winter, as all-season tires are not nearly as effective as all-weather or dedicated winter tires.
Winter tires should only be switched to summer tires when the roads are clear of snow and ice, the forecast is averaging 45 degrees or higher during the day, and nighttime temperatures are no longer below freezing.
The second important tip involved the windshield wiper blades.
“You know these wipers were working overtime this winter, and they’re also going to work overtime in the spring,” she said.
“So, just make sure you’re switching it up if it’s lagging in its performance.”
If the wiper blades leave streaks or aren’t clearing the glass as well as before, it’s important to change them before the rainy season begins.
The brakes, Theresa said, also deserve some attention with an inspection.
“The brakes were also used and abused, so just make sure that you’re checking that they are still working properly or see if it might be time for replacement,” she said.
If any of these components aren’t checked and an accident happens as a result, the level of coverage on the vehicle can make a claim a pain.
“If you don’t have comprehensive coverage it means you don’t have coverage for any damage that happens to your car that is not a collision,” she said.
Therefore, weather-related damage would not be covered.
“If a tree falls on it because of excessive wind, if it catches on fire, if it gets stolen, if it gets damaged in water, that’s not covered,” she warned.
“So, make sure you get comprehensive coverage.”
