{"id":1732,"date":"2025-11-10T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-10T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acceptance.com\/blog\/?p=1732"},"modified":"2025-11-13T18:39:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T18:39:40","slug":"winter-weather-vehicle-damage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acceptance.com\/blog\/winter-weather-vehicle-damage\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Your Vehicle From Winter Weather Damage\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What does the year\u2019s most brutal season bring in your part of the country? Is the climate merely brisk and chilly, or do you get dumped with snow, ice, and sleet? Maybe a mix of all of it? Or every day is a mystery waiting to be discovered?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter your zip code, you can protect your vehicle from winter weather with a few smart prep steps and the right coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever form it takes, winters can be brutal to your car if steps aren\u2019t taken to properly insure<\/a> and protect your ride. Here are some vehicle winter preparation and auto insurance tips to help you get maximum vehicle protection this winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Winter Risks for Vehicles<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winter weather car damage risks pile up. It depends on where you live, of course, but residents in much of the country face some of the same challenges in winter driving<\/a>, including the following. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snow, Ice, and Slippery Roads<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When roads are slick, the easiest way to protect your vehicle from winter weather is to slow down, steer smoothly, and leave 7\u201310 seconds of following distance. The salt truck doesn\u2019t always get there before you have to be on the road. Or the storm comes on suddenly. Or temperatures are so low that salt won\u2019t effectively de-ice the pavement. Whatever the reason, you\u2019re out there slipping and sliding away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t test your policy\u2019s ice and frost protection. Your best winter driving tips are to take your time and maintain lower speeds. Give yourself extra time to get wherever you\u2019re going. And keep a safe distance behind traffic in front of you. Avoid gunning your engine, and don\u2019t panic if your car feels unsteady under your guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter weather reports are essential to follow, especially if you live in a part of the country where storms can dump plenty of snow and ice. If you know bad weather is headed your way, try to remain out of it. Stay home unless you absolutely must do otherwise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold Weather Battery Failure<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Competent winter car care includes ensuring the car battery has plenty of remaining juice. If it\u2019s getting old, late fall could be the best time to replace it. Why take a chance on battery failure at the worst possible time? If a replacement isn\u2019t in the budget, make sure you carry jumper cables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re better off if you can keep your car in a garage or otherwise sheltered from the elements. However, there is some good news. It generally takes extended temperatures of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for even an older battery to be at serious risk of dying on you. Newer batteries rarely have a problem even in frigid temperatures, so make sure to check your battery as part of your car maintenance for cold weather. A quick load test in late fall helps you protect your vehicle from winter weather by catching weak batteries before the first deep freeze. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salt and Road Corrosion<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might think of winter road salt as your frenemy. Yes, it will melt the ice under your tires, giving them a slush mix they can better handle. On the other hand, road salt damage<\/a> is a real challenge. It bites through metal and pavement, which can potentially damage your vehicle in several ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The road corrosion creates cracked pavement and potholes that can damage your car\u2019s tires, shocks, and undercarriage. It can also cause your car to rust out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The solutions are to drive slowly and carefully over roads that might have potholes you can\u2019t even see under a layer of snow or sleet, or in winter\u2019s seemingly constant state of darkness. But you, your tires, and your shocks will definitely feel the impact if you drive too fast over them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for the body of your vehicle, get to the car wash as frequently as possible, especially after a trip over a generous spread of road salt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter Tires and Chains \u2014 or Not?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in a part of the country where the winter scene is relatively mild, or you work at home and can stay off the roads during the worst of it, you might not need winter tires. Otherwise, it would be a good idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter tires are designed to provide extra grip on the road and superior braking capability. In many parts of the country, it\u2019s a good idea to have winter tires installed in November and taken off in April, or thereabouts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tire chains are a different story. They provide extreme grip in the most hazardous driving conditions. Generally, you\u2019ll only put chains on your tires if you\u2019re driving on mountain roads in parts of the country where winters are particularly fierce. In fact, the use of chains is prohibited or limited in some states due to the damage they can cause to roads. <\/p>\n\n\n

