by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
It’s hot… but you’re not the only thing feeling the heat. Rising temperatures are not only dangerous for us; they can also wreak havoc on our vehicles.
As the summer heat bears down in the midst of vacation and road trip season, here’s what you can do to help better protect your car on and off of the road.
How to Prevent…
Tire Damage
Your tires expand and contract in extreme temperatures. That’s why you find yourself losing more air in the winter and/or having overinflated tires in the summer. In general, you will lose or gain 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10-degree temperature change. This means in the summer you could easily gain over 2 PSI. Not keeping your tires at the right pressure can reduce maneuverability and cause a blowout resulting in an accident.
To avoid tire damage in the summer, check them every few weeks to make sure you have the correct amount of pressure. Proper summer tire inflation will decrease your chances of having an accident, give you a smoother ride, and improve your gas mileage.
It’s better to be safe than sorry- if you are driving to a vacation destination, even if you just checked your tire pressure, be sure to have a spare on you just in case.
Engine Overheating
While an engine can overheat any time of the year, the summer heat will increase your chances. The high temperature itself, the heat coming off of the asphalt, and the ambient temperature surrounding the engine all play a factor in your engine becoming too hot. Of course, there are other factors that could also cause your engine to overheat including leaks, coolant problems, radiator issues, or even a damaged water pump.
So, how do you keep your engine from overheating? Routine maintenance is key for a healthy engine that can withstand the summer heat. Get regularly scheduled oil changes, frequently check your coolant levels, and replace old belts and hoses.
Unfortunately, sometimes overheating is unavoidable- especially if you have an older engine. And if an overheated engine is not handled properly, it can start a fire or ruin your vehicle. If your vehicle starts to overheat, turn off the A/C and crank up your heat. We know this sounds bizarre in the summer, but it will pull heat away from your engine and give you time to pull over to a safe location. Next, shut off your car for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and make sure it starts to drop. If you haven’t already, this is where you will need to check and add your coolant, if needed. Finally, after giving it a few minutes rest, restart your engine and take it to your local mechanic.
Weakened Battery
Summer temps can also suck the life out of your battery. The heat leads to the evaporation of vital liquids resulting in a weakened charge. This can lead to corrosion which will damage the internal structure of your battery.
A heat-damaged battery won’t last long, especially once winter rolls around. To keep your battery in good working condition during the summer and prevent any weakening, park in the shade, keep your battery clean, limit short trips, avoid using electronics when the engine is off, and make sure your batteries’ heat barrier is still in place.
Watch for signs of your battery failing. If your battery light is on or your engine is slow to start it may be time for a replacement.
Fluid Leaks
The sun can evaporate important fluids in your vehicle, like coolant and brake fluid. Summer heat can also blow a head gasket or cause your gas to vaporize. When gas turns to vapor it increases the pressure in your gas tank and could potentially crack your hose systems. A cracked hose can lower your fuel efficiency, and if a hose were to break it could destroy your engine.
Keep your car in the shade, consistently check fuel levels, replace old hoses and belts, and continue with routine maintenance to decrease your odds of a leak. If you see a puddle, stain, or other types of liquid under your car after it has been sitting, it’s often a sign that you have a fluid leak and your car requires attention.
Other Interior & Exterior Damage
The heat won’t only affect your vehicle under the hood. It can cause fading, cracking, and other damage to your dashboard, seat, and exterior paint. And any one of these could be a costly repair.
Save yourself the money and stress and keep the sun from damaging your vehicle by keeping up with routine maintenance and cleaning, and also avoiding leaving your car in the sun whenever possible.
To protect your interior always
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- Park in the shade when you can or use a sun-shield to protect your dash
- Cover your seats and steering wheel with covers to prevent fading and cracking
- Use detailing products to eliminate dust particles that could cause scratches
For the exterior remember to
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- Keep your car in the garage or covered when you can
- Wash and dry your car often to get rid of debris that could fade your paint
- Wax your vehicle to give added protection against harmful rays
Stay safe in the heat and keep your vehicle safe too this season. Extend your vehicle’s life for the many summers ahead by following our tips and taking the proper precautions.
For more hot car, myths click here.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
It may be hot, but chances are it’s not hot enough to fry an egg on the hood of your car. That’s just one of the many myths you might hear about hot cars. While such legends ] are fun to think about, some myths can be dangerous if believed.
The more you know about the truth about hot cars, the better you are able to stay safe this summer
Below are eight common hot car myths. We’ve also added steps you can take to protect your car, your kids, and your pets as the temperatures soar this summer. Here are the myths- debunked.
