You’ve done it a hundred times – sitting in a cold car, watching your breath while you’re waiting for the engine to warm up. It’s a necessary part of winter driving, right? Experts would disagree.
It used to be that cars needed to be warmed up before you could drive them in cold temperatures. But that’s no longer the case with today’s vehicles. Whether you’re an experienced or a new driver, here’s what you need to know.
Why today’s cars don’t need a lot of warm-up time
A car’s engine works by igniting a mixture of gasoline and air. That used to be the job of the carburetor. But carburetors didn’t work well in cold temperatures because they couldn’t get the right mix with denser cold air. If you didn’t warm them up, you ran the risk of stalling your car. Starting in the 1980s, manufacturers stopped using carburetors in favor of new technology.
Today’s vehicles use electronic fuel injectors that can detect cold weather and release extra gasoline for the right fuel-air mix.
Warming up your car is a waste of time, gas, and money.
It’s a given that you could be using your time more productively than waiting for your car to warm up. As you idle, you’re burning gas, which is essentially wasting money, too. You’re also increasing wear and tear on your car’s engine. Plus, you’re adding pollution to the air. According to a 2009 study, idling your car contributes to 1.6% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. That’s nearly double the entire iron and steel manufacturing industry. States have begun to take notice and issued anti-idling fines beyond 3 minutes.
A one-minute warm-up
With your car’s onboard computer and fuel injection system, it takes just about one minute for your car to warm up. That’s regardless of the outside temperature. That doesn’t mean that the inside of your car will be warm, or that the windows will be defrosted, but it does mean that the oil has traveled from the bottom of your engine to the top.
7 Steps to quickly heat up your car
Follow these steps to quickly heat up your car this winter.
1. Turn on your ignition without starting the engine. After about 5 seconds, you should hear the fuel pump priming the engine. Then start the car.
2. Don’t turn on the heat right away. The air being pumped out from the heater core will still be cold. That air will keep the engine from getting hot quickly.
3. Also make sure you are not running the radio, your seat warmers or defroster initially as these put a strain on the electric system.
4. Idle your vehicle for about 30 seconds (or a minute if your car is older). You can go a little longer if your car is covered in snow or ice. This will allow your vehicle to produce warm air.
5. You do want to give yourself time to warm up that has nothing to do with the engine. It’s all about your visibility and your comfort. You want to be able to see while you are driving and you want to be comfortable enough so you can concentrate on the road. Turn on the defroster to help clear the windows. Wait until you can drive safely; don’t try to drive with a small portion of cleared window.
6. Cars will warm up faster if you are driving than if you are idling. Normal driving for 5-10 minutes should do the trick.
7. Once you’re driving, point the warm air at your chest. That will warm you as quickly as possible. Then point the heat at your feet. As heat rises, the whole car will stay warm.
Tips for the extreme cold
In some places in the U.S., such as the upper Midwest, temperatures can dip well below zero and stay there. Consider these additional steps to help your car weather the cold.
Once regular oil gets below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes thick. Use synthetic oil which holds its consistency.
Battery heating pads and thermal wraps can keep your battery warm. A cold battery trying to hold a charge in frigid temperatures can harm your alternator.
Oil heaters for the dipstick or magnetic heaters for the oil pan can help. There also are coolant heaters for antifreeze.
Engine block heaters attach to your car and plug into an electric outlet. You can install a permanent heater, too.
Protect your car with auto insurance for peace of mind this winter and all year round.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, cozy home. But cranking the thermostat comes with big bills. Try these winter window hacks – and some more traditional solutions — to save on your energy bills while keeping your house warm and toasty this season.
1. Insulate your windows with plastic wrap or bubble wrap.
Did you know that you can create a barrier around drafty windows using bubble wrap? Choose medium to large size bubbles and cut the wrap to fit to the outer edges of your window. Fill a spray bottle with water. Spray the window with a thin film and immediately place the wrap bubble side down and press it against the windowpane. The water will make it stick. You also can use clear plastic cling wrap instead of the bubble wrap with a similar effect. Keep the wrap there all winter and remove it in the spring. You can even reuse it; just label it for the window that it fits.
