It is important to know the steps to must take if your car freezes to avoid damaging the engine or worse. As a responsible car owner, it’s important to remember that your vehicle’s needs change when the weather shifts. It’s more vital than ever to check your tire tread, fix the heater, and check the engine’s oil and coolant levels. The latter of these tasks is essential because failure to change the coolant can cause your engine to freeze.
When Your Car Freezes
If you’re facing a frozen engine, there are a few critical steps to take when your car freezes, including checking your personal insurance policy and avoiding common mistakes.
Check Your Personal Insurance Policy
A frozen engine might not seem like an issue for your personal insurance policy, but it does illuminate the necessity of auto insurance if something goes wrong with your car. Cold weather may increase the likelihood of an accident, for example, if snow or ice appears on the ground. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 15% of all weather-related accidents happen when it is snowing or sleeting. Investing in better auto insurance coverage can protect you from the risks of inclement weather.
Don’t Worsen the Problem by Running the Car
Many people make the mistake of running their car when they realize that cold weather has frozen their engine. You might assume that the heat from starting the motor would defrost it, but this isn’t true. Instead, your engine could overheat and fail, incurring permanent damage. Resist the urge to turn your car on; instead, park it in a warm spot and let it defrost. If it is in a garage, you can turn on the heater to speed up the process.
Replace the Vehicle’s Antifreeze
One common reason for a frozen engine is antifreeze which requires replacement. Antifreeze works by lowering the freezing point of the water in your engine’s cooling system. When you do not replace antifreeze regularly, it becomes less potent and will eventually be ineffective. Experts advise replacing the antifreeze in your car at least every 30,000 miles to avoid this. If your engine is already frozen, you should replace it as soon as it defrosts.
Make Sure You Have Personal Insurance
Finally, you must ensure that you have the right personal insurance policy. A frozen engine isn’t the only hazard you’ll face in cold weather, and you need to be ready for any potential liabilities. It includes the aforementioned risk of damage from accidents and coverage for loss of use, medical payments, and roadside assistance. With the right auto insurance policy, you can enjoy peace of mind. Prepare for cold temperatures by getting the best insurance and replacing your car’s antifreeze.
About Sine Insurance
At Sine Insurance Group, we are dedicated to providing you with custom tailored insurance policies to protect your assets. Our comprehensive packages have been expertly crafted to serve St. Louis and the surrounding areas for the past 25 years. For more information about our products, contact us today at (855) 700-0889.