Category: Auto

7 Essential Car Maintenance Tips You Should Know

Keeping your car in good condition isn’t just about preserving its value—it’s about ensuring your safety on the road and avoiding costly repairs down the line. Here are seven essential car maintenance tips that every driver–new or old–should know!

Check tire pressure and rotate tires

Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road, making them crucial for your safety. Check your tire pressure monthly and before long trips. Proper inflation helps prevent blowouts, improves fuel efficiency, and ensures even wear. Don’t forget to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to promote even wear and extend their lifespan!

Check the motor oil

Oil is what keeps your engine running smoothly. Regularly checking your oil level and changing it according to your vehicle’s manual (typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles) can significantly extend your engine’s life and improve its performance.

Test the headlights and taillights

Good visibility is essential for safe driving. Regularly check all your lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any burnt-out bulbs immediately. Not only is this crucial for your safety and others, but it’s also a legal requirement in most places.

Check and replace windshield wipers

Windshield wipers are often overlooked until you’re caught in a downpour with poor visibility. Inspect your wipers for signs of wear and replace them every 6 to 12 months or sooner if you notice streaking or skipping.

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

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Do You Need Car Rental Insurance?

Do I need to buy the rental company’s insurance when renting a car? This is the million-dollar question for many renters. Renting a car can be a convenient solution when on vacation. However, one common dilemma that often arises at the rental counter is whether to purchase the insurance offered by the rental company. The answer depends on several factors, including your existing insurance coverage, the type of rental car, and your comfort level with assuming potential risks. Let’s delve into the factors to consider: 

Covering car damage

If you already have full comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy, it may extend to rental cars as well. In many cases, your own insurance will cover damages to the rental vehicle, similar to how it would cover damages to your own car. However, it’s crucial to review your policy details before assuming anything.

Covering personal liability

Oklahoma auto insurance laws state drivers must carry liability coverage that meets or exceeds 25/50/25 policy limits. Fortunately, this coverage usually extends to rental cars as well, providing protection against bodily injury and property damage claims. 

Check with your agent

When in doubt, seek guidance from your insurance agent. They can provide clarity on your existing coverage, advise you on additional insurance options, and help you make an informed decision based on your individual needs and circumstances. If you’re not sure what your policy covers, your OKFB agent can help! 

We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re a longtime policyholder or just starting to look for insurance options, we’re here to help. If you have questions or concerns that you want to discuss, connect with your local OKFB agent today. If you have any insurance-specific questions, we would love to help you find the coverage that best meets your home, auto, commercial and life insurance needs.

Don’t forget to follow us on social! This kind of information and more is just a click away. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

6 Tips for Driving in Severe Weather

Mother Nature has a way of surprising us when we least expect it. Unpredictable weather conditions, from sudden storms to flash floods, can make driving a challenging and potentially dangerous task. To help you navigate these situations safely, we’ve compiled our top tips for driving in severe weather.

Don’t drive through a flooded road

One of the most dangerous situations you can encounter on the road is driving through a flooded area. It may seem like common sense, but many accidents happen when drivers underestimate the power of rushing water. Just 12 inches of swiftly moving water can carry away most cars, and it takes only two feet of water for trucks and SUVs. To avoid the risk, never attempt to cross a flooded road, even if it appears shallow.

Drive slowly

In most challenging weather conditions, slowing down is key. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react to unexpected obstacles and potentially slippery roads. Remember that your vehicle’s stopping distance increases in severe weather, so maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you is crucial. By driving slowly, you’ll have better control over your vehicle and reduce the risk of accidents.

Resist the urge to “floor it”

If you are stuck on muddy or snowy roads, the temptation to hit the gas pedal hard can be strong. However, doing so can lead to spinning tires and loss of control. If you find yourself stuck, follow these steps:

  • Straighten your wheels.
  • Gently accelerate, applying steady pressure to the gas pedal.
  • Avoid spinning your tires; this only digs you in deeper.
  • If you have sand, kitty litter, or blocks in your emergency kit, place them under your drive wheels to gain traction.