Myth #1
It’s only 10 minutes. It’s fine to leave the kids or the pets in the car.
You would be surprised at how quickly the inside of a parked car heats up. In just 10 minutes, the temperature can rise 20 degrees. Cars can reach dangerous levels quickly. It could be 60 degrees outside, but the inside of the car could be up to 100 degrees due to the windows functioning like a greenhouse and trapping the heat inside.
Don’t leave anyone in the car, especially children and pets who may be vulnerable to the heat. Children’s bodies cannot cool themselves as well as adults. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting. Even if you think it’s not that hot out, it’s best to err on the side of caution. What about if the air conditioning is running? That’s not a good idea either. There have been instances where the compressor has failed or dogs or children have bumped the controls, switching from cool to heat. There is never a safe way to do this so make alternate arrangements for child and pet care. If you see a child or pet in a hot car, call 911. It may just be a lifesaving call.
Myth #2
Leave the window cracked open to keep the car cool when you park.
You might think that opening the window a crack will help keep the temperature at a reasonable level. Surprisingly, there is just about a 2-degree difference between a closed window and one that’s cracked open. Plus a slightly open window can be an invitation to car thieves. It’s not worth risking a theft of your car or endangering anyone or anything inside.
If you’re parking your car, and you’d like to keep it cool, try these tips.
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- Park in the shade or, if possible, in a garage.
- Use a sun shield for your windshield.
- Cover the interior with light-colored fabric.
- Consider a solar-powered ventilation fan.
- Finally, tinted windows can make a difference (but check first to see the rules in your state. Not all locations allow them)
Myth #3
You can save a lot of money by rolling down the windows and not using you’re a/C.
Want to save money in the summer and be more fuel-efficient, just sweat it out, right? Wrong. While blasting your air conditioner in the summertime does slightly increase gas usage, it is not enough that you would even notice. And while most people think all they have to do is roll their windows down so they do save that small percent of gas, rolling your windows down at high speeds can also reduce your fuel economy. This is because of the aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) it creates, making your vehicle use more energy to push through the air
Remember a hot driver is a distracted driver. So, don’t be afraid to use your AC. If you want to get the most out of your fuel this summer, roll your windows down when you are driving at lower speeds or when you first get into your vehicle to let the heat out and use your A/C (at a consistent temperature) when you are driving faster.
Myth #4
Only neglectful parents forget their child in a car.
You hear stories of babies or young children being left in cars with tragic endings. You might assume that those parents who would forget their children are bad parents. That’s not the case. It could easily happen to anyone.
Follow these tips so that you don’t put yourself or your child in this dangerous situation.
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- Keep an important item in the back seat with your children such as a work ID, purse or wallet, or cell phone.
- Put your child’s stuffed animal, diaper bag, or other items in the front passenger seat as a reminder.
- Ask your child’s caregiver to contact you if your child does not arrive at a certain time.
These steps will help keep everyone aware—and safe.
Myth #5
You can’t do anything if your car overheats.
A vehicle can overheat for a number of reasons, but usually, it is because something is wrong with the cooling system. If you don’t take the proper action your engine could become permanently damaged. If your car overheats, don’t just pull to the side of the road- there are other steps that you need to take.
First, turn off the A/C and crank up your heat. We know this sounds bizarre in the summer, but it will pull heat away from your engine and give you time to pull over to a safe location. Next, shut off your car for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and make sure it starts to drop. If you haven’t already, this is where you will need to check and add your coolant, if needed. Finally, after giving it a few minutes rest, restart your engine and take it to your local mechanic.
Myth #6
If it’s hot enough, your car window can shatter.
Unless your windshield has previous damage, you don’t have to worry about the glass shattering. But if the conditions are right, it could crack. Glass will expand when it’s hot and contract when it’s cold. Big swings in temperature can cause stress cracks, cracks that suddenly appear for no apparent reason.
You can prevent stress cracks in the future by
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- Avoiding large changes in temperature such as blasting the air conditioning in a hot car.
- Parking in a garage to reduce heat exposure.
- If you’re washing your car on a hot day, try lukewarm water instead of cold for less of a temperature difference.
If you do get a stress crack, get it fixed as soon as possible. Check with your insurance provider to see if your policy will cover stress crack damage.
Myth #7
You need to fill up your gas tank in the morning
Many people think that you should fill up your gas tank in the morning when it’s cooler outside because gasoline will expand when heated. Meaning your get more energy per gallon in the early morning hours than you would later in the day when the temperature rises. This is false.
Not only does the energy content of gasoline stay the same in varying temperatures, filling stations store their gas in underground tanks. So the temperature of the gasoline coming out of the pump varies very little throughout the day. No matter what time you get gas, even in extreme heat, you will be getting the same energy content.
