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Driving on Snow and Ice

12/18/2014

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I love the holidays, especially this Christmas season, when for the first time in years all of my children and my first and currently only grandchild will be with my wife and I to celebrate the season!  I’m looking forward to a house buzzing with family activity and cozy togetherness.
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Before they begin their journey merrily singing, “Over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go,” I always make a point to remind them to drive safely, especially on the slick and icy roads.  Here are some tips, compliments of Edmunds.com, for safe driving on snow and ice.

The best tip –
  • Sometimes it’s best to STAY HOME in the face of really bad weather.  Or at least wait it out until the snowplows have done their work.
  • If traveling, don’t hesitate to grab a motel room for the night or remain where you are until the conditions have cleared.  It may be an inconvenience, but much less so than a life threatening accident.

Check your tires. 

  • A tire (even a winter tire), requires at least 6/32-inch deep tread to have adequate snow traction.
  • If you decide to go with winter tires, get a FULL set.  Putting two winter tires on the front of a front-wheel-drive car will make it prone to spinning out in the snow, and putting two winter tires on the back of a rear-wheel-drive car will make the car difficult to turn in the snow but quick to spin in the dry.
  • Unless you live somewhere where winter roads are almost always covered in snow, all-season tires with plenty of tread depth (and good driver discretion) may be adequate.

Electronic Stability Control is a plus.

  • When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go. Braking is automatically applied to wheels individually to counter over steer/understeer.
  • ESC does you no good if you have worn tires, are taking corners too fast, or are driving 80 mph in a snowstorm.
  • All vehicles from 2012 onward come with ESC.

AWD is not a save all.

  • The primary role of all-wheel drive is to provide forward traction.  It will get you moving and keep you moving in deep snow, help prevent fishtailing under acceleration, but will not increase your cornering power.
  • AWD cannot do anything to help you stop, so don’t let it create a false sense of security.

Make sure you can see and be seen.

  • Clean the inside of your windows thoroughly.
  • Replace your windshield wipers routinely. Also make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of anti-icing fluid.
  • Apply a water-shedding material to the outside.
  • Check operation of all lights and make sure your headlights and taillights are clear of snow.

Brake yourself.

  • Learn how to properly use antilocking braking systems: Stomp, stay, and steer.
  • Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off.
  • Stay hard on the pedal and smoothly steer around the obstacle.
  • Remember that a little bit of steering goes a long way in an emergency.

Learn to catch a skid.

  • In a front-tire skid – smoothly release the accelerator, leave your hands where they are, and allow the car to slow down.
  • A rear slide takes a lot of practice.  One option is to find a place where you can slide your car without danger or damage the next time it snows.  A speed around 25 mph is plenty to get the feel.

Be prepared.

  • There are some winter conditions that can’t be defeated regardless of your driving skill or vehicle preparation.  Carry a sleeping bag and other survival equipment in your car during the winter months to prepare yourself for any situation that may arise.
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Excited and ready to take on the winter roads back to Utah safely!

Enjoy the holidays and drive safely this winter!  And for those of you traveling (especially around Colorado), remember to watch out for those deer!  Give us a call here at ALINK Insurance Services today to discuss any of your insurance needs.  We’re your link to security!

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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Five Ways to Get your Car Stolen

12/3/2014

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Five sure-fire ways to get your car stolen
Most people would say their car is one of the most valuable assets they own — if not the most valuable. Despite that, however, some people make it downright easy for thieves to drive off in their pride and joy. Some even look at the bright side...
 


At ALINK Insurance Services, we don’t want you walking out your door to an empty driveway or leaving The Citadel Mall after doing some holiday shopping only to find some broken glass left behind in your parking space. So take care to avoid these five mistakes.

  1. Leave your car running ... and unattended. We know it can be chilly in the mornings, and who wants to wait in a cold car while it warms up? Well, a thief certainly won’t mind the chill — as he’s driving away in your car while you’re finishing that cup of coffee in your kitchen. If your car is running, you should be in it. Period. Even if you’re just running over to the ATM to get some cash or dropping off some mail.
  2. Keep a spare set of keys inside the car. Law enforcement agencies say this is a great way to turn a car prowler into a car thief. They’re already breaking into your car to get a phone, or a laptop, etc. What do you think they’re going to do when they find a set of keys? They’re not going to drop them off on your porch with a nice note, that’s for sure.
  3. Put valuables in plain sight. Seems simple, but we’ve all made this mistake. You’ll just be in the store for a second, after all, so who cares if you leave your smartphone on the front seat? Or items from your other errands in the back seat? Be smart — if you have to leave items in your car, put them in the trunk, or at least hide them as best you can. And do it before you get to your next destination.
  4. Leave your car unsecured. The best thieves can work wonders with a window that’s left open even just a crack. And even the worst thieves can steal a car that’s been left unlocked, with no alarm set.
  5. Assume nobody would want to steal your car. Think your car is too old or too undesirable for a thief to bother? Scrap metal is worth money, so never assume that your car is safe — even if you think it’s just a “junker.”

Keeping thieves away helps to keep everyone’s insurance costs down, so avoiding these mistakes not only will save you hassle, it will save you money as well. So stay safe, not only on the roads, but in the parking lots as well!

  
 Contact Us!

 At ALINK Insurance Services, we can work with you to make sure you've got the coverage you need, while at the same time using all possible credits and discounts to make that coverage affordable. Just give us a call at:

Denver Metro/Parker: 303-752-6479
Colorado Springs: 719-473-6262
Greeley: 970-475-0900
Surrounding States: 877-643-6148
​
We want to help you meet your goals, and make sure what's important to you is protected!
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