Stock your vehicle

Being prepared for unexpected emergencies is a smart move for any driver. Having certain items on hand can make a significant difference if you find yourself stranded in adverse weather conditions. Create an emergency roadside kit that includes essential items, such as:

  • Jumper cables
  • First-aid supplies
  • Non-perishable snacks and water
  • Ice scraper and snow brush

Read more tips on how to put together a car emergency kit.

Leave your lights on

Visibility is crucial when driving in unpredictable weather. Ensure your headlights are on, even during daylight hours, as it helps others see your vehicle better. Additionally, consider using your hazard lights in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or dense fog. This added visibility can help prevent accidents by alerting other drivers to your presence.

Pull off the road if necessary

If the weather conditions become too treacherous to continue safely, don’t hesitate to pull off the road. Find a safe place to park, such as a rest area or parking lot, and wait for the weather to improve. It’s better to delay your journey than risk getting involved in an accident due to poor road conditions.

Driving in unpredictable weather conditions demands caution, preparedness and patience. By following these six safety tips, you can protect yourself and others when driving in severe weather. Remember, your safety should always be your top priority, so exercise good judgment and take extra precautions when facing challenging weather conditions.

Friday the 13th – 13 Hidden Safety Risks

Many people are afraid of or superstitious of black cats, broken mirrors and walking under ladders around Friday the 13th. However, what’s even more cause for caution is all the hidden safety risks that can be present in daily life. Check out these top 13 risks to be aware of: 

Eating while driving

Next to texting and driving, eating while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. Reaction time drops by nearly 50% while eating. Next time you pick up food, make sure to wait until arrival before eating. 

Car maintenance

Without proper vehicle maintenance, driving a car can pose some risks. Change the oil in the vehicle as recommended, get tires checked regularly and make sure to have roadside assistance as part of your insurance policy. 

Lightning

While not extremely common, lightning can strike your car or home and cause damage that may require repairs. Make sure your insurance plan covers damage caused by lightning and help prevent damage by installing a lightning rod or other protection.

Cyber security

As the internet increasingly becomes part of the daily routine, cyber security is a necessity. Take steps to protect your information online from hackers or data breaches, including using complex passwords and being aware of email phishing scams. 

Texting 

Texting while doing other things is a huge distraction. Whether walking across the street or driving down the road, avoid texting and pay better attention to surroundings. 

Home security

Make sure to lock all doors and windows when leaving and consider installing an alarm system. If you’re an OKFB member, you may be eligible for a discount for installing a home security system. 

Fire 

It’s nice to have the fireplace crackling or a candle burning to provide warmth and comfort, but make sure to take the proper safety precautions. Always extinguish candles and fires before leaving a room, and make sure to keep them out of reach of children.  

Food storage

Improper food storage can result in spoiled foods, and if these foods are consumed they can result in illness. Hold cold foods at 40°F or below, and keep hot foods at 140°F or above. Regularly monitor your refrigerator and freezer to ensure they are at the right temperature. 

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless flammable gas that can be deadly. CO can accumulate wherever fuel is burned, whether by a kitchen stove or a car in the garage. Help avoid CO poisoning by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home. 

Appliances

Appliances, especially those in the kitchen can pose some safety risks. Stay nearby appliances when cooking and always check that appliances are off before leaving the kitchen.  

Screens

Staring at a screen all day, whether via a phone or a computer, can pose some health risks. Excessive use can result in a decrease in vision abilities, and it can also lead to back pain, joint pain and headaches. If possible, try reducing daily screen time.

Going to work 

From farming to construction, some jobs require working with dangerous equipment or substances. Make sure to be aware of and follow workplace safety guidelines to help prevent accident and injury.

Showering 

Slippery floors in the shower can lead to injury or even death. Showers can especially be safety risks for the elderly and children, who often require help to enter and exit the shower safely. Install a support bar, clean up wet floors and be extra vigilant in the bathroom.