Cold mornings, icy roads and shorter days—January isn’t just hard on your car, it can be brutal on your budget. Dead batteries, flat tires or frozen locks often strike at the worst times, and they can cost hundreds of dollars if you’re unprepared. Luckily, a little planning and the right checking account can keep you moving without breaking the bank.
Winter Roadside Issues to Watch For
Winter weather puts extra strain on your vehicle and your wallet. Some of the most common issues this time of year include:
Dead batteries
Flat tires or low pressure
Frozen locks or doors
Slippery road conditions leading to minor crashes
Being prepared doesn’t require a complete overhaul—just a few smart habits and the right resources.
Steps to Stay Road-Ready This Season
Protect your car and finances with these smart habits:
Keep an emergency kit in your car (blanket, flashlight, gloves, small shovel, jumper cables).
Check tire pressure regularly—cold weather can make it drop quickly.
Stay on top of oil changes and routine maintenance.
Keep your gas tank at least half full to reduce the chance that moisture in the fuel line will freeze.
Save a roadside assistance number in your phone so you’re not searching for help during an emergency.
How 1st Defense™ Checking1 Fits In
If you ever find yourself stuck on the side of the road, it helps to know you have access to support. Members with a 1st Defense™ checking account have 24/7 roadside assistance2 included as part of their benefits. That means a dead battery, flat tire or lockout doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. It’s simply one more way to stay prepared—especially during the colder months when breakdowns are more common.
Driver Smarter, Spend Less
You can’t prevent every roadside hiccup, but preparation—and the right account—can turn a stressful winter mishap into a minor inconvenience. Protect your car, protect your money and enjoy safer, smoother trips all season long.
1Eligibility: Benefits are available to personal checking account owner(s) and their joint account owners subject to the terms and conditions for the applicable Benefits. Some Benefits require authentication, registration and/or activation. Benefits are not available to a “signer” on the account who is not an account owner or to businesses, clubs, trusts and/or organizations.
2Special Program Notes: The descriptions herein are summaries only and do not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the Benefits described. Please refer to the actual Guide to Benefit and/or insurance documents for complete details of coverage and exclusions. Coverage is provided through the company named in the Guide to Benefit or on the certificate of insurance. Guide to Benefit and insurance documents can be found online through your Members 1st Online Banking or Mobile App. Insurance Products are not insured by the NCUA or any federal government agency; they are not a deposit of or guaranteed by the credit union or any credit union affiliate.
