Daylight saving time ends November 7, 2010. It's the perfect time to tackle some of the routine maintenance needed at home and in the car.
TORONTO, November 4, 2010 - The weekend most Canadians fall back one hour is also the ideal time to tackle seasonal safety projects suggests Kanetix.ca (www.kanetix.ca).
A lot of the routine maintenance on your home and car should be done twice a year, so the weeks following the weekend we 'fall back' is a great time to:
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and test to make sure they are in working order. Even if the batteries are not dead, changing them will ensure they work when you need them most.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to keep debris from accumulating. This is especially important now that the leaves are falling.
- Make an appointment to have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician.
- Have your chimney cleaned so your fireplace will be ready for use.
- Bring out of hiding, all the winter gear you'll need to clear your walk, like shovels, sand and salt.
- Go through your medicine cabinet for expired medication. Your pharmacist should be able to either take your old medications or provide you with information about where to dispose of them. In fact, many provinces or regions have programs to assist in the proper disposal of medication.
- Switch your incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. Although initially more expensive, CFLs save you money in the long run because it is reported they use 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer.
- Remove your golf clubs from the trunk of your car and replace with a winter weather car safety kit. You can buy one or make your own. Usually kits include a shovel, ice scraper and brush, booster cables, a blanket, an extra set of gloves, flares, matches, candles and anything else you think might help if you have car problems.
- Change your car's wipers blades. They should be replaced every six months because wipers that do not work are dangerous - you can't drive if you can't see!
- If you change your tires seasonally, now is a good time to put your winter tires on. A good rule of thumb is to put your snow tires on when the temperature drops to 7° Celsius. Also, do not mix-and-match; install four winter tires.
Did you know some auto insurance providers offer a discount to policyholders who change their tires seasonally?
- If you don't change your tires seasonally, check your tire pressure and treads. If your tire pressure is off you'll notice irregular and uneven wear on your treads, reduced vehicle handling or decreased gas mileage.
- Last but not least, take your car in for a tune up because winter weather can really take a toll on it. A complete check-up can be vital in keeping your car running smoothly.
About Kanetix
Launched in October 1999, Kanetix is Canada's leading national, online insurance, mortgage and credit card marketplace. The Kanetix comparison shopping service brings together insurance, mortgage and credit card providers in a one-stop shopping environment for consumers looking to save money. Each day, thousands of consumers visit the Kanetix website at www.kanetix.ca to compare not only insurance and mortgage quotes but also credit cards from a variety of Canadian financial product suppliers. Users select the product of their choice, obtain a quotation and complete an online application or, with the help of Kanetix, connect with the provider to purchase or apply for the product over the phone.
For more information, visit www.kanetix.ca, or contact:
Kanetix Ltd.
publicrelations@kanetix.ca
