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Jump to section:
Basic information about car insurance in Alaska
The cheapest car insurance in Alaska
Laws and punishments regarding Alaskan car insurance
Conclusion
 


 

Basic information about car insurance in Alaska

As with any state, car insurance is a bit different in Alaska. Alaska residents actually own an average of almost one and a half cars each. So, there are a bunch of cars out on the road in Alaska. Thus, it is important to have car insurance (do not forget that it is a legal requirement too).

On average, car insurance tends to be cheaper than the average car insurance in the United States as Alaska drivers paid an annual average of $400 less than the US national average price for car insurance last year.

However, what you are going to pay for insurance also depends on several factors such as a person’s age, gender, history of driving, what kind of car they have and more. So, your car insurance in Alaska could be considerably higher or lower than the Alaskan average. Other factors, such as what insurance carrier will also factor in.
 

The cheapest car insurance in Alaska

The cheapest car insurance in Alaska was USAA but you must be in the military of have the correct military member affiliation in your family to sign up for this insurance. USAA clocked in at over $600 less than the national average price of $1,500 according to data compiled by The Zebra.

Other cheaper car insurance providers in Alaska include State Farm which charged Alaskan drivers an average of $900 per year and Geico who charged Alaskan drivers just over $1,000 per year.

More expensive car insurance providers in Alaska last year included Allstate at over $1,300 and Progressive at over $1,100.
 

Laws and punishments regarding Alaskan car insurance

As with any other state in the United States, car insurance is a requirement in Alaska. Here are some laws and punishments regarding car insurance in Alaska:

You must always have proof of insurance with you – You need to have your proof of insurance with you when you are driving.

If you are liable for injury to others, you are in trouble – If you are found to be liable for an accident that causes injury to others, you could end up with up to a three year license suspension.

No surprise – infractions like DUIs will make your insurance go up – It should not come as any surprise that getting an infraction like a DUI will cause your insurance to increase substantially.

Uninsured motorist coverage is required in Alaska – Uninsured motorist coverage is the coverage that will cover damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance. It is required for driving in Alaska.

 

Conclusion

Car insurance tends to be a bit cheaper in Alaska. This is generally because a lower population and much greater land mass equals out to less accidents and collisions on Alaskan roads each year. Regardless, it is a legal requirement to have car insurance in Alaska. When you are shopping for insurance, make sure that you compare providers because some will be more expensive than others.

Jump to section:
Driving during the winter in Alaska
The pre-winter checklist for driving in Alaska
Advice for driving safely in the winter
Conclusion
 


 

Driving during the winter in Alaska

Driving in Alaska during the winter can be fairly difficult at times because the weather conditions can get pretty treacherous at times. Winter will be here before you know it so you should really start thinking about winterizing your vehicle now.

In the more southern parts of Alaska, driving during the winter is pretty similar to driving in during the winter in other northern states. However, further north the driving can be very difficult to the point that roads can be impassable at times.

It is important to always keep any eye on the forecast so that you do not end up getting caught out on the road in the middle of a bad storm. However, you should always be prepared just in case you do encounter some nasty weather and/or roads that are full of snow and ice.

Preparing for the winter roads in Alaska will entail several things such as having a roadmap so you can check for alternate routes, having winter driving supplies such as an ice scrapper, and more. Although, the best thing that you can do to prepare for winter driving in Alaska is to winterize your car.
 

The pre-winter checklist for driving in Alaska

• Get winter tires – Winter tires will really help make life easier when you are driving on snowy and icy roads. They handle much better with much better traction so it isn’t likely that you will end up getting stuck with these tires.
• Get or make a winter safety kit – You never know what might happen out on the road during inclement weather in the winter. You could easily end up in a jam. So, assemble the following and throw it in a compact and durable box that closes:
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Water
  • Gloves
  • Snacks
• Get some winter windshield wipers – Your ability to drive can be completely paralyzed if your wipers aren’t functioning properly during a winter storm. Make sure that
• Make sure the engine is in good shape – This should be an objective of yours year-round, but this especially holds true in the winter. Be sure that
• Make sure you maintain the right tire pressure – This is another thing that you should keep up with throughout the year but is at its highest importance in the winter. That is because is colder temperatures tires lose their pressure much more easily than they do during warmer weather. Tires will low pressure are prone to
• Make sure that your regular headlights and brights are working properly – This is critically important to being able to see the road during winter weather conditions. Conversely, it is also important so that other drivers will be able to see you out on the road in the winter.