Myth #8
The heat won’t have a lasting effect on how your car runs.
Excessive heat can affect your car in the long term. Hot air in your tires causes them to expand, and they could over-inflate. The heat thins your engine oil so it doesn’t lubricate as well. High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate, which can weaken batteries or speed up the corrosion process.
Follow these tips to protect your car this summer.
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- Monitor your tire pressure and watch for overinflation.
- Fill your engine oil to the highest level.
- Check your battery’s charge
- Schedule routine maintenance.
- Make sure to maintain your car to keep it running well.
These myths are proof that you shouldn’t believe everything that you see or hear. ( And as for debunking the” frying an egg on a hot car hood” myth, it has to be about 158 degrees Fahrenheit before eggs even start to cook. That egg can also damage the paint surface and turn into an expensive repair).
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your vehicle. Use yours wisely and have a safe summer.
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.
by California Casualty | Finances, Homeowners Insurance Info |
Purchasing a home is an extremely exciting adventure in the life journey – in fact, more than anything it might represent achieving the American dream. For all the excitement though, it can be confusing, challenging, and stressful. And even for those who’ve done it before, today’s real estate and credit markets are significantly different from even five years ago.
So, whether you’re embarking on this journey as a first-time home buyer, taking advantage of record-low interest rates, or just planning on downsizing or upgrading, follow our guide to help get you in great home-buying shape.
Phase 1: Prepping and Planning
1. Decide how much you can afford – If you’re like many, your home is the largest purchase you’ll ever make – so the biggest question is around how much you can comfortably afford. This is determined according to your income, debt, credit score, location, and more. Then there’s the down payment, for which you’ll probably need to have a savings plan to reach (typical amount is 10-20% of the home value). You can use a home affordability calculator or, better yet, talk to a financial planner.
2. Put your financial ducks in a row – You’ll want to be in good financial shape before house shopping. That means paying off all or most of your debt and making sure you have an emergency fund. The latter will be helpful for those unexpected expenses you’ll have as a new homeowner (that you didn’t have to worry about as a renter!). You’ll also want to save for closing costs (typically 2-5% of loan amount), moving expenses, repairs, and other various expenses.
3. Strengthen your credit – Your credit score affects what loans you will qualify for, so you want it as strong as possible. Get free credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion and make sure there aren’t any errors. Then build your score by making sure to pay all bills on time and keeping card balances low. If you don’t have much credit history, quickly start building your score by putting a utility bill or two in your name and staying current on your payments.
4. Educate yourself – Get familiar with all the steps of the process, including all the costs along the way and the people who will be involved. Your main contact (and person working on your behalf) will be your real estate agent, but you will/may also be working with a seller’s agent, broker, loan officer, underwriter, appraiser, listing agent, loan servicer, home inspector, and others.
5. Work with recommended professionals – The most important of these is your real estate agent, who will be representing you and your interests through the process. Ask for recommendations in your circle. Pro tip: You may get referrals to “real estate agents,” “realtors,” and “real estate brokers.” What’s the difference? The first is a licensed professional representing buyers or sellers, the second is a real estate agent who’s a member of the realtors’ association, and the last generally has more training and may work independently or have their own firm.
6. Explore your mortgage options – You can go with all kinds of lenders – all of which have a different down payment and eligibility requirements. Make sure you look at the range of loans, including conventional mortgages as well as loans offered by the FHA, USDA, and VA. As a first-time homebuyer, be sure to research federal or local assistance programs for your buying cohort – they typically offer advantages and savings not offered to other home buyers! After your research, carefully compare the different loan fees and rates.
7. Get pre-approved – After you’ve chosen a preferred lender, apply for pre-approval. Having a pre-approval letter (which specifies the lender’s offer amount) shows real estate agents and home sellers that you’re serious about buying, which can put you at the front of the bidder line.
Phase 2: House Shopping
8. Research the area – Smart buyers don’t make buying decisions based on the property and house alone. Make sure you thoroughly research the neighborhood (visiting it at different times and days) and think about proximity to schools and workplaces. Research crime rates and consider traffic congestion and freeway access. Also, know the value of homes in the area – a price per square foot average is a great yardstick for making sure you don’t end up paying over market value.
9. Go to open houses – The pandemic has made online home-viewing easier than ever. Take advantage of 3D home tours, which will let you filter out homes that don’t fit your needs. From there, you can attend in-person open houses only at those homes you’re most interested in.