Store-bought version: If you prefer, you can buy an inexpensive window insulation kit at hardware or retail stores, or online. They come with a clear shrink wrap film that you cut to size. Then, you apply adhesive around the window frame and use a hairdryer to seal it to the tape. While it holds well during the winter, the plastic peels off easily at the end of the season.
2. Replace caulk and weatherstripping.
Caulk and weatherstripping can wear out over time. Sealing air ducts with caulk and weatherstripping is an easy DIY project that can save you 10-20% of your energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The acrylic latex caulks are the easiest to apply and often the least expensive. Choose the type of weatherstripping based on your windows. Lowes offers guidelines that range from vinyl, aluminum, and stainless steel to felt and foam.
3. Choose insulating window shades and curtains.
What you put on your windows does make a difference. Choose insulated window shades such as cellular shades, which have a honeycombed design to trap air. This can save you 10% in heating costs. If you prefer curtains, choose thick medium-colored drapes. You can find blackout or ones with white plastic backings, which can act as insulation. Flannel and fleece curtains also add a layer of insulation. You can check energy ratings for various types of window coverings with the AERC, an independent public-interest nonprofit organization.
Tip: Open curtains on a sunny day during the winter months, and let the sun heat your home. Don’t forget to close the curtains at night or the opposite effect will occur.
4. Install storm windows.
You may not be ready for the expense of replacing your windows, and storm windows may be the next best thing. These windows are mounted inside or outside of an existing window pane. This extra layer helps provide additional insulation (and as a bonus helps to reduce noise). Not all windows will be able to fit storm windows, so check first before you make the investment. When you’re ready, choose low-emissivity (Low-E) storm windows, which have a microscopically thin coating that reflects heat back into the house. These windows can save 12% to 33% of heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
5. Other Expert Tips to Try This Winter:
Get a programmable thermostat. Set it lower at night and when you’re away from the house at work.
Keep your heating vents open. It’s a myth that closing vents will save you money. Your heating system generates the same amount of heat whether they are open or closed.
Make sure your vents are not obstructed. Move curtains, rugs, furniture that are blocking airflow.
Consider a duct booster fan to increase the flow of warm air.
Keep interior doors open so airflow can circulate.
If you have a radiator, use some aluminum foil behind it to reflect the heat into the room rather than into the wall.
If you can see light under the bottom of your front door, cold air is coming through. You can often raise the height of your threshold by turning screws—or you can buy a new one.
Run your ceiling fan in reverse so it is moving clockwise to pull warm air down.
Some simple winter home maintenance can help you save on your energy bill and prevent winter home hazards. Remember to schedule a furnace checkup with a professional HVAC company, change your air filters, and check your insulation. Your home is your greatest investment; take care of it and you will enjoy it for years to come.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
What began as a School Lounge Makeover has transitioned into a multitude of community giveback programs that have made a difference to you (and us!) over the last ten-plus years. We call them California Casualty Community Impact Programs or CCCI for short. They are the “brand energizers” or giveaways, grants, and sponsorships created to support your community endeavors.
The following is a brief list of different programs that we have offered throughout recent years. Please tell us what programs you would like to see again, and/or any new ideas that you would like to see introduced by commenting below.
SCHOOL LOUNGE MAKEOVER – CLOSED
Educators work hard and deserve a pleasing, well-functioning place to rejuvenate, plan, meet or have a meal. The School Lounge Makeover was piloted at Colfax Elementary School in Denver in 2010, and formally launched nationwide in 2011. The yearlong contest awarded four winning schools $7500 (one randomly drawn winner per quarter) to transform their school lounges with assistance from local designers, painters and others.
The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant Program was created to financially aid public middle and high school athletic programs impacted by reduced budgets. The program provides a grant of $1,000 for each public middle and high school awardee. Applications are received year-round. Applicants must be an active member of NEA or one of our participating administrator groups in the 44 states that California Casualty serves.
