Whether you are new to the state of Georgia or have been a long-time resident, annual vehicle inspections are part of ongoing automobile maintenance.  In fact, if your inspection is not current, you will not be able to renew your vehicle registration.  And for both vehicle inspections and registration, you must provide proof of insurance.  Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. services Woodstock, GA and can help you find the right policy so that you are prepared for your next vehicle inspection.

The Vehicle Inspection Process

In Georgia, the vehicle inspection process includes at least three smog and emissions related tests.  And if your vehicle is older than the model year 1995, additional testing is also required.  There primary tests include:

• The on-board diagnostic (OBD), to test emissions control performance.
• The fuel cap inspection to ensure there is an adequate seal.
• The catalytic converter inspection checks for removal or interference.

These tests are not required for some eco-friendly vehicles such as those that run on battery electricity, natural gas, propane, or hydrogen.

Tips to Ensure Your Vehicle Passes Inspection

It is recommended by Georgia’s Clean Air Force that vehicles inspections are done at least four to six weeks before it is time to renew registration so that there is time to fix any issues.  To ensure your vehicle passes, follow these guidelines:

• Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance recommendations.
• Change oil regularly.
• Secure fuel cap after filling up with gasoline.
• Keep tires inflated.

With proper care and current insurance, a passing inspection should be simple.  If it is time to consider a new insurance policy, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. of Woodstock, GA.  Our independent insurance agents will help you find the policy that best fits your needs and budget. 

 

While it’s important to get the best possible auto insurance for your automobile in Woodstock, Georgia, through a local broker like Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. keeping your vehicle clean is more of an ongoing concern. Not only does keeping your car clean help it’s resale value and allow it to look good, but it can also protect you from getting into an accident as dirt can accumulate on the windows and mirrors, effecting visibility. Below are some tips for how to best clean your car in Woodstock, Georgia.

WAX REPEATEDLY

Wash and wax your vehicle on a weekly basis a few weeks in a row. This way there will be a build up of car wax on the outside that will take a long time to wear out. While it may be tie consuming and a little costly off the bat to repeatedly wash and wax your car over a few weeks, it will actually save you money and time in the long run as you won’t have to wash your car for the next few months, or until the wax shield has be worn down,

OLD NEWSPAPERS ON THE WINDOWS AND MIRRORS

Windows, windshields and mirrors are arguably the most prone to dirt and smudges and are the most important to keep clean on a regular basis, as they can be the difference between getting into an accident and driving safely. The best way to clean these are with old newspapers and some window cleaning solution that is streak free. Do this on a weekly basis, at least.

BUY A HAND VACUUM

The most frustrating thing about vacuuming your car is dragging out a house vacuum and plugging it in or using a coin operated vacuum within the allotted time. So buy a hand vacuum that will allow you to regularly clean the floors of your vehicle of any excess dirt that has been tracked inside. 

For many, the car is more than just a method of transport, it doubles as an office, a place to relax, a place to eat, and so much more. So why is keeping it clean so important? Aside from the obvious which is to improve your overall health and the feeling that you get when you are in your car, there are also some practical implications as well.

For starters, keeping your car clean may help improve the overall life of your car and can help improve the life of things like your seats, your floor mats, and more. Keeping your car clean can help to extend the life of leather seats, can help make your floor mats last longer, and can even help to keep your dash from cracking and chipping.

Another practical reason to keep your car clean is that people often make first impressions based on the cleanliness of something like your car. Having a clean car is a great way to keep from feeling frantic and unorganized in the car and keeping it clean can help ease your mind and make a great first impression. Keeping your car clean can also help reduce the number of distractions that you have while driving allowing you to spend more time looking at the road and less time worrying about why there is a plastic cup rolling around your floor boards.

The last benefit is that a clean car can make anyone feel better. Your car may not be the newest or the most expensive but if it is clean you will automatically feel better about it making your drive and the time you spend in the car more enjoyable overall for you and your passengers. Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. wants you to stay safe so pick up trash from your floor board.  

We see them on the highway as we drive by, the car stopped on the side of the road, and it’s owner looking at a flat tire as if willing it will somehow inflate the rubber and get the person back on the asphalt again. However, we rarely assume we could be that person stranded until it happens and our car tire pressure signal light comes up, predicting an imminent problem very soon in our travel. While we can’t always guarantee our vehicles will work correctly, we can anticipate trouble and prepare for it. And having the right tools is critical.

