*sponsored
The
International Car Wash Association (ICA) has some great tips for getting your car ready for winter this year. ICA, through its
Wash With Watersavers consumer awareness campaign, is
committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly carwashes that use less water and return clean water back into the environment.
Winter
is a time to get together with family and enjoy the holidays, but
getting ready for the change in seasons is no small feat. It takes time
and planning to make sure your family and your home are ready to brave
the elements. Is your car as ready as you are? If you haven’t thought about
preparations for your vehicle, these five simple tips will help you
prepare for the cold months ahead.
*1: Check your tires.
Before the roads get slick, check your tires to be sure they aren’t worn
and that they are properly inflated. You should be able to find the
proper tire pressure on the inside of your driver’s side door.
Cold air will cause the air in your tires to compress and may cause
your tires to lose pressure, so make a note to check again later in the
winter.
*2: Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash.
Putting your car through the car wash during the sloppiest season of
the year may seem a strange idea but a thorough wash can remove harmful
compounds that may cause damage
when mixed with sand and road salt. Experts from the
International Carwash Association also recommend a coat of wax for
an extra layer of protection from the elements. Besides protecting your
car, you’ll also be protecting the environment. Professional car washes
can save up to 20 percent of the amount of
water you’d use by washing your car at home. They do this by treating
and reusing their water, rather than releasing toxic chemicals and grime
into the storm drains, which can often occur when you wash your car
yourself. You can learn more about the environmental
benefits of a professional car wash at
washwithwatersavers.com.
*3: Check your brakes. Your
brakes will work harder once the icy conditions of winter set in. Make
sure they are up to the task by bringing your vehicle in to your
mechanic for a thorough brake inspection.
*4: Check fluids. In the
winter your coolant is your most important fluid because, if you’re
out of coolant, you’re out of heat. Your owner’s manual will tell you
how much coolant you need as well and provide the correct
blend. It’s also never a bad idea to keep an additional bottle of
coolant in your car for emergencies.
*5: Winter emergency kit.
If you find yourself stranded by the side of the road, a winter survival
kit can be very helpful. Include an ice scraper/brush, extra blankets
or clothes – including hats and gloves – snacks and bottled
water and a first aid kit. A small shovel can come in handy if you get
stuck and a bag of cat litter can be used to provide needed traction for
your tires.
Getting your
vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a
proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety,
reliability, and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather
strikes. By planning ahead you can ensure that your family and your
car will be in for a smooth ride all winter long.
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One lucky reader will win the following prize pack:
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candles, box of safety matches, 2 hand warmers, emergency water bag (1
gallon capacity), survival compass, emergency blanket and cotton gloves.
All items are
packaged in heavy-duty, water and puncture resistant carry case made of
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- WaterSavers Tote Bag
- $20 Visa Gift Card
**TO ENTER- Enter using the Rafflecopter below. Note: It may take a
moment for the Rafflecopter to load. If you are
reading this via RSS or Email, please visit the
website to enter** Giveaway is open to US Residents only. Ends 12/12 at 11:59pm.
Disclaimer: I am working with the International Carwash Association
to share these tips. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. I will be receiving the same prize pack I am giving away in exchange for this post.
31 comments:
We get our car winterized.
i take my car in and get it checked out
freebiel0ve@yahoo.com
We don't do anything special for car maintenance in the winter time.
i make sure i have plenty of antifreeze in and get new windshield wiper blades. also make sure i have flashlight and blanket in car.
I just make sure I have antifreeze, my oiled is changed if needed, and tires have proper pressure
All fluids topped off and air pressure checked.
I keep warm clothes, tools, a blanket and a candle just in case.
I prepare for winter driving by making sure I have good wiper blades and that the windshield wiper fluid is topped off.
abfantom at yahoo dot com
Newman’s Own Organics Sour Cherry Licorice Twist
mostly just cooland and checking for tire wear
I make sure my battery is good. It can get quite cold in MN.
No car. walk/take bus :o(
i have my fluids, brakes and wiper blades checked
I take it in to be winterized
We check fluids and get new wipers
Not really. I live in SC, So we don't really have winter.
We dont do anything special we are in Florida.
We have a tuneup in the fall, and keep a check on our windshield fluid and the tire pressure, and get the car washed when needed to get the salt off the car.
oil change, tune up and check the tires.
Yes we make sure we have plenty of Antifreeze!
ptavernie at yahoo dot com
I top off all the fluids, especially the antifreeze!
annemarie562000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Check and add fluids if needed. Thank you, Jerri Davis
We take it in to make sure it's all full with what it needs to be safer.
I add air to my tires
I do usually get winters and check the pressure regularly with the constant fluctuations in temperature!
Geoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
I have my fluids, brakes and wiper blades checked
I always get it in before the snow/ice season begins. Check the fluids, the tires and brakes
We usually don't need to do anything here in GA, thanks!
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com
In the winter time I always check my fluids to make sure they are at good levels
Entered Carmex giveaway, thanks!
kimberlybreid at hotmail dot com
Yes, I get winter tires installed and carry a small shovel and a blanket and booster cables in my trunk, just in case the roads get bad. Thanks!
I put snow tires on my car for the winter.
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
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