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When it comes to taking a quick road trip with your child in tow, it’s all pretty simple, right? You just sit them in their car seat, strap them in, and you’re ready to go! But, while this is something most parents are familiar with, there are additional steps you can take to be extra safe. After all, your child is your priority, and you’ll take every step
necessary to keep them out of harm’s way.

Never Leave Your Child Unsupervised

Let’s say you’re taking a quick trip to the gas station, your AC is on, and your car is parked under a nice, cool shaded area. Your child should be okay in your car for a couple of minutes alone, right?

Not at all.

As you probably already know, children are curious and waste no time exploring, touching, pressing, and so much more. This could mean bad news if your little one was to do something they’re not supposed to in your vehicle. Avoid this issue and make a habit of never leaving your child alone in your vehicle.

Keep Horseplay to a Minimum

Giggling and laughing is music to any parent’s ears. However, it can become distracting and dangerous in a car. The last thing you’ll want is to get into an accident because you were trying to keep your rowdy children calm and collected. Set some rules, enforce
them, and keep your family safe at all times.

Choose Toys Wisely

If there’s anything your child needs, no matter the time or place, it’s their favorite toy. However, evaluate the toy’s safety as it relates to your vehicle. Will it become a choking hazard with all the movement on the road? Can it cause injury if an accident were to occur? If the answers are concerning, it may be time to choose a safe road toy for your
little one.

Over the last few years, electric vehicles have climbed in popularity and become an appealing option for drivers looking for a new set of wheels. What were once boxy and somewhat unattractive vehicles have become luxurious, fast, and advanced machines that turn heads. Now that you’re looking for a new car, will you make the switch to electric? Here are a few things to consider before a decision.

Average Mileage

If you’re commuting for hours on end between home and work and live a busy lifestyle that has you running errands in your spare time, then an electric vehicle is a no-brainer. Just think of the money you’d save on gas! However, if you’re currently working from home or are blessed enough to live close to everything you need, perhaps electric should be a second option.

Charging It

Sure, electric vehicles mean little-to-no trips to the gas station, but you’ll still need to charge it. With that said, do you have easy access to electricity at home? If you live in an apartment complex or home with more vehicles than driveway space, then charging your new electric car may be next to impossible. And that’s definitely something to consider.

What Do You Want Out of Your Vehicle?

If you’re looking to go electric, then you more than likely care about saving money on gas and your carbon footprint. However, it’s important to evaluate what you need out of your vehicle. For instance, if you’re accustomed to a truck to make heavy hauls, then it may be difficult to make the switch.

Long-Distance Travel

If you’re a weekend warrior who hits the road for long-distance adventures, then consider this. Many electric vehicles are not exactly the best when it comes to long travels because the range of their power source is just not there. Of course, you could pay a few extra tens of thousands of dollars for an electric vehicle that will fit your travel
needs, but that may not be within your budget.

In a previous blog post, we discussed some not-so-common things to do to keep your car in top shape when not driving it often. At Pronto Insurance, we know just how much a vehicle means to you and your loved ones, which is why we want to offer some more valuable information! Continue keeping your car in great shape and enjoy the benefits it can bring later.

Mind the Rubber Parts

Your vehicle includes very important rubber parts like hoses and belts that are meant to last a long period. However, factors like temperatures, age, and use can shorten their lifespans. Not surprisingly, disuse is an even bigger culprit!

The longer your car stays inactive, the more likely those rubber parts are to dry, crack, and cause leaks or weaknesses. We recommend checking these components before, during, and after leaving your car parked for long periods of time.

Keep it Clean

Not everyone has a garage or access to a top-of-the-line car cover to protect it from the elements or bird droppings. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your car’s exterior often. If you notice a large amount of dust buildup or droppings that can potentially damage the paint, it may be time to give your car a wash.

What You DON’T Need

There are many myths out there about things you need to do if your car is going to be unused for a while. But we’re here to set the record straight. If you won’t be using your car, you definitely don’t need to:
• Use nitrogen on your tires to prevent leaks – it’ll leak out just the same for an extra cost!
• Flush your transmission fluid – most car manufacturers today provide “lifetime” fluid!
• Change out your coolant/antifreeze – again, most modern coolant and antifreeze last a lifetime!

Over the last year, many of us have been doing almost everything from home, such as schooling and working. Now, you may be thinking that you won’t have to keep up with your car maintenance much because you haven’t been driving, but this is far from the case. In fact, staying parked for lengthy periods is bad for cars! But don’t worry, we have a few tips to keep your wheels running (even when they aren’t!).

