Show Your House & Car Some Love This Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is when we show loved ones how much we care about them. But cars and homes are important members of the family, too! This Valentine's day, don't forget to let your house and car feel the love. All the extra attention will keep them looking their best and also save you time and money in the long run. Here are some easy ways to pamper your home and car this Valentine's Day!

Schedule Car Service

Preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your car in good condition. Not only will it save you money in the present, but it will also prevent expensive issues from occurring in the future. Whether your vehicle just needs a quick oil change or larger scheduled maintenance, talk to your technician to get an appointment and keep your car running in top shape.

Invest In New Tires

Getting new tires is a smart way to ensure the safety and drivability of your car. When you notice signs of aging on your current tires, such as cracks, bulges, or balding treads, it's time to replace them. If your tires are looking great, keep checking tire pressure often and schedule regular rotations and balances to extend their life.

Check The Brakes

Well-functioning brakes are your car's most important safety feature! Worn pads are a big driving hazard, but they are easy for a technician to check and replace. The next time you take your car for service, ask them to check your brakes, too!

Clean The Kitchen

Think about areas in your home that don't receive love very often... like your garbage disposal. That little champ sees its fair share of messes, so let's celebrate all its hard work! Unplug your disposal and give the inside a good wipe. Deodorize afterward by grinding a few handfuls of ice and a bit of vinegar. Keep it freshened up year-round by giving it a few citrus peels to munch on weekly.

Love Your Safety Equipment

Nothing tells your home "I love you" like making sure it's protected from fires! Keep a couple of fire extinguishers handy, especially in the kitchen. Learn how to use it and check the gauge to make sure it has enough charge to work in an emergency. Smoke alarms should also be tested regularly, and if it's been over 10 years since they were purchased, consider getting new ones. 

Change Air Filters

Is that love in the air? ...Or is it just dust? HVAC filters should be changed every few months, so go ahead and replace the filters in your home. You'll breathe easier going into the spring and it only takes a few minutes!

Clean Out The Medicine Cabinet

Crush the clutter and keep your family safe by getting rid of old or expired medications. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has different recommendations for disposing of unused medications. Some you can flush or throw away, and others are best returned to a "take-back" location. Check the following for information on how to dispose of your unused medications:

• FDA Can-Flush List
• FDA Can’t-Flush List
• Local Take-Back Locations

Get A Head Start On The Garden!

It's still a little chilly out, but February is actually a great time to start planting! Besides bulbs and hardy flowers, lots of veggies (like peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, and cauliflower) can be planted now or have seeds started indoors. Check out this guide to see what kinds of veggies can be planted when in your part of South Carolina!

We hope you are able to show your home and car some extra love this Valentine's day! Now it's our turn to say how much we love being part of your family and providing you with exceptional insurance. Thank you for trusting the LW Short Insurance Agency for your insurance needs, and please reach out to our agents if you'd like to go over your policy options, change coverage, or just to see what's new with your coverage! Call us any time at 866-786-7484.