 

Advice for driving safely in the winter

Driving on the ice or in the snow is no easy task but often times it is necessary, especially when you live in an area like Alaska where winter driving conditions are to be expected for a large portion of the year. The most important thing is to stay off the road during any really bad weather.

There are the obvious things like driving slowly and keeping extra distance between you and the car in front of you. Then there are the less obvious pieces of advice such as breaking. When it comes to breaking many people make the mistake of slamming on their breaks. In reality, the way that you should break in the snow and ice is to do so gradually. You should do this by taking your foot off of the acceleration well ahead of your desired stopping point then when you get close, you can ease into the actual break without having to slam on it.

The only time that you will want to speed up a bit is if you are approaching a hill or incline in the road. It is better to approach these with some inertia rather than trying to climb the hill without any momentum which could result in you sliding back down the hill before you reach the top.

You should also always check your tailpipe to make sure that it is not clogged with any snow. Any time your tail pipe is clogged or blocked, you risk having dangerous gases fill the car.

 

Conclusion

Navigating the roads in Alaska during the winter can be difficult but if you make sure that your vehicle is prepared by winterizing it, then you will be set up for success and safety during your drive. Remember, that if you ever need your car shipped to Alaska, you can call us anytime.

Jump to section:
The high number of stolen cars in Anchorage and Fairbanks in recent years
What has been done to stop car theft in Alaska?
Advice for preventing your car from being stolen
Final word
 


 

The high number of stolen cars in Anchorage and Fairbanks in recent years

Alaska, and Anchorage in particular, has long had a much higher than normal rate of car theft. In fact, in 2017 and 2018, Anchorage placed second each year on the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report. Fairbanks placed 89 on the list.

This report determines the “hot spots” on the list by determining the rate of car theft per hundred thousand people in each specific area. So, many areas on the list, which have fewer overall car thefts, rank higher than places like New York City and Los Angeles because the percentage of cars stolen is higher, not the actual number of thefts.

Regardless, it is alarming to see the rate of vehicle theft so high in Alaska, especially in comparison to hundreds of other US cities. The numbers stipulate that one vehicle is stolen per every hundred residents in Anchorage. In fact, just last month, ten people were charged in car theft cases in unrelated incidents in Anchorage.

One possible reason for this has been Alaska’s higher than average unemployment rate. Most recently, Alaska’s unemployment rate was 6.3% while the national average was just above half of that at 3.7%. Alaska has often had the highest unemployment rate in the country, so this increases the level desperation for many people, some of which look for a score stealing a car.

Another reason for this could be the low number of police in comparison to the number of residents in Alaska. Using Anchorage as an example, they have 12.8 police officers per ten thousand people, which is one of the lowest in all major cities across the entire country. The average for these major cities was 22.2 police officers per ten thousand people. So, per capita, Anchorage has 42% less police than the average major US city.
 

What has been done to stop car theft in Alaska?

Just because there is not an abundance of police does not mean that there are not steps being taken to improve these car theft issues.

Alaska has been expanding its police force as well as increasing the communication and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. One such instance of this was when local police worked with the US Attorney’s Office in Anchorage to get charges brought on cases where they normally would not have been able to due to grey areas in local and state laws.

In fact, arrests made in Anchorage stemming from vehicle theft tripled from 2014 to 2018. So, the police have certainly done their job.

The police in Alaska are also actively looking to recruit and add new officers in an effort to expand the force.
 

