The first issue in the Springtime Auto Maintenance Series.

This Series is especially for those vehicle owners located in the vicinity of Maryland and Virginia who understand the value of keeping their car safe and protect their investment through on-going maintenance. As seasons change from the harshness of Winter to the renewal that Spring offers, assuring that your vehicle is road ready for spring and summer driving is important.

Maintaining your windshield wipers and changing the wiper blades on your vehicle regularly is more important than you might think.  Being a safe driver means being aware of your surroundings.  But, when the weather takes a turn for the worse bringing rain or when darkness sets in, you must be able to rely on wipers that leave your windshield with a consistent, clean clear wipe.  Otherwise, your obscured vision could cause you to collide with another vehicle or even drive off the road.

Your windshield wipers not only offer you clear vision during rain and darkness.  You must also rely on them to keep your windshield clear of road tar, mud spattering or other messy deposits like insects or bird droppings.  Worn wiper blades will not remove such debris.  Instead, they smear the mess and obscure your vision even more.  If you begin switching out your wipers regularly, you can avoid these problems and keep your eyes clearly on the road.

When to Change Your Windshield Wipers

When your blades are past their physical prime, inspection will show signs of wear such as cracking or discoloration, and they will not perform well – causing streaking or skipping.  The blades might squeak or chatter when they need to be replaced.  Some newer wiper blades come with a wear-indicator which will show  when they need to be replaced.   If your wipers don’t have a special indicator, the rule of thumb is to change them at least once per year, and every six months is preferable. So if you have been procrastinating about changing wiper blades, take a few minutes to make this a priority.  It could mean the difference in your family’s safety.

Here at the Daniel Howley Insurance Agency in Rockville, PA, we want you to be safe and accident-free.  As you prepare your vehicle for spring and summer driving, don’t forget to assure that your auto insurance coverage is up to date.  If you have had changes in vehicles or drivers recently, check with your insurance agent to be sure that you are fully covered and are receiving the best rates available.

Homeowners Spring & Summer Readiness Series

In our last issue, we covered spring check-up for your Air Conditioner.  Now, we are moving to the attic of your home – an area where often-overlooked small problems become big problems for the safety and well-being of your home.  Here are some tips to keep your attic healthy and safe…

Examine your insulation

First, to be sure that you have enough. Not sure how much you should have? See the guidelines at EnergyStar.gov.  Next, check for coverage to be sure there are no bare spots in your insulation, and assure that the insulation is not obstructing vents.

Check for moisture and leaks 

Typically, you will be able to smell mustiness and mildew indicating a moisture problem.  In particular, be on the lookout for black mold or green algae; and, if found, be sure to kill it using a bleach/water solution. Once mold has been found and treated, you’ll want to remember to check back periodically to see that it was eradicated completely and does not regrow.

Seal any openings

Look for openings that offer access to animals like squirrels, chipmunks, birds and others; and seal the openings.  While you're there, search the area for animal nests in case any critters have already made your attic their home.
Important Safety Advice: Inspect electrical wiring and connections for wear, exposed wires and/or damage that might have been done by animals; and, if found, consider having an electrician do further inspection and repair as soon as possible.  FEMA reports that approximately 10,000 residential attic fires are reported each year, resulting in 30 deaths, 125 injuries and $477 million dollars in property damage, with one-third of these spreading to involve the entire structure.  The leading cause, according to FEMA, is electrical malfunction (about 43%) and electrical arcing is the most common heat source for these attic fires.  

Here at Daniel Howley Insurance Agency in Rockville, MD, we urge you to also be sure that your home is properly insured for fire damage and the injury it can cause.  To be sure, contact your insurance agent for an up-to-date assessment of your current homeowners policy.

Giving your car a summer checkup will help to avoid a breakdown when you least expect it and will likely save you money on your monthly gas budget – especially if yours is not a fresh-from-the-showroom ride.

To guide you, we are rolling out our Spring/Summer Auto Maintenance Series. Each issue will offer tips and advice on a specific car maintenance task to make sure your car is reliable, running efficiently and in good, safe condition for you and your family.   Along the way, we’ll also offer safety advice and tips about your auto insurance as well.

So check back often for tips and advice designed to improve your vehicle’s performance and lengthen its life as well as to  save you money, time and stress when you take to the road this summer.

Issue 1:  Windshield Wiper Maintenance -- A Safety Issue

Issue 2:  Maintaining Your Car's Air Conditioning System