Consejos para mantener un automóvil que no conduce con frecuencia

One thing about cars has never changed over the years: they’re designed to be driven. But if you have a vehicle you're not driving frequently because it's a secondary car or one you simply don't need to use as much anymore, certain problems could develop as it sits. Below, the experienced professionals from Altra Insurance Services, a premier provider of auto insurance San Diego drivers trust for affordable coverage and top-notch service, offer some tips on what you can do to maintain an infrequently driven car. Use a Battery Tender If your car sits unused for long periods, the battery will lose its charge and eventually need to be jump-started in order to function. One way to maintain your car's battery during periods of non-use is with a battery charger or tender. This is a device that maintains the charge in your battery to keep it ready for use. Check Tire Pressure Because tires are slightly porous, they can become flatter when your car isn't being driven. Avoid the possibility of being surprised by uneven or deflated tires by periodically checking the pressure in your tires with a tire pressure gauge. Look inside the doorjamb on the driver’s side to see what tire pressure is recommended. Check Your Brakes for Rust Your car's brakes can develop rust if your vehicle sits outside or in a garage where the climate isn't controlled well. This can happen when there's excess moisture in the air. If a layer of rust does form on your brake rotors, it's easy to remove with a solution that dissolves and removes rust. Regularly check your car's brakes for signs of rusting. Otherwise, you could be surprised by loud or persistent grinding sounds the next time you use your vehicle. Use a Fuel Stabilizer Fuel does go bad. You may have experienced this when starting a lawnmower in the spring for the first time if it contained gas left over from the fall. As fuel ages, it will become thick enough to gum up many of your car’s internal parts. For times when your car is sitting unused, add fuel stabilizer to the tank to keep the fuel in its original state. Cover Your Car when It's Not Being Driven An unused car can, at the very least, gather dust if it's sitting in a garage. However, if your infrequently driven car sits outside, the exterior paint could be affected by bird droppings, pollen, and anything else that could land on it. Avoid the need for a fresh coat of paint sooner than expected by covering your car when it's not being driven. Check the Fluids If your vehicle has been sitting for a while, check all key fluids before you get ready to use it again. The main ones include: • Coolant • Engine oil • Washer fluid Clean It Regularly If you know you'll be storing your car for a while, clean it first. Be especially mindful of any food remnants or leftover trash that may be inside your vehicle. This will keep your car smelling fresh and deter rodents and insects. Regularly Turn the Car On Even for times when you won't be driving your car, regularly turn it on and let it run briefly. Doing so will get the fluids circulating and keep essential components properly lubricated. This is also a good way to keep the battery charged. Following these tips can keep your car in good shape for years to come. It’s also important to protect your car with reliable auto insurance, so reach out to the trustworthy agents at Altra Insurance Services. In addition to auto coverage, we also offer homeowners, commercial, and motorcycle insurance. San Diego residents are urged to give us a call today at (800) 719-9972 for a free quote.

mayo 7, 2021agosto 17, 2022

Una cosa acerca de los automóviles nunca ha cambiado a lo largo de los años: están diseñados para ser conducidos. Pero si tiene un vehículo que no conduce con frecuencia porque es un automóvil secundario o uno que simplemente ya no necesita usar tanto, podrían surgir ciertos problemas mientras está parado. A continuación, los profesionales experimentados de Altra Insurance...

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Pasos para eliminar a alguien de su póliza de seguro de automóvil

From covering a new teen driver or a grown child still living with you to helping out a family member or friend who regularly uses your vehicle, there are many valid reasons to have another driver included on your car insurance policy. However, there are times when it makes sense practically and financially to remove a driver from your auto insurance policy. Here are your options. Get in Touch with Your Insurance Provider A quick and easy way to remove a driver from your car insurance policy is to contact your insurance provider. This process is different with each insurance company and may involve: • Removing the driver via a website or mobile app • Submitting certain requested documentation • Meeting specific requirements Some insurers may not allow you to remove a driver from your policy if it's assumed the individual could still be driving your vehicle even after being removed from coverage. But if the other driver has moved out of your home, obtained his or her own vehicle, or moved out of state, you should be able to remove the individual from your policy. Submit Proof of Other Insurance If a driver still on your policy now has his or her own insurance, your provider may require proof of this coverage. Once you submit proof of other coverage for this individual, you should be able to have him or her removed from your policy. Submit Proof of Change of Residence In some cases, you may wish to remove a driver from your policy if he or she moves out of your home and will no longer be using your vehicle. With situations like this, you'll likely need to provide proof of new residence for the driver you want removed. Such proof could include a utility bill or rent receipt with the address of the new residence on it. Understand Removing a Child from Your Policy Could Be Tricky Statistically, teen drivers are more likely to submit accident claims than adults, so removing a younger driver from your policy could add up to significant savings. However, some insurance providers prevent this type of exclusion, since they require all licensed drivers in a household to be included on the policy. Other providers may charge an annual fee to exclude a teen driver. Even if this is the case, the annual fee is usually much less than what you would save by removing a child from your policy. Remember, the excluded teen driver will still need to obtain coverage if he or she will still be driving. Consider Certain Factors before Removing a Driver from Your Policy Yes, you can be rewarded with much lower premiums when a driver is removed from your policy. However, that person may no longer be able to drive any of your insured vehicles, especially if he or she still lives with you. On the flip side, removing a driver could be beneficial if he or she is a riskier driver. Lastly, know that if you have another driver removed from your policy simply to save money, a single accident that occurs while he or she is driving your vehicle could instantly negate your savings potential. If you need information on any aspect of car insurance, make sure to contact a knowledgeable insurance agent. Whether they need affordable, reliable auto insurance or dependable motorcycle, business, or homeowners insurance, San Diego residents turn to Altra Insurance Services. For high-quality coverage and unparalleled service, reach out to our experienced agents. Call us today at 800-719-9972 to learn how we can help you with all your insurance needs.