Advice for preventing your car from being stolen

It is also up to you to do your part as well. Here are some ways that you can prevent your car from being stolen in Alaska:

• Do not idle – Do not leave your car running with the keys in the ignition. These circumstances tend to result in some of the more common car theft cases in Alaska.
• Get a trusted security system – There are several very trustworthy car security systems out there. OnStar is one such example. Their service offers features such as GPS tracking of your vehicle, notifications if it is stolen, and, in certain cases they can even slow the car down and bring it to a stop if it is being driven while stolen.
• If you have a garage, use it – Be sure to make use of your garage for something other than storage. Keeping it out in the open always poses a greater risk of theft.
• Keep valuables out of your car – It is usually luxury cars and new cars that are the targets of theft. However, a thief might see an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone if they see some jewelry or electronics in your car through the window.
• Don’t make an obvious mistake – These go without saying, but never forget to lock your car and do not leave a spare set of keys in the vehicle. You would just be making it too easy on the criminals.

 

Final word

Unfortunately, cars being stolen more frequently than in other parts of the country is a part of life in Alaska. However, law enforcement has been particularly vigilant recently, so you can expect the situation to improve. You can even help protect your vehicle yourself by taking the few simple steps listed above.

Jump to section
Alaska’s wildfires
Alternate travel routes
Tips to stay safe during Alaska’s extended wildfire season
Final word
 


 

Alaska’s wildfires

Right now, there are wildfires burning in Alaska that are not to be taken lightly. In fact, as a result of these wildfires, the Department of Natural Resources has extended the wildfire season in Alaska to September 30th and Alaska Governor, Michael Dunleavy, has issued a disaster declaration.

The fact that the wildfire season has been extended from its normal end which is August 31st until the end of September means that anyone in Alaska will need permits until that date for any open burns of debris.

So far almost a hundred structures have been destroyed and hundreds of people have been evacuated from areas affected by the wildfires.

Right now, there are four major wildfires burning in Alaska near populated areas:

• MicKinley Fire – This fire is burning across over four thousand acres but is just about halfway contained at this point. It is near the town of Willow and a bit south of Talkeetna. It has burned through multiple homes and businesses so far.
• Caribou Lake Fire – This fire is the smallest of all but still very substantial and serious at nine hundred acres. It is only about a quarter contained at this point and it is located to the northeast of Homer.
• Swan Lake Fire – The Swan Lake Fire is burning across a hundred and fifty-seven thousand acres, so it is the biggest of these wildfires by far. Because it is so big it is only about twenty five percent contained at this point. This fire is closest to Cooper Landing, but it is affecting the entire Kenai Peninsula. This has crippled the tourism in the area as well as the fishing industry. People in the area have been to be ready to evacuate.
• Deshka Landing Fire – This fire is also near the town of Willow and is burning across fourteen hundred acres of land currently. It is about fifty percent contained at this point.

Now, those are the wildfires that are near populated areas. There are many other wildfires in Alaska going on right now in areas that are not near populations. In fact, there are two incredibly massive fires that are burning in Alaska right now which are considerably bigger than the Swan Lake Fire.

There is the Old Grouch Top Fire which covers over three hundred thousand acres just north of Iditarod. There is also the Frozen Calf fire which covers over two hundred and forty thousand acres just north east of Chalkyitsik.
 

Alternate travel routes

Right now, there are several areas that should be avoided at all costs. The first is the Kenai Peninsula. It is completely inaccessible at the moment and like will not be for several more weeks. Driving anywhere south of Anchorage is not recommended.

Route three in Alaska should be avoided anywhere south of Denali State Park as it is heavily affected by the McKinley fire and moderately affected by the Deshka fire.

Most importantly, make sure that you listen to news reports and traffic forecasts each and every day. Local authorities might close some roads entirely.
 

Tips to stay safe during Alaska’s extended wildfire season

The most important thing during a wildfire is to stay safe. You can use the following tips to stay out of harm’s way during a hurricane.

• Listen to any directions from police and emergency services – These are the trained professionals who know what is best in terms of safety in these situations – make sure you listen to them.
• Know the evacuation route – It is very important to be aware of the evacuation route before an emergency situation even occurs. You can find more information regarding Alaska’s evacuation routes and protocols here.
• Keep your windows closed – This should be obvious, but during a wildfire, make sure you keep your windows and doors shut.
• Clear the easily flammable sources away from near your home – Get rid of any wood, firewood, branches or anything that could easily catch fire and put it at least several hundred feet away from your home.
• Do not go home until you are told that it is safe to do so – This should be another obvious point but if you are evacuated, do not venture back home until you receive official notice that it is safe to do so.
• Shut off all gas sources in your home – Just in case the fire gets anywhere near your home, you should make sure that all the gas sources are turned off in order to prevent an ignition.