10. Get an inspection – Paying for a home inspection is money well spent and can save you very expensive headaches down the road. A typical inspection covers things like structural elements, grounds, attic, heating and cooling systems, roof, exterior surfaces, basement, insulation, electrical system, and all other parts of the home.
11. Make an offer – Once you’ve found the home you want and can afford, you’ll make an offer to the seller. If you’re not sure how much that should be, lean on your agent for their expertise! They can also help guide you through any negotiating (on say, repairs) or other terms or conditions. Finally, a personalized offer letter never hurts!
12. Know the market – You may be buying in a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, or somewhere in between. Knowing the larger marketplace will help ensure you don’t over-or underbid (again, your agent should be your guide here!). If the market is especially hot you’ll be competing against lots of other offers – know your top price going in so that you don’t get saddled with debt you can’t afford.
13. Get adequate home insurance – Your lender will require homeowners insurance, so start shopping for coverage early (at least 30 days before closing). Get quotes and make sure you understand what’s covered, what’s not, what the terms are, and any additional coverage your home may need. Have questions? Give us a call – we offer special benefits to educators, firefighters, nurses, and peace officers!
Congratulations on embarking on the exciting home-buying journey! With a little extra effort, a plan, and a solid understanding of the process, you’ll be settled into the home of your dreams in no time.
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.
by California Casualty | Safety |
All across America, people are missing their extended families – and now even more so with Thanksgiving and the holidays quickly approaching. What we’ll miss most this November are the warm hugs, embraces, and cheek kisses; passing dishes around the table; and piling on the couch with overstuffed, yet happy, bellies.
Many are skipping large gatherings this year, in favor of smaller dinners with only household guests. If you’re hosting a small family dinner this year, you may be wondering how to balance safety with the traditions that make Thanksgiving so special.
See the tips below for striking that balance and answering some common safety questions.
Can I have a Normal Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving may look a bit different this year for many different families. States all across the country have enforced strict guidelines limiting gatherings of more than 10 people and encouraging families to cancel their plans. However, millions of people still flocked to the airport this weekend to travel in preparation for the holiday.
So, should your Thanksgiving look normal this year? Yes and no. For some it is best to cancel, for others who don’t want to break tradition, it is best to limit your gathering to just immediate family (those in your household) or at least keep it under 10 people and have a small Thanksgiving. However, that will not change the food, or the laughs, or the memories you will make. Encourage relatives that are staying home and cooking their own meals this year to Facetime or Zoom in, so you can all still enjoy the holiday “together” while staying safe.
How Can I Keep My Small Gathering Safe?
For those who are making the decision to continue on with a small gathering, hosts will be doing more work this year- that’s for sure. But with some planning and attention throughout the evening, you can serve a meal your guests will love and keep everyone safe in the process.
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- “Small Gathering” Must Mean Small Gathering. Only immediate family or no more than 10 people.
- Lay the Ground Rules. As the host, you’re the one who sets the tone about safety. Remember that having safety measures doesn’t mean your holiday needs to be any less warm or wonderful.
- Plan Ahead. If you are including a few family members outside of your household, send safety expectations ahead of time, to give people time to plan and adjust. Make sure everyone knows and agrees to the rules. Remind them that the precautions are meant to protect them and those they love, and if they would not like to follow them, they can stay home.
- Sanitize Ahead of Time. Disinfect surfaces in bathrooms and common areas. Provide disposable paper towels instead of cloth ones. Put out multiple bottles of hand sanitizer to remind people to use them.
- No Ifs, Ands, or Buts. If anyone in your household becomes sick or is exposed to the virus beforehand, the dinner must be called off – this goes for you as host as well as for guests.
- Social Distancing and Safety from the Get-Go. If you invite family outside of your household, remember to maintain social distance inside of your home and to avoid kissing, touching, and handshakes. Guests should also wear facemasks whenever possible (supply a box of surgical masks).
- Be the Designated Server. To cut down on cross-contamination, hosts should serve all food and drink (and be masked while doing so). If dinner has to be served buffet-style, make sure everyone sanitizes before going through the line.
- Go Compostable. Consider disposable and compostable paper plates, napkins, utensils, and cups to reduce the chances of transmission.
- Dine Outdoors if Possible. By now we know that dining outdoors versus indoors greatly reduces the chances of transmission, so if possible, plan for that.
- If Inside- Space Out. If circumstances necessitate an indoor event, plan your gathering in a large room, spacing tables, and chairs apart. Open windows (have lap blankets available) to bring the fresh air in. Or you can set up multiple tables and have relatives eat in different rooms.
