Maximize EV Usage in Cold
Many electric vehicle owners experienced issues in last winter’s cold conditions. With winter approaching, now’s a great time to start preparing your car for whatever cold weather blows your way.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that the average electric vehicle’s battery life can drop by more than40% in temperatures below 20°F.
Your EV car battery is responsible for supplying the entire car with power, so you might need to change your charging and driving habits to save some battery power.
Charging a cold car can take up to four times longer, and it may not even charge to its typical levels, so keep your vehicle garaged, if possible, to help it reach the manufacturer-recommended levels each cycle. Also make sure to clear snow and ice from your entire car, not just the windows and doors, as extra weight can put more pressure on your battery.
And don’t forget about yourself. Set time aside before you leave to warm your interior and battery while it’s still plugged in. Using amenities like heated seats and steering wheels to keep yourself warm, rather than using your vehicle’s heating units, can also conserve energy.
If you do run into car trouble, don’t panic. ERIE’s Emergency Roadside Service coverage gives you access to 24/7 support and towing services.
To learn more about winter EV care and other ways ERIE can help you this winter, visit erieinsurance.com/ev-tips.
Outsmarting Scams
You’ve read about them, but do you know how to protect yourself from today’s most common scams?
We aren’t talking about the princes of the world who want to whisk you away if you’ll only send funds first.
We’re talking about the emails claiming to be from people you know. The text messages from your relative who “borrowed a phone” to text you. A government or law enforcement agency who claims you owe money on a ticket or there’s an issue with your taxes.
They can seem legitimate at first— reasonable, even. But these shady requests often come with a tell: they don’t want cash, credit or a check. They want gift cards or just to simply verify your name, date of birth, address or Social Security number.
When these scammers come your way, take a moment to think. And, before agreeing to anything, contact the person or agency they claim to be directly. Chances are, they’re aware of the fraud and will tell you not to act on it.
But, if you should find yourself a victim of this type of scam, ERIE’s Identity Recovery coverage could provide some protection.
For more information, contact your Agent directly or visit erieinsurance.com/id-theft.
See individual policies for specific coverage details. Coverage is subject to terms, conditions, limits and exclusions.
Fireplace Safety Tips
While fireplaces are beautiful, traditional means of heating spaces, they can pose hazards to people and property if not maintained properly. Here’s how you can keep your home safe this winter.
Fireplaces account for more than 14,000 house fires every year, and almost all of them are preventable. Take the time to ensure that your fireplace has all the adequate linings and smoke ducts it needs to function safely, and that your chimney has been cleared and inspected, and is in good condition.
Before the weather turns, plan to survey your yard for any trees or plants that could come into contact with or leave debris in your chimney. Consider chimney caps, which can help to prevent this issue, and keep wild animals from making their home in your chimney.
Another common hazard associated with fireplace maintenance is the buildup of poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide, in the damper. Always open your damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the smoke has cleared and the ashes have cooled.
The wood you use and how you burn it also makes a big difference. To review our tips before you strike that first match, visit erieinsurance.com/firewood.
