Nearly 70% of the United States population lives in regions that experience winter weather. The roads can get icy, snow impacts visibility, and drivers slow down on the highways—all impact travel and increase crash risks.
Even if you’ve lived in these regions for a while or your whole life, there are steps you should still take to prepare yourself and your car for winter weather.
1. Check Lighting
In addition to snow impacting visibility during winter, visibility is limited because the days are shorter. For your safety and the safety of others on the road, check your headlights, taillights, and turn signals to ensure all are working properly. If any bulbs are dull and/or require replacement, this is the perfect time to do that.
2. Install Winter Tires
All tires are not created equal! If your vehicle has standard tires, they might not have the tread to handle snow and ice. Snow tires offer better traction during inclement weather than all-season tires. While vehicles with all-wheel drive are better in snowy conditions, snow tires on front-wheel-drive cars can be similar or more effective.
3. GAP Coverage
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) is optional auto coverage that pays the difference between your car’s value and the remaining balance on your loan if it is totaled in an accident or stolen.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 24% of weather-related accidents occur on snowy or icy roads. With winter weather making road conditions dangerous, GAP keeps you secure if something were to happen.
How does GAP coverage work?
Let’s say you have $15,000 left on your auto loan, but your car is only valued at $10,000. The difference in value means if something happened to your car, such as an accident that totals your vehicle, you would pay $5,000. With GAP coverage, this cost is reduced or eliminated, which means that instead of worrying about having to pay off the rest of the loan before getting a new car, you can focus on finding the right deal and auto loan rate for you.
These three steps will help you protect yourself and your vehicle this winter. Looking to refinance your current auto loan so you can start the new year with a lower rate? Triangle Credit Union has a limited-time special for auto refinancing. Learn more and apply today!
