Preparing your Vehicle for an Edmonton Winter and Reducing Auto Collisions
Posted by on Oct 6, 2020 in Blog
Fall is in the air, which means winter is not far behind. Edmonton drivers know that this means poor driving conditions, less daylight, and of course, more auto collisions. According to The City of Edmonton, there were nearly 22,000 collisions in Edmonton in 2019. Below are some precautions you can take to prevent being in an auto collision and make winter driving as stress-free as possible.
Ensure your headlights are working and bright
Shorter days mean your headlights are more important than ever. Test your headlights to ensure they’re working and make sure they’re clean. If they still aren’t bright enough than Headlight Restoration is a quick and easy solution and it’s cheaper than replacing them. Proper headlights will not only keep you safer, it will also reduce eye strain and make driving in winter a lot more enjoyable.
Repair any windshield damage now
A chipped or cracked windshield reduces visibility at the best of times. When your driving through an Alberta blizzard you need every advantage you can get, an unobstructed view is a must.
The extreme temperature changes during an Edmonton winter can also cause chips and cracks to worsen. Don’t let a minor chip lead to a bigger problem this winter.
Your windshield is also an integral support structure for your vehicle. During a collision, your windshield can help keep your roof from caving in, and it also acts as a backstop to your airbag. If you are involved in a collision, a strong windshield can help keep you and your family safe.
Ensure your tires are up for the challenges ahead
Anyone who has driven on Edmonton roads during the winter knows how important tires are. Make sure your tires are up for the long winter ahead. Check the tread and air pressures of your tires regularly. If it is time for new tires, do your research to find the right ones for your vehicle and driving needs.
Take care of regular maintenance
The only thing worse than driving through a winter storm is breaking down in a winter storm. Fall is a great time to make sure everything is running as it should. Test your vehicle’s battery, ensure all fluids are topped up, check that your wipers are in good shape and take care of any upcoming scheduled maintenance.
What to do if you’re in a collision
If you are involved in an auto collision, stay calm and follow these recommendations from the Alberta Government:
Do not voluntarily assume liability, take responsibility, or sign statements regarding fault.
Do not pay, or promise to pay, for damages at the scene of the collision.
Do not agree to forget about the collision.
Do not accept money or discuss any settlement.
If the total damage to all vehicles and property appears to be more than $2,000 you are required to go to a police station, file a Collision Report, and obtain a damage sticker.
Then, call us! Remember you have the legal right to choose the auto body shop you want to use for your repairs, regardless of what your insurance company recommends. Exercise free choice, choose Freeway Auto Body. We’re proud to have been Edmonton’s most trusted source for collision repair for over 50 years and we offer a Written Lifetime Guarantee on all work we do.
We wish everyone a safe commute in the months ahead. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, call us today at (780) 465-4181 or click here to start an online auto body estimate.
