The weather is warming up and it’s time to ride. Whether you’re an “Easy Rider” or a café cruiser, don’t let a dead battery or clogged fuel line keep you from your adventures.
We know your life is hectic, so here’s a quick reminder of some things to inspect before you start your motorcycle’s engine:
Battery – check the terminals, clean dust and corrosion, tighten cables and give it a charge
Oil – start with fresh oil and filter
Fuel – drain old fuel and start with a fresh tank if you didn’t winterize your bike
Fluids – check that brake and hydraulic fluids are still good, replace any that looks dirty, and refill reservoirs
Brakes – look for cracks or leaks in lines, inspect the pads and test for any scraping or squealing noise
Inspect the drive belt tension and look for cracks or tears, or if you have a chain look for damaged links and worn or broken teeth
Tires – replace worn tires and check for pressure leaks
It’s also a good time to make sure your headlight, brake lights and turn signals are all working properly. And if you bought a new bike or haven’t ridden all winter, safety experts recommend that you take a test ride to see how everything is working and have an opportunity to regain the feel of the road.
California Casualty can join you on the ride with quality motorcycle insurance at competitive rates. We cover most motorcycles, and if you ride something we don’t insure, we can find you motorcycle insurance through one of our partner providers.
TAKEAWAY: Make sure you have the protection you need before you hit the road. Call a California Casualty advisor today at 1.800.800.9410 or visit www.calcas.com/motorcycle-insurance.
Read all the articles from the this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
If you’re piling into your car or truck for Memorial Day fun, here are important tips to keep it from becoming a “Griswold Family” vacation:
Plan ahead – research the route and possible hazards and know the rules of the road in the new places you’re traveling to
Have your vehicle serviced – make sure it’s road-worthy by having fluids, tires, battery and other essentials checked and replaced
Prepare a safety kit – extra water, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, reflective triangles and sealant for flat tires can be trip savers in an emergency
Get plenty of rest – drowsy driving is dangerous. The effects of driving for 18 hours straight can equate to a blood alcohol level of .05; 24 hours straight is equivalent to a blood alcohol level of .10. Switch drivers or take a short nap if you feel tired
Always wear seat belts – safety groups estimate seat belts save 14,000 lives a year, yet as many as 10 to 20 percent of drivers don’t buckle in themselves or their passengers
Observe “move over” laws – every state now has a move over law requiring you to slow down and move over when you see an official vehicle with it’s warning lights on, to protect highway workers, first responders and law enforcement officers
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – the heat inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels in less than half an hour, even on 70-degree days
If you’re having a get-together instead of a getaway, remember these important safety tips:
Understand safe grilling – read grill instructions, check hoses, keep grills away from structures and never leave them unattended to avoid a disastrous fire
Check your deck – inspect and repair cracked boards, loose planks and rails, rusty hardware or rotted supports to prevent dangerous collapsing
Know pool safety – keep uninvited guests and small children out with full fencing, teach everyone in your family how to swim, never leave children alone near a pool, know CPR and consider removing slides and diving boards
Ensure you have enough liability protection – protect your assets with high liability limits or an umbrella policy in case someone sues if they get hurt at your home. Umbrella policies help pay for legal defense, medical costs and loss of wages
Whether you are home or away, some auto repairs may be more complicated. That’s why it’s important to have a reliable backup. Whether the battery let you down, your spare tire went flat or you locked the keys in the car, for as little as a couple dollars a month California Casualty’s towing and roadside assistance pays for:
Dead battery start
Flat tire repair
Lockouts
Fuel, oil or coolant delivery
California Casualty’s towing service also covers getting your vehicle to the nearest shop, even if you get stranded off-road in deep mud.
TAKEAWAY:
Contact our Customer Service department to add Express Road Assistance or to purchase extra liability insurance at 1.800.800.9410 option 3, or email service@calcas.com.
Read all the articles from the this edition of the Calcas Connection Newsletter:
Americans are driving more and there’s been a corresponding increase in in automobile crashes. As we go about the routine of driving our kids to school, battling traffic to and from work, or heading to weekend events, it’s easy to forget the simple things that can make the trip safer. Nothing is more important than the safety of you and your family, and here are some traffic and driving reminders:
Always wear seat belts – the most effective way to protect your precious cargo – even for a quick trip to the store or a neighbor’s house
Secure children and infants in appropriate car and booster seats at all times to reduce the risk of injuries by 70 percent – it’s also important to have seats inspected (as many as half of the children riding in vehicles are in improperly installed safety seats)
Pay attention to the roadway and avoid electronic devices, applying makeup or turning around to interact with passengers – actions that double your risk of a crash
Be familiar with areas where you are driving and obey road signs and local traffic laws
Slow down in bad weather – conditions can change rapidly
Accidents and breakdowns happen when you least expect them. Now is also a good time to assemble a safety kit for your car or truck that includes a spare cell phone battery, first aid kit, blanket, fire extinguisher, jumper cables, reflective warning triangles and foam sealant for flat tires.
If you’re piling into your car or truck for Memorial Day fun, here are important tips to keep it from becoming a “Griswold Family” vacation: