At Gordon Atlantic, we want to wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. With the winter snow approaching, properly maintaining your car and home may aid in keeping problems at bay this winter.
Keep your car running smoothly and prevent winter-induced damage by following these recommended maintenance tasks:
Change your regular tires for winter tires: If you live in an area where the temperature drops below 45 degrees, winter tires are recommended. Winter tires will give your vehicle better traction while turning or stopping on icy roads.
Check your tire pressure: When temperatures drop, the cold air inside your tires contracts, making your tire pressure drop. Be sure to check your tire pressure as temperatures fall.
Add antifreeze: Antifreeze is essential in helping keep your car running when temperatures drop. You can check your antifreeze levels yourself or ask your mechanic to check your fluid levels as well.
Test your battery: Colder weather creates more challenging conditions for your battery’s performance. A weak battery during the summer could turn into a dead battery in the winter. Have a volt test performed before winter arrives to be sure your battery is in good shape.
Keep up with regular maintenance: Oil levels, lights, fluids and more should be checked with regular maintenance upkeep. Be sure to stay on schedule with recommended car maintenance, especially during the winter.
Pack a survival kit: Emergencies can be unpredictable. If your car breaks down on the side of the road during a winter storm, you don’t want to be without essentials. Essentials to include are a blanket, extra clothing, a first-aid kit, a knife, flashlight, jumper cables, a shovel, an ice scraper and a cell phone charger.
Use these ten tips to help you avoid winter woes at home and truly enjoy the chilly season.
1. Stop the drafts: Repair caulking around doors and windows, along with any weather stripping. In addition, seal any cracks in foundation walls.
2. Check your fireplace and chimney: Have a chimney sweep check your chimney for any debris or cracks, and clean your fireplace.
3. Prevent ice dams: Clear your roof and gutters of slush after heavy snowstorms to prevent ice damming.
4. Clean heating vents: Be sure your vent pipes are clear of any obstructions and clear away any dust and debris.
5. Stop slippery surfaces: Purchase salt, ice melt or sand before the snow falls. These provide extra traction for slippery sidewalks, steps and driveways. If you have pets, be sure you use pet-safe materials.
6. Keep entryways clean: To prevent slippery indoor surfaces, use mats and boot trays for wet shoes and boots. Place a tray underneath clothing hooks when drying wet items.
7. Check for leaks: Check your attic and crawlspace for signs of a water leak. Be sure to repair any leaks as soon as possible.
8. Protect your air conditioner: Place a sheet of plywood with a few bricks on top of your AC to prevent falling icicles and debris from damaging your condensing unit. Also, remove and store any window air conditioner units.
9. Turn off outside water: Turn off the water supply to outside faucets to prevent broken pipes.
10. Pack a winter emergency kit: Prepare a kit that includes bottled water, nonperishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, a smart-phone charger and a blanket in case of an emergency.
If you have MAPFRE Insurance, you may have been switched to paperless billing inadvertently during a system update. If you are expecting a bill in the mail and have not received one, please call our office today at (781)659-2262 and we can assist you.
We are seeing many of our carriers are mailing invoices about three weeks prior to the due date.
For the holiday season this year, the Gordon Atlantic office hours are as follows:
December 24, 2021: Closed, resuming normal business hours (8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.) Monday, December 27, 2021.
December 31, 2021: Closed, resuming normal business hours (8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.) Monday, January 3, 2022.
We wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday season!