mayo 3, 2021agosto 17, 2022

Desde cubrir a un nuevo conductor adolescente o un niño adulto que aún vive con usted hasta ayudar a un familiar o amigo que usa su vehículo regularmente, hay muchas razones válidas para incluir a otro conductor en su póliza de seguro de automóvil. Sin embargo, hay ocasiones en las que tiene sentido desde el punto de vista práctico y económico eliminar...

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¿Qué auto es el más fácil de robar?

abril 27, 2020mayo 21, 2026

Si bien se roban menos automóviles cada año en los Estados Unidos, el robo de automóviles sigue siendo un problema importante. Más de 700,000 vehículos fueron robados en 2018 y, en promedio, más de 2,000 autos son robados todos los días. Todos los conductores deben tomarse en serio este problema, especialmente al decidir qué automóvil nuevo comprar. Algunos modelos son ...

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¿Vale la pena reclamar un seguro de automóvil para una abolladura?

Is It Worth Claiming on Car Insurance for a Dent in San Diego, CA

abril 24, 2020mayo 21, 2026

Dents and dings happen frequently to cars. Often, the causes for these dents are unknown. If you have full coverage, your insurance may cover a dent. However, it’s important to understand if filing a claim is truly worth it. Here’s some advice from the insurance experts at Altra Insurance Services, providers of reliable, affordable auto …

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¿Puedo conservar mi cheque de reclamo de seguro de hogar y hacer reparaciones yo mismo?

Can I Keep My Home Insurance Claim Check & Make Repairs Myself in San Diego, CA

abril 20, 2020junio 12, 2023

Si su casa necesita reparaciones debido a un desastre natural u otro evento cubierto por su seguro de propietarios, deberá obtener varias cotizaciones de reparación. Estas cotizaciones se entregan a su compañía de seguros cuando presenta el reclamo. Con la creciente popularidad de los proyectos de bricolaje y la propiedad de vivienda, puede sentirse tentado a ...

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¿Necesito un seguro de responsabilidad civil comercial para mi negocio?

Why Do I Need Commercial General Liability Insurance for My Business in San Diego, CA

abril 17, 2020abril 17, 2020

El seguro de responsabilidad civil comercial es un tipo de seguro de responsabilidad civil a gran escala destinado a las empresas. Esencialmente, es una forma de seguro que cubre todos los tipos comunes de reclamos de responsabilidad que una empresa puede encontrar durante las operaciones típicas. Casi cualquier compañía puede beneficiarse del seguro de responsabilidad civil comercial, pero es particularmente útil para algunos ...

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¿Cuándo debo revisar mis necesidades de seguro de propietarios?

Should I Review My Homeowners Insurance Needs in San Diego, CA

abril 13, 2020enero 5, 2023

Todos los propietarios de una casa deben tener un seguro para propietarios. Los costos financieros de no tenerlo son astronómicos si algo sucede, por lo que no puede permitirse no tenerlo. Pero al igual que con otros tipos de seguros, debe comparar precios periódicamente para asegurarse de obtener la mejor oferta. Los siguientes son algunos factores que ...

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Cómo obtener un seguro para su negocio

Steps to Get Insurance for Your Business in San Diego, CA

abril 10, 2020enero 5, 2023

Los gastos inesperados van a surgir cuando se ejecuta un negocio. Para protegerse, el seguro comercial es crucial. En caso de un desastre, demanda u otro evento, el seguro comercial adecuado puede evitar que cierre su negocio. Determine el tipo de seguro que necesita Obtener un seguro comercial comienza por decidir qué tipo de ...

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Por qué nunca debe admitir una falla después de un accidente automovilístico

Reasons You Why Should Never Admit Fault After a Motor Vehicle Accident in San Diego, CA

abril 6, 2020abril 6, 2020

En el momento de un accidente automovilístico, las partes involucradas están comprensiblemente en estado de shock. Su enfoque principal es típicamente en su bienestar físico y la condición de sus vehículos. Para cuando se han abordado esos asuntos, el personal de emergencia ha llegado a la escena. Es en este punto que se hacen preguntas, que pueden ...

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¿Qué detalles necesita si alguien golpea su automóvil?

Details You Need if Someone Hits Your Car in San Diego, CA

abril 3, 2020agosto 19, 2022

Los accidentes ocurren todos los días, especialmente aquellos que involucran automóviles. Si su automóvil ha sido golpeado, ya sea que sucedió cuando su automóvil estaba estacionado o mientras conducía, es importante actuar rápido. Hay ciertos pasos que debe seguir si alguien golpea su automóvil, y también hay detalles específicos que necesita. Llamada …

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