 

Final word

The wildfires that are currently burning in Alaska are a very serious situation. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do as an individual to help the containment of these fires but you can make sure that you and your loved ones are safe and sound during the wildfires.

Be sure that you always obey local laws regarding the prevention of wildfires as well. Open debris burns are particularly likely to be the cause of a wildfire so exercise caution and always get the proper permits first.

Jump to section:
The wildlife that you might see out on the road in Alaska
Tips to avoid hitting any animals that are in the road
Final word
 


 

The wildlife that you might see out on the road in Alaska

When you are driving in Alaska, it is a definite possibility that you might see animals out on the road at any point during the year. If you are not paying attention, you could end up hitting one of these animals which is an awful experience just because of the guilt that comes with injuring or killing an animal. However, it can also cause significant and costly damage to your vehicle as well.

So, it is obviously in your best interest to do everything in your power to avoiding hitting one of these creatures.

There are various types of animals that you could see out on the road in Alaska. This includes deer, moose, elk, bears, wolves, bison, muskox, foxes and more.

On average, Alaska has seen over two hundred vehicle-moose collisions every year. That statistic obviously does not account for any other animal such as deer or bison. So, it is definitely an issue to be aware of.

Some of these animals are obviously larger than others and would cause considerably more damage if you hit one of them with your car. However, it would be a very upsetting and regrettable experience regardless of the type of animal you hit.
 

Tips to avoid hitting any animals that are in the road

There are actually quite a few things you can do to be proactive and avoid hitting one of these animals. Some may be less obvious than the rest:

• Pay attention – This is one of the more obvious tips, but make sure that you are always paying attention to the road at all times while you are driving. Always avoid any distractions such as cell phone use when you are driving your car. Doing something like using your cell phone, for even a moment, can be the difference between being able to avoid a collision with an animal and not being able to.
• Drive with caution – You should always avoid driving too fast or aggressively just as a general best practice in terms of safety, but it also specifically helps you avoid collisions with animals that are out on the road.
• Know your surroundings – If you are aware that you are in a high traffic area for animals such as deer, know that you could very likely have at least one or more of them in the road at in-opportune moments.
• Animals do not often travel alone – You need to realize that animals travel with other animals. So, where you might see one deer, be aware there are likely others nearby as well.
• Do everything you can not to swerve – Brake decisively if you see an animal in your driving path but do not swerve to avoid them. Doing so could take you off the road and cause your vehicle considerable damage and yourself serious injury, possibly worse than if you collided with the animal in question. You can also end up in a collision with another car this way.

 

Final word

Hitting an animal with your vehicle is one of the last things you want to end up happening while you are driving. The possibility of this occurring in Alaska is as large as it is anywhere else due to the higher volume of wildlife spread throughout the state.

If you do happen to hit an animal when you are driving in Alaska, you will not have to just deal with the guilt and memory of injuring and/or killing an animal, you will very likely also have some expensive damage on your car to take care of.

The primary way that you can avoid a terrible situation like this is by taking the care to drive safely and pay attention at all times.

Jump to section:
Hiking 101
The best places for an easy hike in Alaska
Advice for hiking in Alaska
Final Word
 


 

Hiking 101

Hiking in Alaska is a wonderful experience that you will want to take advantage of while you still can this year. The weather stays warm and the nights stay long until the middle of September. So, you can plan to go in the next few weeks or you can wait a few months until May when the weather is nice again.

Going for a hike in Alaska is also one of the best ways to see the Alaskan wilderness which includes amazing views of glaciers, forest, lakes, wildlife and more.

You can use this guide for helpful tips and info if it is your first-time hiking in Alaska. A few quick things to remember are to “leave no trace” which means clean up after yourself if you stop to eat or use rations of any kind and you should also always hike with great caution and awareness of your surroundings so that you can stay safe for the duration of your hike.
 

The best places for an easy hike in Alaska

The following hiking paths are all easier and shorter hikes, so as long as you have some basic know-how and a guide or someone with some expertise, these trails should pose no problem for you.