CALIFORNIA CASUALTY AWARD FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE – CURRENT
The California Casualty Awards for Teaching Excellence recognize educators whose professional practice and advocacy for the profession are exemplary. The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards with support from California Casualty, NEA Member Benefits, and Pearson Foundation. In addition to being honored at the Washington, D.C. gala, educators’ schools receive an award/gift from California Casualty. Nominations are made through state associations in the spring; the gala is held the following winter.
As Presenting Sponsor of the California School Recognition Program, California Casualty joins the California Department of Education (CDE) in celebrating the California educators that are exceeding expectations as they create safe, inclusive environments for learning. The California School Recognition Program recognizes these exceptional teachers, administrators, and classified employees through The California Teachers of the Year Gala,
The Classified Employees occasion, regional Gold Ribbon Recognition events across the state, and on-site Gold Ribbon Schools award presentations fulfilled by California Casualty Field Reps.
HELP YOUR CLASSROOM – CLOSED
Help Your Classroom was an opportunity for NEA members who request a quote from California Casualty to be entered into a random, monthly drawing for $200. Knowing staff frequently spend out of pocket to provide the necessary tools for learning for their students, the funds were provided via email as a credit for an online vendor so the recipient could purchase classroom supplies and equipment to be delivered to their school.
A variety of public safety prizes have been given away under the theme of an annual “Work Hard, Play Hard” contest. We understand the demands of the job and the appreciation for opportunities to play just as hard. For this contest, firefighters, law enforcement, and EMTs are invited to simply enter to win – no strings attached. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Prizes typically range in value from $7,500 to $10,000 – sometimes even more. To date, contest prizes include a SeaDoo personal watercraft; Harley Davidson 48; Polaris ATV (spring 2012); Bass Boat; DeWalt Tools, 5.11 Gear, and Liberty Safe; Garage Makeover, etc.
FIRE STATION MAKEOVER – CLOSED
Firefighter shifts are long and, when not out on call, firefighters work and live in the same physical space. A tight economy has delayed or canceled station upgrades. Similar to the School Lounge Makeover, this giveaway gave the winning entry a $15,000 makeover for one fire station room with assistance from local designers, painters, and others. The winning package included new kitchen and laundry appliances from Maytag, a fresh coat of paint inside and out from Sherwin-Williams, and a big-screen, closed-circuit TV system from FireRescueTV.
In 2012, California Casualty originally coined the giveaway as a Nurses Night Out promotion to provide nurses the opportunity to blow off some steam – renting a limousine and hitting the town, hosting a party, or treating their co-workers to a fabulous meal at their favorite restaurant – in relief of the endless hours spent meeting the needs of patients and their families. The 2020 Nurses Night Out campaign honored these same frontline healthcare professionals as they battled COVID-19 – through incredibly long hours, heartbreaking care cases, and increased personal risk. It was then decided to change the tone and the look of the promotion to a message more appropriate for the times. The new look focuses more on the appreciation California Casualty and communities across the country – and around the world – have for the compassion, dedication, and personal sacrifice these Healthcare Heroes exemplify.
ACADEMIC AWARD – CLOSED
Over 90% of educators reach into their own pockets to provide instructional supplies, food, and personal care items for their students. California Casualty pitched in with the Academic Award program to help with the expense of classroom and student needs. The contest awarded multiple K-12 public school educators with a $2,500 Academic Award. The check was made payable to the school with an understanding that the funds will be designated for use by the winning administrator, classified employee, or teacher of that school.
NOMINATE A HERO – CLOSED
To honor the everyday heroes we serve, California Casualty invited people to share the stories of heroes they knew. The “Nominate a Hero” program asked community members to share how a particular nurse, firefighter, educator, or peace officer made a difference in their lives and communities. Candidates for the Nominate a Hero program are nominated online by their family members, friends, and coworkers—and sometimes by strangers touched by their actions. A monthly winner received a $250 gift card and their place in our Hall of Heroes. An annual winner was then selected from the 12 monthly winners and received a $10,000 cash prize.
