5 ways to keep your car running

You don’t have to be an auto expert for handling maintenance to keep your car running. In fact, practicing safe driving habits and scheduling regular maintenance for your vehicle at an auto service center are just two ways to extend the driving life of your car, truck or SUV.

Learn how you can keep your car in good condition with these five easy steps. Whether you have a bad habit of hard braking or you don’t know when your last oil change was, these reminders can help you stay safe on the road and keep your car running.

1. Schedule routine maintenance

Car maintenance is necessary for every several thousand miles you drive. It can be difficult to know for sure how often your vehicle needs service to keep your car in good condition. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends reading your owner’s manual to find out how often the manufacturer recommends maintenance. This can range anywhere from every 3,000 to every 12,000 miles.

Newer cars, trucks and SUVs feature sophisticated in-vehicle maintenance reminder systems. These systems prompt you when your car is low on windshield wiper fluid, needs an oil change and more. You can depend on these systems as a guidance for car maintenance on a routine basis. However, the systems cannot detect everything.

If you suspect there is something wrong with your car or it’s due for routine work, schedule an appointment with your trusted auto service providers. For older vehicles, it can be less obvious when you need a tire rotation, oil change, or other routine work because your car may not have the technology to prompt you for service. Talk to your trusted auto service provider or refer to your owner’s manual for assistance. When in doubt, you can always schedule a tune-up for your vehicle.

2. Store your car out of the elements

If you have access to a covered port or garage, there are several benefits to storing your car out of the elements. To help keep your car in good condition, consider storing your car in a covered structure to:

• Reduce damage from precipitation and severe weather.


• Minimize car paint damage from extreme temperatures.


• Keep your vehicle dry which can help reduce the risk of rust.


• Reduce the risk of vandalism.


• Protect your car from dents and scratches.


• Avoid snow and ice accumulation on your vehicle.


• Enjoy comfortable cabin temperatures soon after you start up the car.

Parking in a carport or garage is one simple way you can manage car maintenance. You may even be able to save on your auto policy when you regularly park in a covered spot. Talk to your independent agent to learn more.

3. Avoid unsafe driving habits

The condition of your vehicle can reflect your good or poor driving habits. For example, if you’re driving erratically and weaving in and out of traffic, you increase the risk of getting into an accident. Similarly, not leaving enough space between your car and the car in front of you can increase the chance of an accident. With less space between the vehicles, you have less time to react.

The following safe driving habits can help you protect your vehicle from damage:

• Drive the speed limit.


• Avoid weaving through traffic.


• Minimize hard braking and hard acceleration.


• Limit distractions like eating or playing loud music.


• Do not text and drive.


• Gently accelerate after a stop sign or stop light.

You can also protect your fuel system by always keeping your gas tank more than ¼ full.

 

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4. Get the best coverage for your needs

Car insurance is another great tool to keep your car running for years to come. Your independent Grange agent can help you learn safe driving habits and plan a safe driving route to reduce the risk of an accident. Plus, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage from Grange can help you navigate repair costs to get back on the road after you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance.

OnTrack is Grange’s safe driving discount program that can also help you develop safe driving habits. You can save money on your auto insurance based on your driving behavior tracked through the auto insurance app on your smartphone. The app tracks habits, total mileage, time of day and more to give you a safe driving score. The better your safe driving score, the more potential you have to save. Learn more about OnTrack to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Talk to an independent Grange agent for customizable car coverage that can help you protect what matters most to you.

5. Add roadside assistance to your policy

Roadside assistance can come in handy for everything from a flat tire to engine trouble. When you add roadside assistance to your Grange auto insurance policy, you have the peace of mind that you don’t need to push your car to its limits when you need repairs or maintenance.

For example, let’s say you’re taking a two-hour long road trip to visit a friend. About 45 minutes into your trip, your accelerator is not working properly. You find yourself pushing the gas pedal harder than usual to maintain the speed limit. With roadside assistance, you don’t have to worry about continuing to drive and hoping for the best. In just a phone call, you can get professional towing services to a repair facility. You get the peace of mind you aren’t causing more damage to your vehicle or risking an accident.

Choose a roadside assistance plan to help keep your car running. For more information about roadside assistance from Grange, talk to a licensed Grange agent.

The benefits of reducing hard braking

No matter if you’re on a local road or major highway, hard braking can be scary for everyone nearby. You should minimize hard braking habits to:

• Reduce wear on your brake pads and rotors


• Improve your safe driving score on car insurance apps


• Decrease the risk of causing an accident

Remember to drive the speed limit and leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you to help reduce hard braking.

How Grange can help you keep your car running

Protect what matters most to you with help from Grange Insurance. Our licensed agents are ready to answer your questions, offer safe driving resources and help you save on your auto policy. These tools can also help you keep your car in good working condition.

Contact a Grange agent today to find out what auto insurance and roadside assistance options can work for you.

Coverages described herein may not be available in all states. Please contact one of our local independent agents for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions herein conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. The material provided above is for informational, educational and/or suggestion purposes only, and does not imply coverage. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE HEREIN ADVERTISED. Applicable policies may be underwritten by Grange Insurance Company, Trustgard Insurance Company, Grange Indemnity Insurance Company, Grange Insurance Company of Michigan* and Grange Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Insurance Company*, Integrity Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Select Insurance Company*. *Not licensed in Pennsylvania



References

American Automobile Association (AAA)

Flesch Law Firm

Boulder Tire