• Lake Gertrude in Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park – This trail overlooks beaches as well as rocky cliffs. There are some great opportunities for fishing here as well. The total trail length is two and a half miles long.
• Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park – Often considered one of the best trails in Alaska, the Exit Glacier trail includes breathtaking views of the glacier. The trail is a little less than four and a half miles, roundtrip.
• Thunderbird Falls in the Chugach National Forest – The Thunderbird Falls trail in the Chugach National Forest is a great little hike to what seems like a hidden waterfall in the middle of the beautiful Alaskan Forest.
• Albert Loop Trail in the Chugach State Park – Albert Loop Trail has the best views of various types of wildlife. For hiking, go during the summer. Winter is more of a cross-country skiing experience than anything else.
• Beluga Slough Trail at Bishops Beach Park – This trail is a quick two-and-a-half-mile roundtrip through the island town of Homer. You’ll get some great views of the ocean along with a nice sea breeze during the hike.

 

Advice for hiking in Alaska

• Get the right gear – You have to make sure that you will bring all of the supplies that you need for your hike so you can enjoy it, but most importantly stay safe. A few of the necessary items to bring are: a compass, a hard-copy map, water, food, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
• Plan out your hike, top to bottom – Make sure that you are familiar with the trail that you chose to hike prior to your hike. You can carefully look over maps, check out photos and videos online and you can even to a quick drop-by prior to actually taking the hike.
• Go with a buddy or a group – Do not venture out on any of these trails by yourself. Even the easier hikes can be much more dangerous by yourself. Besides, if something unforeseen does occur during your hike, you will have at least another person to rely on for help.
• Check the weather often – You should never embark on a hike during inclement weather. There is simply just too much that can go wrong.
• Dress properly – Make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the potentially rough terrain and outdoor conditions. This will include durable pants, long sleeves and hiking boots.

 

Final Word

Hiking in Alaska can be one of the better outdoor experiences that you can have while you are there. We strongly recommend that you go during the summer months which are mid-May through mid-September.

Jump to:
When should I expect snow in Alaska?
Types of winter tires
Tips and advice about winter tires
Conclusion
 


 

When should I expect snow in Alaska?

Generally speaking, the snow season in Alaska lasts from October through April. However, when you should expect snow depends on where you are in Alaska. In far north areas there is more snow because temperatures remain colder more often, and elevations tend to be higher. In areas close to the water you get higher amounts of snowfall because of the concept of lake-effect snow.

For example, when you are in the southern parts of Alaska, there is considerably more snow than other places in the United States but less than other more northern parts of Alaska. Take Anchorage for example. Anchorage averages 78 inches of snow per year whereas the US average is only 28 inches per year. This is because of Anchorage is located close to the water. However, Talkeetna which is over a hundred miles north of Anchorage, averages 178 inches of snow per year.

So, when exactly you will need snow tires in Alaska is dependent on where in Alaska you are. However, so long as you are not in the far northern parts of Alaska, you can figure that October through April will be the months where winter tires will be a good idea.
 

Types of winter tires

There are actually a couple of different types of winter tires that you can consider for your car. Which you choose depends on the severity of winter conditions you expect in your area, the amount you anticipate yourself driving in snow and ice and the type of vehicle you have.

The following are the different types of winter tires:

1. Studded tires – Studded tires are for the most serious winter conditions. These tires use metal studs on the tire to dig into snow and ice for the best traction possible. However, the downsides are that they can contribute to damage to the pavement, create a decent amount of noise and are only legal for part of the year in Alaska. Be sure to check your local laws, but in many places in Alaska studded tires are legal for the duration of the possibility of snow. So, you can keep your studded tires on from the middle of September through the middle of April.
2. Non-studded winter tires – These tires are a great option if you are in an area with an average to above average amount of snow and ice each winter. They are specially made so that they remain soft in cold temperatures and they have a heavy-duty tread design that really helps with traction.
3. All-weather tires – All-weather tires are generally for areas such as New York where there is snow but maybe only one major snowstorm per year. These tires are not recommended for use in areas with more severe winter conditions. They still work well enough in harsher winter conditions, but studded or non-studded winter tires work better.