Created to assist schools in bringing artistic programs into the classroom, the Music and Arts Grants program considers grant requests for public K-12 schools whose music and arts programs are in jeopardy or in great need of funding. Requests will also be considered for individual classrooms wishing to integrate music and/or arts projects within school curriculum.
Teen reckless and distracted driving is an epidemic, yet 100% preventable. Impact Teen Drivers works with you and other influencers to deliver a simple, yet life-saving message to young drivers and their passengers: Focus on the road ahead and get to where you are going safely. Developed as a multi-faceted approach, this powerful program gives advocates the flexibility to get involved on their own terms— from direct outreach and education through association or school presentations to Train-the-Trainers and Parent-Teen Safe Driving Workshops.
Students across the nation, aged 14-22, can win cash prizes for their best creative message against dangerous distracted driving. Utilizing peer-to-peer messages, Impact Teen Drivers and California Casualty encourage students to help spread the word that distracted driving, the number one killer of young drivers, can be reduced and prevented. The seasonal Create Real Impact contest (Spring and Fall) was initiated in 2009 to find proactive solutions to the deadly epidemic of inattentive teen driving.
PROMISE TO DRIVE FOCUSED – FORD FOCUS GIVEAWAY – CLOSED
Surrounded every day by children, educators know all too well how devastating the preventable death of a young person can be. As natural role models, educators’ actions are noticed by students and colleagues. That’s why California Casualty asked educators to “make the promise to drive focused,” complimenting the efforts of Impact Teen Drivers, a non-profit founded and supported by California Casualty to prevent distracted driving. Those who made a promise to drive focused were entered to win a new vehicle valued at $20,000.
KEEP ON COURSE – JEEP COMPASS GIVEAWAY – CLOSED
Following the success and engagement of the Promise to Drive Focused campaign, California Casualty once again asked educators to “Keep on Course,” and get home safely by avoiding distracted driving. Educators who made a promise to drive safely were entered to win a new Jeep Compass from California Casualty. The year-long Keep on Course campaign was dedicated to preventing needless tragedies from inattentive/distracted (multi-tasking behind the wheel) driving.
WHEREVER YOUR JOURNEY TAKES YOU…WE’LL BE THERE DODGE JOURNEY GIVEAWAY – CLOSED
Reminding educators of the importance of having the right insurance coverage for their stage in life, the “Wherever Your Journey Takes You, We’ll be There” sweepstakes showcased a comprehensive website of auto and home insurance information for the various stages of life, and offered educators the chance to win a new Dodge® Journey SUV.
As the Green Ribbon Schools Local Sponsor, California Casualty provides funds to each Washington Green Ribbon School awardee to help with expenses traveling to the national honors ceremony in July, held in Washington, D.C., or apply the funds toward further improving their green programs.
Looking ahead – California Casualty will continue to introduce grants, programs, and giveaways each year. While many are coming to an end this time of year, replacements are introduced in Q1 each year. Future Connection newsletters will share details as they are available.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to visit www.CalCas.com and sign up to Manage My Account online.
Creating an account is easy, secure, and convenient. Just click on “Sign In” in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Then, at the bottom of the gray box that appears, you click on “Create an Account” to get started.
It takes three simple steps to sign up:
Input your Customer Information
Add your Policy Information (and choose if you want to Go Paperless*)
Open your Email and Confirm Your Request to Sign Up.
Once you’ve signed up, you will have quick access to your policy(ies) at any time and from anywhere. You simply “Sign In” in the same right-hand corner where you created your account initially. And easy, secure access to this policy portal gives you the flexibility to:
Download/Print ID Cards
View/Download Your Declaration Pages
Pay Your Bill Online
Make Some Changes to Your Policy (Manage Drivers, Manage Vehicles, Manage Lienholders/Mortgagee)
Contact Customer Service for Additional Support
File a Claim
Create/Save a New Auto Quote
Etc.
