Start with your tires. Winter tires are great for everyday winter driving. If you have them – check if they still do the job, making you safe on the road. We want to take a deeper look at all-weather and all-season tires, as they have a difference. All-weather tires are for better winter grip without compromising durability. They perform well in different seasons but are better for winter than all-season ones. They are not as good as winter tires for snowy and icy weather. 
All-season tires last longer than all-weather, but their performance level is lower during winter. Considering the storms we can experience, the number one choice is winter tires. Then we have all-weather tires and all-season.  

Check your wipers. We have lower-than-usual visibility during storm season. This way, the wipers are the key to a clean windshield. The prices are getting high, and we better consider getting more life out of the ones we have. Wipe them down with vinegar or window cleaner. Go up and down the rubber part. It will help you to get rid of dirt and old dry rubber. The good idea is to pop wipers up during parking, so it will be easier to clean the windshield. Make sure it is not windy, as a strong wind can damage them.  

Battery and oil change. Prevent unexpected by checking your battery life. It is for those who park their car outdoors. Repair shops don't charge too much for that. It can save you from being stuck in the middle of nowhere on the way to work. Some stores with car parts check your battery for free. Also, if you're willing to change your battery - consider big stores like Costco. They sell batteries for a fair price. You will need a second hand because they are heavy.  

Say no to corrosion. Wash your vehicle and check your car for any scratches and damages. The goal is to spot every scratch deep enough to see the metal. They need to be covered in paint before winter comes. You can go to a repair shop or fix it on a low budget. For the second option, clean the area with rubbing alcohol and put a clear coat on (nail polish works too). You can check your local stores for touch-up paint in your colour. To prevent underbody corrosion, keep your car clean by washing it frequently. 

Check your engine coolant. Antifreeze is what people think of when it comes to winter car care. You can schedule your car service regularly to prevent any brokerage. New cars have coolant for up to 150 000 miles, but it is never a bad idea to check. Use a $10 tester from your local car-parts store to save time. 

Washer fluid is a must. Did you put water in your windshield washer tank? It is a bad idea, as it freezes inside and expands tubes. It will also freeze the jets. It is expensive to fix the system. Always pay attention to the label on the washer fluid. Be safe and choose a high freezing point for Manitoba. Do not face the danger of a frozen windshield while you're driving. 

Fresh air in your tires. There is a popular prank with premium air on social media. People tell their partners they paid a lot for premium air and see the reaction. A funny joke is a great reminder for everyone to check their tire air level. Have you ever seen a Check air pressure sign on your car during winter? It could be on in the morning and off during the day. Do not neglect it. Top up your tires at a gas station. Also, remember to put the valve caps on and check every tire for them. 

A survival kit. We can buy medical boxes in any car parts store, as well as an extinguisher. It is not enough to keep you safe in winter. First of all, keep a few warm blankets in your trunk. Place another survival kit in reach of the driver in case of emergency. Also, add a whistle, lighter and candles. Keep a plastic bag for gathering snow for water and a metal can for melting snow with your candle. 

Clean your car. Mess is never a good decision. Sometimes we get busy and have no time to clean the interior of coffee cups and snack packaging. Remember the sweatshirt from that summer night? Yes, it is still in your trunk. Cleaning is not only to prevent diseases but to keep you comfortable. Winter jackets are big, so we don't want to get dirty or feel uncomfortable driving. 

Check your heater. Summertime is A/C time. We have fun, go on trips and experience a lot of driving. Days are longer, and we take advantage. We don't use our heater frequently, or even at all. The next step of your winter car maintenance is to put on the heater and switch heating positions. Make sure it is working smoothly, and you have nothing to worry about. 

Lubricate your window tracks. It is a step we miss a lot. Freezing water can create drag when opening a window. The average cost of repair is $300. Use Teflon spray lubricant and prevent damage. Lower the window and spray on both sides of it. Then, open and close it several times and clean the glass from spray leakage. 

Change your Oil. It's important to get your oil changed before the winter season officially begins. The cold can thicken your oil, which can create engine problems. 5W-30 is recommended because it’s actually good to use year-round. If you’re going to use a higher-viscosity oil, make sure to check your user car manual – it may recommend switching to a lower-viscosity for the winter.  

Follow our Community Board for more helpful tips and updates!  
Your Thorwin Properties Team  

The post 11 Winter Car Maintenance Tips appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.

What is renters’ insurance? 

Your landlord has general building insurance, which does not cover your belongings. Your personal property, like furniture and goods, is your responsibility. Tenant's insurance is a way to protect what is yours. 