- Mind the Alcohol. We all know alcohol lowers inhibitions and can change behavior. If folks begin to mingle, bunch together, or wander the house, remind them about social distancing. Use markers for wine and cocktail glasses so everyone keeps their own glass. Hosts should pour/serve drinks rather than lots of people handling the bottles.
Should People Be Tested Beforehand?
One of the things that makes the pandemic so frustrating is the difficulty around knowing for sure whether any of us is carrying the coronavirus. Part of that is due to issues around testing: the time lag between test and results, the false negatives, and even the lack of available testing in some places.
If family members coming to your dinner (or children that have been away at school) would like to get tested beforehand- encourage them to. This way you can all have a little piece of mind when sitting down at the dinner table. Even if everyone tests negative, still emphasize masking, handwashing, social distancing, and other proven preventive measures you can take as host.
At the end of the evening, remember to load glasses and any ceramic dishes in the dishwasher on high heat and sanitize all surfaces, doorknobs, and handles.
Should I Feel Bad for Canceling?
And finally, don’t feel bad for canceling or having to uninvite guests that usually come to your Thanksgiving feast. If you have any fears at all, or become overwhelmed with stress/anxiety about the day- don’t be afraid to cancel. This is a very crazy time (to say the least) and family members will likely understand. The health and safety of you and your immediate family should always be your number one priority.
Stay safe and have a happy Thanksgiving.
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.
by California Casualty | Auto Insurance Info |
When daylight savings ends and our days become shorter, motorists will find themselves driving more often at dusk and in the dark.
As we turn our clocks back, it’s important to keep in mind that night driving is more dangerous than daytime driving – mostly due to reduced visibility and difficulty judging speed and distance. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, while we do only one-quarter of our driving at night, it’s when 50 percent of traffic fatalities occur.
Here are five ways you can stay safer on the roads at night.
1. Be Headlight Savvy
Proper headlight usage and maintenance will go a long way toward safe night driving. Remember the general rule of turning headlines on before sunset, and keeping them on for an hour after sunrise, which will help other drivers see you. Also:
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- Aim headlights correctly (ask your dealer or mechanic/repair shop to double-check them next time you’re in).
- Make sure they’re clean.
- Regularly test your high beams, low beams, running lights, turn signals, and brake lights.
- On rural roads or other dark areas, use high beams. Dim them when you’re within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
2. Slow Down and Give Room
Due to reduced visibility, drivers at night often need more time to both see other cars, pedestrians, and obstacles, and also to react safely. Give yourself the advantage by slowing down a bit and also giving yourself some extra room on the road.
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- Increase your following distance from other vehicles.
- Allow more time for your journey.
- Be a(n extra) defensive driver, as others may be intoxicated or driving erratically.
- Watch out for pedestrians and wildlife. For the latter – collisions with deer are most common at dusk or at night, usually October through January (see our 30-second video on what to do if you hit a deer).
3. Give Your Car’s Interior a Once-Over
A little extra attention inside your vehicle can greatly affect how you see and react to things outside your car.
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- Clean the windshield – inside and out – removing all streaks, smudges, and fogginess.
- Clean the other windows as well to reduce glare and condensation.
- Use your car’s defroster or heater to prevent your windshield from fogging up.
- Dim your dashboard lights so controls are still visible but not distracting.
- Use visors to shield the glare of outdoor street lighting.
- Avoid using cabin lights as much as possible when driving at night.
4. Stay Alert
Two big risks on nighttime roads are drunk driving and drowsy driving. Always remember and stay alert for other drivers who may be impaired due to alcohol, fatigue, or distraction. For yourself, never drive intoxicated and use the tips below to keep yourself alert.
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- Take breaks if you need to – get out and do jumping jacks, shake out your limbs, stretch, take some deep breaths.
- If you’re on a long trip, try these things to stay awake: coffee or caffeinated drinks, windows rolled down for fresh air, talking, or singing to yourself.
5. Be Kind to Your Eyes
You can take steps, both in the moment while night driving, and in the longer term to take care of your eyes so they can take care of you on the road.
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- Make sure you get your eyes checked regularly, which will alert you to any vision changes. If you wear prescription lenses, you may need a different prescription at night.
- Make sure your glasses are anti-reflective.
- Never wear dark or tinted lenses for night driving.
- To protect your eyes from drying out, aim your car’s vents away from your eyes.
- Keep your eyes moist by blinking regularly, especially if you wear contact lenses.
- Don’t look directly at oncoming headlights; instead, look at the road marker to your right until the car passes.
Finally, avoid two-lane highways at night if possible, as they’re especially dangerous. This and the other tips above will help you stay stress-free and safer during nighttime driving.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in 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.