 

Tips and advice about winter tires

Before you go out and buy your winter tires you should consider a few things first:

• What type of winter tire should you get? – As we mentioned earlier, this will depend on where you live in Alaska. If the weather conditions are harsher, you should consider buying winter tires, whether studded or non-studded, instead of all-weather tires.
• Get the right size! – This goes without saying but we will say it any way, be sure that you get the right sized tires for your car. The best way to do this is to show up to an auto shop in person and give them your vehicle specifications.
• Don’t put them on too early – Remember, there are laws against having your winter tires on during the summer months. Do not get an easily avoidable ticket by being too zealous and putting your winter tires on too early.
• Install them on all wheels – Some people try and get away with putting winter tires on only their back wheels. Do not do this because it could imbalance your car’s performance.
• Keep a close eye on your tire pressure – You should always check your tire pressure at least once a month, but you should especially do so in the winter. This is due to the fact that tire pressure will drop more rapidly in colder temperatures.

 

Conclusion

We recommend that you get snow tires for your car if you live in Alaska. They can really help you drive safely in the abundance of snow and ice that occurs in Alaska from October through April. The type of snow tire that you should get depends entirely on where exactly in Alaska you live. Remember, that if you do get studded winter tires you will be legally required to change them by the middle of April or the beginning of May at the latest.

Jump to:
Why it is dangerous leaving your kids or pets in the car on a summer day in Alaska
What are your other options?
Facts about the inside of a car during warm weather
Final word
 

 

Why it is dangerous leaving your kids or pets in the car on a summer day in Alaska

Many of us already know exactly how dangerous it can be to leave your kids or your pets in your car on a hot summer day. However, most people do not know that it can also be dangerous to do this in more moderate temperatures too.

Often in Alaska, Summer temperatures do not rise much further over eighty degrees. In fact, reaching eighty is rare. However, you will often see temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. Now, those temperatures probably don’t seem like they could be dangerous if you sat in a parked car for a few minutes, but they actually can be.

The inside of a car during a 70 degree day can warm to just about 90 degrees in ten minutes. Keep in mind, children are much weaker and have less of a tolerance for heat than we do. Pets, such as dogs and cats, are essentially wearing fur coats. Dogs also can’t sweat, while cats can sweat they can only do so through their paws. The point is that 90 degree heat is much worse for children and pets.

All of this can easily lead to a heat stroke or worse. Sadly, some children and pets have died in parked cars due to the heat.
 

What are your other options?

When it comes to running errands with your kids or pets, you do have a few alternative options to leaving them in the car.

You could always have someone watch them for you. Yes, this might cost you a few bucks but that is a small price to pay in comparison to your beloved child or pet being injured from heat stroke.

The most obvious alternative is to bring your child inside with you wherever you are going. Unfortunately, that is usually not an option with a pet. However, you can always tie your dog up to a post outside.
 

Facts about the inside of a car during warm weather

• It can get really hot in your car, really quickly – Depending on if the car is in direct sunlight and how hot it is outside, temperatures in a car can rise by 20 degrees in just ten minutes.
• There are laws in some places against leaving your child or pet in the car – Right now almost twenty states have laws against leaving your child in the car. Unfortunately, Alaska is not one of them at the moment. However, there could be a law passed in the near future. Also, keep in mind, that if your kid or pet does get injured or die from being left in your car, you could be charged with negligence. So, that is just another reason to make sure that you do not leave your child in your car while you run into the store.
• It does not need to be extremely hot out for the inside of your car to get too hot – Believe it or not, children have died from heat related injuries due to being left in a car when the temperature outside was lower than 65 degrees. Do not take any chances.
• Cracking the windows does not help – When it is in the uppers 60’s, even if you crack your window, temperatures can rise by over 30 degrees in an hour.
• Colors make a slight difference – It might sound strange but cars with lighter exteriors reflect more sunlight thus they take more time to get hotter. Conversely, dark interiors help the inside of a car get hot faster because they do a poor job of reflecting sunlight. However, no matter what your car’s interior or exterior is, you should never leave you child or pet in a parked car unattended.