Here’s the must-have list for any tire breakdown anywhere:

• The standard tire wrench comes with every car, but it’s amazing how often people remove it. Don’t. Leave the tool in the car.
• The jack. This fantastic tool uses physics to lift weight exponentially greater than itself. It’s essential to raise a car’s weight to replace a tire.
• A rubber mallet. Car dealers don’t include this tool in a new car, but it should always be added. If you don’t have the strength to turn a tire wrench and move a fully-tightened tire nut, then you’re going to need something that can force the wrench to turn. The mallet uses brute force, but it works very well.
• Eye protection. Things have a way of sparking or bouncing off of tools. Getting a bit of metal or road grit in your eye will make it temporarily impossible to fix anything. A good pair of eye protection glasses can be found at any hardware store.
• Basic leather or mechanic’s gloves. The same way you protect your eyes, you need to protect your hands with tools. Even a machine can cut a hand under pressure. Protect yourself.

Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. can help with car damage and accident protection via insurance, but also being prepared for a flat will ensure your ability to get back on the road quickly.

 

If your friend comes up and asks if they are able to use your vehicle, before saying yes, it is necessary to ask them a few different questions. While we at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. understand often times it is so important to stand there with your friend, you also need to protect yourself as well. To do this, make sure you ask these different questions of your friend before handing over the keys, regardless of if you are in Woodstock or anywhere else in the community. 

License Questions

You need to ask about their driver’s license. If your friend is currently without a valid driver’s license, it is important to avoid letting your friend drive your car. If someone does not have a license and is involved in an accident, you run the risk of being held responsible for anything kind of incident they cause. 

Ask About Their Driving History

Do you know your friend’s driving history? If not, you might want to ask them about it. After all, the last thing you want is to give the keys of your vehicle over to someone who is always being involved in accidents, fender benders, speeding tickets or anything like that. Whenever you allow someone to drive your vehicle, anything they do may end up reflecting on you. By learning about the kind of driver your friend is, you protect them from additional problems and yourself from dealing with any unwanted situations. 

Ask About What They Will Be Doing

You also need to make sure you know what sort of activities they plan on doing. If they are doing anything work related, you need to think twice. This falls under a commercial license and, chances are, your insurance does not cover it. 

When you live in Woodstock, it is important to protect your family as much as possible with different safe driving habits. This has to do with how you buckle everyone up all the way to how you drive on the roads every day.

If you have young children, you want to make sure that you choose the proper car seat, and ultimately transition to a booster seat. There are many on the market, and you want to pick ones that are based upon the height and weight of your child to provide sufficient protection.

Operation Lifesaver promotes railroad safety, and it has been estimated that a train is responsible for striking a pedestrian or vehicle every three hours in America. Always stop at railroad crossings when the barriers are down and wait for the all clear before crossing them.

Any time that you are driving in a bad weather, you also want to make sure that your headlights are on. It’s also a good idea to reduce speed so that you can react to everything that is going on around you. Change out your windshield wipers in a timely fashion so that they are capable of clearing the windshield.

Always look both ways before crossing the road and even turning into traffic.

By using safe driving habits every time you get behind the wheel, you are also demonstrating how to be a safe driver to your children so that when they grow up, they use the same tactics. They will learn from you, so it is important to lead by example.

Call and speak to one of our independent insurance agents at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today. We look forward to talking to you about affordable insurance and finding a policy that is going to provide protection.

 

 

Mountain Park, GA does not typically see the severe winter weather of the northernmost states, but even a small amount of snow or ice can impair a driver’s ability to reach his or her destination safely. Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. offers tips on how to safely navigate various winter driving conditions.

Ice

Driving on ice is very dangerous. If icy roads are present, plan to stay home. Give roads time to thaw before attempting any travel. If you must travel for some reason, try to do so after road crews have applied salt and gravel to driving surfaces. Always drive as slowly as possible in icy weather.

Snow

Snow creates several issues for drivers. Blowing snow may create drifts in the road which can send a car into a spin or even cause a vehicle to come to an abrupt stop. Drive slowly in snow, making sure headlights and windows are clear.