Fact – 95% of owners have insurance, and only 41% of renters do so.  

Why? Unfortunately, it comes from the lack of information. Some renters rely on the owner's insurance, but it will not cover any furniture damage or in-suite vandalism. Also, newcomers usually don't know how the system works, so they often miss the opportunity to purchase home insurance.  

Underestimation of private property is another reason for such statistics. Remember – your clothing, jewelry,  furniture, and electronics are thousands of dollars in total. 

Liability is a key reason to get insurance. It is a protection against claims resulting from injuries to people and their property or unit. If your friend or neighbour got injured at your property – they can sue you. In this case, your insurance will cover it.  

And the main benefit for renters – the cost of this insurance is low. 

Why purchase home insurance? 

1. Affordability 

The average cost is $15-$30/month. It depends on factors like the amount of coverage and type.  

2. Your property protection 

It protects from losses of personal items, including clothes and furniture. Usually, the basic coverage includes such occasions as damage by vehicles, explosions, fire, smoke, etc. Mostly, flood coverage is an extra. 

3. Liability 

As we mentioned, it covers if someone is injured in your home. It pays any court fees up to the limit. You can choose the number of liability costs.  

4. Travel time 

No more fear of thefts, as your property is covered from loss. Your personal belongings are safe, whether in your home, car, or with you during your travel.  

5. Additional perks 

Every insurance company may offer you additional options, like living elsewhere temporarily, etc. 
 

Here at Thorwin Properties, we are in a partnership with BFL Canada, providing the best insurance options for our residents.  
 
Contact BFL Canada to speak to a Tenant Insurance Specialist today! 

BFL Canada Insurance Services Inc. 
Toll-Free: 1-833-351-6825 
Email: [email protected]  

Or ask a broker about your policy and available discounts, deductibles, and coverage limits.  
Choose an insurance company that works best for you and your budget. 
 

Follow our Community Board for more helpful tips and updates.  
Your Thorwin Properties Team  

The post The importance of home insurance appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.

1. Get Vaccinated – the approved vaccines will provide a high degree of protection against serious illness or possible death. But please keep in mind that the vaccine doesn’t fully prevent transmission – if anything it will help lessen the symptoms.
    
2. Booster Shots – as you may have heard on the news that a booster shot is now available. They are advising that people who have underlying conditions and elderly people who are over the age of 60 receive the booster shot, especially during this holiday season.
    
3. Wear a Mask – wearing a mask can help stop people from spreading the virus or droplets containing the virus being inhaled, or coming in contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. It’s important to ensure that you have a properly fitted mask and should either be replaced after each use – if it’s a disposable mask or washed – if it’s a reusable cloth mask.

4. Covering up your Sneeze or Cough – Nowadays, it’s good to be prepared and have a package of tissue with you for those days you may have a nagging cough or sneezing fit. Should there be a time when you don’t have any tissue available, it’s good practice and common courtesy with a bent elbow to cough or sneeze into your sleeve – and stay home to reduce the spread.

5. Wash your hands – I am a frequent hand-washer and with this pandemic, I’ve become a super hand washer. I don’t know if it’s just me but ever since wearing a mask and washing my hands more often than usual I haven’t gotten sick as much or at all really – knock on wood. I once heard that singing the ABC song while washing your hands was a good benchmark to ensure your hands were clean – or give or take 20 seconds.

6. Getting together with Family and Friends – the recommendation is to have social gatherings outside but with Winnipeg weather, I would say that would be rather cold. The first thing before any indoor gathering is to make sure everyone, family or friends, is double vaccinated. If you can’t avoid a crowded space then you should be wearing a mask, keeping a physical distance from one another, and position yourself in well-ventilated areas of the room.

7. Social Distancing – Best practice is to keep at least one meter apart from one another, even if that person doesn’t appear to be sick – all the while wearing a mask.

8. Checking in with Family and Friends – I think we are all excited to have any type of human contact giving how the previous Christmas was a quiet time at home. But here is something that may also help, doing a health and wellness check with family and friends before starting the event to ensure a safe gathering. Please use your common sense, if someone is sick then that person (s) should stay home and immediately take the COVID-19 Screen Tool online at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool
    

From our family to yours, have a wonderful and safe holiday season. On that note, I would like to leave you with a special quote that I believe everyone may agree on:

“The best of all gifts around a Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

The post Protecting yourself and the people around you this holiday season appeared first on Thorwin Properties Blog.