 

Final word

Leaving your child or pet in a parked car on a warm day is an all-around bad idea. You are risking serious injury or even death for them. You, yourself, are risking legal consequence when you do that. You are also even risking a broken car window by a good Samaritan looking to help your child or pet out. The point is just don’t leave your kids and/or pets in the car while you run into the store.

Jump to:
What are the downsides to idling your car?
Are there any laws against idling in Alaska?
Tips and information regarding remote starters
Conclusion
 


 
The reason someone might consider getting a remote starter is that they want to be able to warm their car up in cold weather without going outside to do so. It is quite nice to be able to walk out in the winter to a car that is already nice and toasty. You can also keep your car locked while your car warms up, which is something you cannot do if you are using your keys in your ignition to warm up your car.
 

What are the downsides to idling your car?

When it is cold out, especially the way it gets in Alaska sometimes, it is no fun having to run out of the house and get into a car that isn’t warm. So, many people will run out and start their car and run back in so that they can enjoy the warmth of their home while their car warms up. Some may not even need to leave their home as they have remote starters which can temporarily start your car for a few minutes by the click of a button.

This all sounds great and harmless, but it comes with a price. Idling your car can cause moderate amounts of dirt and grime to build up in your engine which, over the course of the winter, can reach a level where it can cause damage to your car’s engine.

Idling can also waste a considerable amount of fuel. If you frequently use your remote starter in the winter, analyze your gas expenses and you will see that you are spending noticeably more on gas.

Possibly the worst downside of getting a remote starter for your car is all the extra pollution that you are contributing to the environment. Each time you idle your car for just five minutes, you are releasing over a pound of greenhouse gases into the environment.
 

Are there any laws against idling in Alaska?

In many places, there are laws in place to minimize or completely prevent the practice of idling. Right now, there are no such laws in Alaska. However, there could be in the future, so be on the lookout.

Places that do have laws regarding car idling are generally areas with large populations such as New York City. This is because when you multiply the effects of idling by millions of people, the environmental results could be disastrous.

Right now, the population in Alaska is very low by comparison to most other places in the United States. However, if that number grows at a steady rate in Alaska, you could see more consideration for legislation regarding idling being passed in the future.
 

Tips and information regarding remote starters

If you are planning on getting a remote starter in the near future, you should read the following tips before you even start the process of buying a starter. You should make sure you can have an automatic starter installed in your particular car, then buy one, and then make the appointment to have it installed by a mechanic.

• All remote starters are not equal – As with any other product you might be considering buying, you should do your research and shop around first. You can visit auto stores and ask the opinions of those working there, ask friends and family if they have used any remote starters that they have liked, and you can also research the different types of remote starters online as well. If you do your research online be sure that you are aware of the practice of fake and paid reviews for products on sites like amazon.com.
• Make your appointment to have it installed – A remote starter obviously is not something that you can install yourself. You will need a knowledgeable mechanic to install it for you. You should call around locally and ask auto shops if they have experience doing this and if they can with your specific type of starter. Sometimes, stores such as Best Buy have a car department where you can have a remote starter installed. When you do have your appointment, be prepared for the installation to take a couple of hours.
• Do not overuse it – Using it when you do not need to or for too long is a waste of gas which is a waste of money. The more often you do use it, the more wear and tear you are risking putting on your engine. Use it sparingly. Using it on a cold winter day for 3 minutes is more than enough to warm up your car.
• Try not to use it during the summer – In some areas, some summer days can get very hot, humid and unbearable. This is almost never the case in Alaska. When you use your remote starter during summer months, it puts even more strain on your engine than normal. In the winter months, your engine does not have to work that hard to keep the engine from getting too hot. In summer months, your car needs to rely heavily on the radiator fan to keep the engine cool thus straining the engine more.

 

Conclusion

Remote starters are the way that some people choose to get their car warmed up over the winter. They do have their downsides though. They can increase wear and tear on your engine, waste gas, and increase the amount of pollution your car gives off. However, if you use it sparingly, these negative effects will be negligible.

Whether or not you have a remote starter in your car, you can easily get it shipped to or from Alaska anytime that you might need to with Alaska Car Transport.