Check for Rodents

Rodents and other critters love to nestle into the tight, warm corners of cars, especially when they’ve been parked for extended periods. In many cases, they’ll bring in food, chew through wires, and make a mess without you noticing!

While there are several different ways to deter these intruders, mothballs and peppermint oil seem to do the trick. However, avoiding using these in the cabin and air intake vents so you don’t get overwhelmed by the smell when driving.

Keep Your Tires Healthy

Sure, the lack of movement means your tire tread is untouched, but your tires are still subject to some very serious damage. A parked car will develop flat spots over time. However, you can combat this issue by rolling your car back and forth often to keep the tires from sitting on the same spot. If you’ll be taking to the road after a long period of not driving, make sure to do a full tire inspection before heading out.

Oil Changes STILL Matter

You may be thinking that an oil change can wait, especially if your car’s mileage has stayed the same, but that’s far from the truth! Changes in temperature and moisture levels can potentially damage the inner workings of your vehicle. Avoid this problem by changing your oil every six months, no matter how little you drive.

Filing an insurance claim can be stressful, especially if it’s after a serious car accident. During this stressful period, it’s easy to make mistakes that can potentially cause numerous problems as you try to file a claim with your insurance company. It’s why it’s so important that you remain calm, but what’s even more important is recognizing and knowing some common mistakes to avoid.

Waiting Too Long

The best time to file a claim is immediately following a car accident. The quicker your insurance company is aware of the problem, the faster it can start working for you. Try your best to remain calm in this situation and avoid filing the claim at a later time.

The Wrong Protection

In most states, drivers are required to purchase the minimum amount of insurance. However, this can be an issue if you get into an accident where the damage cannot be covered by your policy. Keep this in mind the next time you’re upgrading your coverage because the last thing you’ll want is to be financially stranded with insufficient protection.

Lacking (Or Wrong) Information

One of the best ways to ensure that your insurance company does its best for you is by providing it with critical information about your incident. Failure to do so can mean delays, errors, and even denials in claims. Before making the call, make sure to make note of what exactly happened, where, who was involved, and any other pertinent information.

Although most road trips are relaxing and peaceful, others can also be tiring, somewhat stressful, and even kind of boring. So, what can you do to make yours a great one? Pronto Insurance has the information you need!

Talk About it First

If you’re making the drive with others, discuss the road plan, set times for rest stops, and what needs to be packed and/or prepared beforehand to prevent boredom. If you’re making the trip alone, then let others know where and when you’ll be going. It may even be a good idea to have a friend or family member check on your home while you’re gone.

Rest Up

Very long drives can be grueling for the body and mind, so it’s important to get a good night’s sleep before heading out. Get at least seven hours of sleep and avoid starting a trip immediately after work. Never begin a long drive when tired.

Stay Hydrated

Much like sleep, your hydration is paramount when it comes to long road trips. Avoid headaches, exhaustion, and cramps caused by dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids before the trip and make sure to pack enough water for the road.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Comfort is a priority when it comes to long hours on the road. Wear clothes that won’t cause discomfort like soft t-shirts, shorts, sweatpants, hoodies, and the most comfortable shoes you can find.

If you’ve ever seen a vehicle parked outside a home for a long time, how bad did it look? Were the tires flat? Was the body rusted with dust everywhere? You’d hate for that to happen to your vehicle, and if you plan on storing it away for a few months, then the worry of its condition dropping is probably weighing heavily on your mind. Here are a few tips to ensure that it remains in good condition!

Use a Cover

If you’re unable to leave your car in a garage or storage unit, then we highly recommend using a cover. It’ll help keep it clean while minimizing the risk of damage from Mother’s Nature’s elements. Keep in mind that covers vary in size and material, so be sure to do some research when searching for one.

Fill the Tank

Rust forming inside of a gas tank is one of the most common issues with cars that’ve been stored away for long periods of time. You can avoid this by filling yours up.

Change Your Oil and Filters

Your vehicle’s oil is full of impurities like moisture, metal filings, and sludge that can potentially corrode important components. We recommend changing it and the filters before a lengthy stationary period. However, make sure to drive it a few miles before storage to ensure that the oil circulates through the engine.

Tire Care

Another big concern when storing a vehicle is tire damage. In many cases, tires will crack and develop flat spots after just a few months. You can avoid this by keeping your tires properly inflated. If you’re looking at a few months of storage, however, we recommend jacking up the car so it doesn’t rest on its tires.

Give it a Thorough Cleaning

The last thing you’ll want is to return to your car after a few months and find old, stale, and disgusting trash hidden away on the floor, seats, and trunk. Avoid this is by giving your vehicle a thorough cleaning before it’s stored.