2025 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership - Page 7

How To Drive Safely While Also Avoiding Glare From the Sun

Combating glare from the sun while driving is crucial for safety and comfort. Here are the most effective ways to reduce or eliminate sun glare:

1. Use Polarized Sunglasses

• Why it works: Polarized lenses filter out horizontal light waves, which are the main cause of glare from reflective surfaces like roads and windshields.
• Bonus: They also help reduce eye strain.

2. Keep Your Windshield Clean (Inside & Out)

• Why it works: Dirt, dust, and streaks scatter sunlight, intensifying glare.
• Tip: Use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget the inside of the windshield, where film buildup often occurs.

3. Use Your Car’s Sun Visors Effectively

• Why it works: They physically block direct sunlight from reaching your eyes.
• Tip: Some visors can extend or pivot to the side; use both front and side visors when needed.

4. Adjust Your Driving Schedule (if possible)

• Why it works: Avoiding driving during sunrise or sunset, when the sun is low on the horizon, can prevent the worst glare.
• Alternative: Use routes with more shade or buildings that block the sun.

🪟 5. Apply Anti-Glare or Tint Film to Windows

• Why it works: Window tints reduce brightness and UV exposure, and anti-glare films diffuse intense light.
• Note: Check local laws about how dark window tints can be.

6. Use a Dashboard Cover

• Why it works: A matte-finish dashboard cover reduces the amount of sunlight that reflects off the dashboard and into your eyes.

7. Adjust Seat and Steering Wheel Position

• Why it works: Slight changes in your posture or position can alter how sunlight hits your eyes.
• Tip: Try tilting the seat slightly lower or higher depending on sun position.

8. Use Clip-on or Built-in Sun Glare Shields

• Why it works: Aftermarket sun glare extenders (e.g., tinted visor panels) can give you extra coverage beyond what your visor offers.

Summary:

The best combo is polarized sunglasses + clean windshield + smart use of visors and tints. Add other tools like glare shields or tinted films for enhanced comfort.

Would you like recommendations for specific products (e.g., sunglasses or glare shields)?

How My Car Is Affected In Extreme Heat Conditions

Extreme heat can have several negative effects on your car, impacting performance, safety, and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of how it can affect different components:

Battery

• Heat accelerates battery fluid evaporation, which can lead to internal corrosion.
• High temperatures shorten battery life, especially in older batteries.

Fluids (Oil, Coolant, Transmission Fluid)

• Coolant becomes especially important to prevent engine overheating.
• Heat can thin engine oil, reducing its ability to lubricate properly.
• Transmission fluid can degrade faster, impacting gear performance.

Engine

• Heat causes tire pressure to rise, increasing the risk of a blowout.
• Underinflated or overinflated tires are more vulnerable in hot conditions.

Interior

• UV rays and heat can crack dashboards, fade upholstery, and damage electronics.
• Cabin temperatures can climb dangerously high, posing health risks.

Paint and Exterior

• Prolonged sun exposure can fade paint and degrade rubber trims and seals.
• Waxing your car and using a car cover or shaded parking can help.

Other Effects

• Belts and hoses are more likely to crack or burst in heat.
• Electronics like infotainment systems and sensors may become glitchy.

Tips to Protect Your Car in Extreme Heat

1. Check fluid levels regularly.
2. Park in the shade or use sunshades
3. Monitor tire pressure weekly.
4. Get your cooling system serviced.
5. Clean and wax your car to protect the paint.
6. Use a windshield sunshade and crack windows slightly when parked.

What To Do If You’re Involved In a Hit-and-Run Accident

Whenever we get behind the wheel, we are taking a risk. Just as with anything in life, we have faith that the decisions we make will be good ones that will lead us to good health and happy, fulfilling lives. We can plan frivolously and without doubt in our minds. Even after doing all of this, we must face this one simple truth: we cannot control everything. And that includes being involved in a hit-and-run accident. If you are ever involved in a hit-and-run accident, this is what you should do.

Immediate Actions:

1. You are not doing yourself or anyone else in your car any favors by panicking after an accident. Yes, you may experience some sense of surprise or shock, but it’s important to do your best to remain as calm as possible.
2. Ensure Safety:

• Move to a safe location, out of the way of traffic if possible.
• Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

3. Call 911 Immediately:

• Report the accident to the police, especially since it’s a hit and run.
• Request medical assistance if anyone is injured.

4. Do Not Chase the Other Driver:

• This can put you in more danger and may complicate legal matters.

Gather Information:

Even if the other driver fled, collect as much information as you can:

• Time and location of the accident.
• Description of the vehicle that hit you (make, model, color, license plate if you saw it).
• Direction the vehicle was headed.
• Photos of the damage to your car, the scene, debris, skid marks, etc.
• Witness info: Names and contact info of anyone who saw what happened.
• Surrounding area: Look for traffic or security cameras that may have captured the incident.

File a Police Report:

• Get a copy of the police report or at least the report number.
• This is critical for insurance and legal follow-up.

Notify Your Insurance Company:

• Report the hit and run to your insurer as soon as possible.
• Your uninsured motorist coverage (if you have it) may cover the damage and injuries.
• Provide the police report number and any other documentation.

Seek Medical Attention:

Even if you feel okay, get checked out—some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.

Document Everything:

• Keep all receipts, medical bills, repair estimates, and a journal of how the accident affects your daily life.
• These may help in a claim or lawsuit.

Legal Help (if needed):

• Consider consulting a personal injury attorney, especially if you’re injured or unsure how to proceed.
• Many offer free consultations and can help with hit and run cases.