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How Insurance Can Help<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The right policy mix helps you protect your vehicle financially from winter weather, as ice, falling limbs, or wildlife strikes can create costly surprises. The most road-hazardous season gives you a good excuse to actually think about your policy \u2014 something you probably don\u2019t do regularly. Here\u2019s how your car insurance winter coverage can protect your wallet and loved ones even when the season throws you all it\u2019s got. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive Coverage for Winter Driving<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A complete coverage auto insurance plan includes collision and comprehensive benefits. A collision is just like it sounds. It extends benefits if you have a car accident for which you\u2019re at fault. Or a single-car accident, such as one brought about by winter\u2019s snow and ice. That\u2019s necessary coverage to have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comprehensive coverage is just as important, especially when it comes to snow damage car insurance. It covers all of the ways you might damage or lose your automobile in non-collision mishaps. This can include fire, theft, or vandalism. It could be a snow-laden tree limb falling on your parked vehicle. Comprehensive also covers on-the-road collisions with wildlife, such as when the road is too icy for you to brake in time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Collision and comprehensive coverage<\/a> are both significant benefits to have year-round, but particularly when the harshest season demands snow, ice, and frost protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optional Add-Ons for Better Cold-Weather Car Protection<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether your car is ten years old or just off the showroom floor, it could be sidelined in your driveway, a parking lot, or on the shoulder of a desolate road this winter (or anytime). That could be due to slick roads, a wildlife collision, a flat tire, an empty gas tank, or countless other unpredictable events. That\u2019s what roadside assistance is for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roadside assistance is a benefit you can add on to your policy for minimal extra cost. You get help whenever you need it in the form of a 24\/7 dispatcher who will take your call and send you whatever assistance you need, whether in the middle of the night, during a blizzard, or on Christmas Day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That assistance might be in the form of a technician with a can of gas, a battery charger, a tire change, or a tow to a nearby garage \u2014 whatever you or a loved one needs. While roadside assistance is essential year-round, it can be a critical service to get before the first winter storm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another add-on benefit worth considering before the season\u2019s first snow flurry is uninsured\/underinsured motorist coverage, also known as UM\/UIM benefits. While at least a minimal level of auto insurance is mandatory in almost every state, many disregard the law and drive without insurance or with coverage limits too low to cover an accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you tangle with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, your insurance will kick in even if it\u2019s the other driver\u2019s fault \u2014 but only if you have UM\/UIM coverage. Accidents happen more frequently in winter weather, so you want this coverage before any issues arise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure Your Car Is Winter-Ready With Acceptance<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trust us for answers about winter car care, and for the security you and your loved ones depend on as you drive this season and all year long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Acceptance Insurance, our auto insurance agents are independent brokers. That means they have contractual relationships with multiple quality insurers and can bring you coverage with the benefits you need, and at the most affordable rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It starts with your contact \u2014 hopefully, before winter touches down. Call us at (877) 405-7102, or get a quick online quote<\/a>. You can also find an office near you<\/a> to book an appointment with a knowledgeable Acceptance auto insurance agent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Should I Install Winter Tires Before Driving in a Cold Climate?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Do you get a lot of snow and ice? If so, winter tires can provide extra grip on the road and a safer ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should I Include in a Winter Emergency Car Kit?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Handy tools can include a phone charger, flashlight and batteries, road flares, blanket, and water bottles. When determining your rescue kit\u2019s contents, consider how far you might drive from civilization. If your travels take you on desolate mountain roads, your kit will be more all-inclusive than if you\u2019re principally driving in the city or suburbs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I Need to Warm Up My Car Before Driving in the Winter?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No, not for the sake of your engine. If you wish, you can let today\u2019s modern engines warm up for 30 seconds or so, but warming them much longer is just a waste of gasoline. However, many drivers give their cars longer so that the heaters are ready for action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of which\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Running My Car\u2019s Heater Use a Lot of Gas?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No. It\u2019s running on waste heat from your engine. The fan that delivers the heat uses very little gas. So don\u2019t worry about gasoline consumption when considering your comfort level this winter. It\u2019s not really a factor. Just don\u2019t let your vehicle idle for too long while waiting for the heat blast to warm your entire interior. That does waste fuel. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What does the year\u2019s most brutal season bring in your part of the country? Is the climate merely brisk and chilly, or do you get dumped with snow, ice, and sleet? Maybe a mix of all of it? Or every day is a mystery waiting to be discovered?\u00a0 No matter your zip code, you can […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":1734,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"acf":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/acceptance.com\/winter-weather-vehicle-damage\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"How to Protect Your Vehicle From Winter Weather Damage\u00a0","url":"http:\/\/www.acceptance.com\/blog\/winter-weather-vehicle-damage\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.acceptance.com\/blog\/winter-weather-vehicle-damage\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.acceptance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/11\/A-snowy-winter-road-highlights-the-importance-of-reliable-car-insurance-150x150.jpg","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.acceptance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/11\/A-snowy-winter-road-highlights-the-importance-of-reliable-car-insurance.jpg"},"articleSection":"Auto Insurance","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Monica Alarcon"}],"creator":["Monica Alarcon"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Acceptance Insurance","logo":""},"keywords":[],"dateCreated":"2025-11-10T20:00:00Z","datePublished":"2025-11-10T20:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-11-13T18:39:40Z"},"rendered":"