Slush

Melting snow creates a dirty, slushy mix which can cause problems for drivers. Cars can hydroplane on wet surfaces, creating a hazardous scenario for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Do not assume that melting snow means it is safe to drive the maximum posted speed limit. Continue to use caution until all roads are clear.

High Winds

High wind gusts can blow tree limbs, wires and even other vehicles into your path. Keep plenty of room between your car and other vehicles during high winds. Try to avoid driving near high-sided trucks as they will take the most impact during windy conditions.

If you need more information on arriving safely at your destination during inclement weather, or for a no obligation quote on auto insurance, contact Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today. Our independent insurance agency will be happy to help you navigate your auto insurance needs.

As the fall months approach is Woodstock, there are various ways for you to take care of your car. This will ensure that your car maintains high performance and that you can drive with peace of mind knowing that it is capable of withstanding all of the road conditions ahead.

Check Your Brakes

Your brakes need to be checked and this can be as simple as bringing your car into a location that specializes in brakes. They will check the rotors, drums, and linings.

Check Your Tires

Your tires need to be checked for both tire pressure and tread depth. If there are bald spots or bulges, your tires may need to be replaced.

Schedule an HVAC Inspection

An HVAC inspection should be scheduled so that you can make sure that your heating and ventilation system is working properly. Heating is important for your interior comfort. It is also going to help you defrost windows.

Make Some Replacements

The fall can be the perfect reminder to make some replacements within your car. If it has been a while since you have last replaced your battery (three years or more), now is the time to do so. It is also a good idea to replace the cabin air filter as well as wiper blades so that you are prepared for the colder weather.

Ultimately, the more you do in the fall, the easier it will be to prepare for the winter months. The weather can be harsh and you want to make sure that your car is capable of handling everything.

Call us at Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. today so we can help you find a policy that is affordable and has sufficient coverage. This way, you can have peace of mind in Woodstock, regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive.

 

 

When going to college, there is much to think about. From keeping up with your class schedule to making sure you have proper transportation to make it to and from campus, one of the last things on your mind is probably auto insurance. Fortunately, though, it’s fairly simple to understand auto insurance and how being a college student can lower your rates. 

Ask for a student discount

During high school and college, many insurance companies provide top-notch discounts for keeping your grades up. The exact GPA that you will need to maintain will be determined by your insurance provider, but nonetheless, you should do your best to keep your grades as close to a 4.0 if at all possible. The better your grades are, the further you will be able to go in your school and career endeavors. 

Ask for volunteer discounts

Some insurance companies love to give back to the community by providing discounts to students who perform volunteer work. The best way to determine if your provider offers this type of discount is to simply ask. From volunteering at local day cares to picking up trash off the side of the roads, there are many ways to put in volunteer time, and best of all, many of these ways will directly relate to your classes you’re taking in college. 

If you would like to learn more about going to college and receiving discounts on your auto insurance premiums, don’t hesitate to reach out and visit the Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. website today. You can also speak with an insurance agent to discover any other discounts that you may qualify for. 

You taught him how to walk, how to swim, how to ride a bike, and now he’s much older and it’s time to teach him to drive. There’s no need to be nervous. Millions of teens each year get their licenses to drive and they go without getting involved in accidents. Just remember, the more practice your teen has, the better his driving skills will be. Here’s a quick look at a few other tips for teaching your teen to drive the safe way in Lebanon, GA.

Get off of your phone

When you’re driving, your teen is watching you. Watching how you turn on turning signals, how you switch lanes, and even how you use your cell phone. This is why it’s so important to put the cell phone down and not use it while behind the wheel of a car. You must lead by example, and this includes showing your teen that it’s not safe to use the phone while driving. 

Always use proper signals and seat belts

If you don’t use turning signals, your teen is going to notice. You need to ensure that you take heed to all traffic signs and that you use a turning signal and hazards anytime they are needed. In addition to using proper signals, you’ll want to lead by example by putting your seat belt on each time you get into a vehicle, regardless of whether or not you are driving. Seat belt statistics prove that they save lives. 

To learn more about the many ways you can teach your teen to drive the safe way, visit the Peter Laczko Insurance Inc. website today.