The winter travel season is nearly upon us, which means there’s more potential for dangerous road conditions to cause more trouble for drivers. But by being proactive when it comes to maintenance and safety, you can save yourself a lot of money and headaches this winter.
Each year, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, and those crashes account for more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries, according to the Department of Transportation. Additionally, nearly 900 people are killed and another 76,000 injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet. And more than 70% of the nation’s roads are located in regions that can get snowy in winter, road safety should be on everyone’s mind.
A trip to your mechanic for a pre-season check-up will likely cost you between $50 and $100, and the potential savings are huge. “Fifty dollars to do a winter expectation — all your rubbers, suspension, fluids, all of the essentials — it’s not a lot of money,” says Audra Fordin, owner of Great Bear Auto Repair in Queens, N.Y.
It’s also a good idea to check your wipers and replace them if necessary, and make sure your car’s heating system is working properly. Also, check your tires to make sure they have enough tread to handle wintry roads.
In addition to repair costs, there’s also the risk of added insurance premiums. Rates can go up by more than 30% each time you have an accident, though the exact amount varies by state.
You can also prepare for winter by keeping your car stocked with some inexpensive items that will be a huge help when the weather turns on you. Those items include ice melt, a shovel, an ice scraper, extra clothes and nonperishable food.
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