Jump to
Alaska’s incredible glaciers
The best ways to see the glaciers
Tips for seeing the glaciers
Final Word
 


 

Alaska’s incredible glaciers

Alaska is one of the better places in the world for some very picturesque sight-seeing. From expansive valleys and gorgeous winter landscapes to lush forests and northern lights, you won’t find a lack of things to get out and see. However, one of the sights that you definitely won’t want to miss are the world-renowned glaciers of Alaska.

There are almost a hundred thousand glaciers in Alaska. However, there are a few glaciers which are much more famous and notable than the others. Alaska’s most popular glaciers are:

• Mendenhall Glacier
• The Malaspina Glacier
• Worthington Glacier
• The Columbia Glacier
• Exit Glacier
• Spencer Glacier
• Portage Glacier
• McBride Glacier
• Chisana Glacier

 

The best ways to see the glaciers

The best way to see a glacier depends on a few things. However, many times you have options to choose from such as hiking, taking a cruise or taking a flight or helicopter tour. These are all fantastic ways to see a glacier. Which of these you choose (provided there is the option) is entirely up to you and your comfort level with each of them.

Hiking is better for a more personal and up-close experience that ends up being infused with a day of fairly vigorous cardiovascular exercise. A cruise is probably the most relaxing and slowest paced of the tours. You can get some great mid-range views of the glaciers on a cruise. On a flight or helicopter tour, you will get a bunch of incredible aerial views of the glaciers. These tours are also the quickest type of the tours, usually clocking in at under two hours or less.

If you are going to hike the glaciers or a trail close to them, we highly recommend that you do so with a guide, even if you are a seasoned and experienced hiker already. It is much safer if you go with a guide. Be sure to bring the right supplies like food, water, emergency medical supplies, all the proper hiking equipment and clothing. You can find a full list of what to bring here.

If you are going to take a cruise to see the glaciers in Alaska, then you have a few options to choose from. We recommend that you go with one of the following:

• Portage Glacier Cruises
• Stephens Cruises
• Phillips Cruises
• Major Marine Tours

Be sure that you follow any and all instructions given to you while you are on the boat so you can ensure your safety and that you have the best experience possible. We recommend that you read the website of whichever cruise-line that you choose before your board.

If you decided to tour Alaska’s glaciers by air whether it be plane or helicopter, you should plan ahead and be prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars per person for the trip. You can see a list of the highest rated Alaska glacier plane tours here.

As far as helicopter tours, you can check out a list of the highest rated tours here. These types of tours will also cost a couple hundred dollars or more depending on which specific type of tour you end up choosing.
 

Tips for seeing the glaciers

Before you head out to see the glaciers in Alaska, take a few moments to check out these helpful tips:

• Go during the summer – The glaciers will be around for viewing year-round but the best time to see them is from May through September. Summer actually offers the best visibility as well as the best overall weather conditions for seeing the glaciers. In the winter, inclement weather can prevent you from getting a good view of the glaciers or even from taking the trip to see them at all.
• Dress appropriately – You will be either hiking, on a cruise or in the air when you are seeing the glaciers. All of these methods of seeing the glaciers can definitely get pretty cool in temperature at points. So, be sure you at least have something extra to throw on if you do feel cold. This includes the summer too.
• Pick your preferred way of travel – Believe it or not, you can see glaciers in Alaska by foot, sea or air. You can hike, take a cruise or take a plane/helicopter tour. In the end, you should choose whatever is the most comfortable for you. For example, if you are not too keen on being exposed to the elements, take a helicopter tour rather than walking.
• Take pictures but not the entire time – You will definitely want to take pictures so that you have memories of your wonderful glacier experience. However, don’t spend the whole time behind your camera or phone taking pictures. Take some time and just enjoy the view.
• Stay somewhere close to where your tour or hike begins – You do not want to end up having to drive a long way to get to your tour, so look into this well in advanced.

 

Final Word

The glaciers of Alaska are a must-see attraction if you are visiting or even living in Alaska and haven’t seen them yet. They provide some of the best photo opportunities in all of the state. Be sure that you take the time to plan in advanced so you can easily reserve your spot on any tours and that you choose a place to stay that isn’t too far out of the way.