And don’t worry! If you forget your password, it’s easy to reset. Just click on “Forgot Password,” enter your email address, and a link to reset it will be emailed to you momentarily.
Go ahead – sign up today!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
California Casualty Executives, Management, and Employees came together for the annual Year-End Meeting earlier this month. As is tradition, department leaders presented their strategies, actions and future plans to continue to build the company that has stood the test of time for over 100 years. With Customer Experience and Financial Stability our collective beacon for success, the two-day meeting was filled with insight, discussion, and collaborative solutions.
Sales Vice President, Lisa P. shared the ups and downs of the Sales team throughout 2021 – from new technology advancements to staffing challenges. She went into detail all of the tools utilized to increase connectivity with prospects requesting a quote, provide an extensive review of policy coverages and options for a personalized solution, and deliver a customer experience that surpassed expectations. Lisa also educated the group of the various employee engagement and hiring tactics they are using to counter the Great Resignation happening around the country.
Direct Mail Director, Richard S. provided an insider’s view to the strategies and tactics he utilizes for the various group mailings sent throughout the year. His presentation highlighted the effectiveness of testing various product/service messages, call to actions, and distribution allocation. The takeaway: groups that supported communications to their members, and allowed for a little creativity saw better adoption of the California Casualty auto and home member benefit in 2021.
Digital Marketing Director, Steve T., alongside Social and Digital Marketing Manager, Demian T., combined their presentation to deliver the year in review for Internet Marketing. The duo shared all of the various ways California Casualty utilizes digital and social media to reach, engage and listen to our prospects and customers. Thanks to smart planning, sound strategy, and the efficiency that comes with online programs, they were able to make a big impact with a small team.
Marketing Solutions, led by Marketing Communications Manager, Robin F., illustrated the various ways they extend the CalCas brand to our prospects and customers outside of the Direct mail and Digital realm. From group publication print ads to the policyholder e-newsletter, Connection, Robin explained the efforts of engaging with prospects beyond their policy paperwork. She also showcased the various communication pieces developed for Partner Relations to use for their engagement efforts.
Agency Services, presented by Bianca O., AVP, and Agency Services Manager & Sr. Customer Service Team Manager, explained to the group how our ability to offer members additional insurance options through a subset of insurance partners gives members the coverage solutions they need with one-stop shopping. In 2021, Agency Services saw an increase in boat, motorcycle, classic car, pet insurance, and umbrella policies.
Partner Relations was represented by Debbie H., VP Field Relations, Roxanne D., VP Account Relations, and Lisa A., AVP and Account Manager. The ladies’ presentation captured Group Leaders’ sentiment of the value California Casualty brings as a member benefit partner. They reflected on the transition their teams experienced during COVID – on-site to virtual to hybrid – noting the challenges, learnings, and solutions implemented to keep relationships strong at the national, state, regional, and local levels.
Customer Service – with Daphne P., VP Customer Service, Cheryl C., Customer Service Manager, and Becky P., AVP and Service Manager, presenting – illustrated the efforts their team is implementing to continually measure, monitor, and improve service levels. They explained the many tactics they are trying now and into the future to keep representatives motivated, trained, and available to assist our American Heroes no matter how complicated or stressful the conversations may get.
Underwriting, through a presentation by Hillary B., UW Analyst and Team Manager, and Danielle S., UW Operations Manager, shared the accreditations and promotions earned within the department over the past year, illustrating that continuing education and refined skill sets are imperative to the success of an underwriting department. Hillary and Danielle also highlighted the efficiencies gained within their department, improving the time it takes to issue a policy once it has been written by Sales.
Actuary walked the group through the nuts and bolts of auto insurance pricing. Wen L., Auto Pricing Manager, was able to address questions regarding the how and why for California Casualty-specific group rates and customizations required to rate properly for associated risks while offering our partners and their members the member rates they expect.
The meeting ended with closing remarks from CMO, Mike M. and Interim CEO, Bob N. reiterating the progress made, the improvements needed and the anticipation for future endeavors planned.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
