Winter is just around the corner (can you believe it?!) and depending on where you live, you may have already seen or be experiencing winter weather conditions. Have you made sure your car is winter weather ready? This is something I really never gave much thought to until I read about these great tips for winterizing your vehicle from the International Carwash Association and their Wash With WaterSavers consumer awareness campaign, which is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly carwashes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment.
HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE
1. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counterintuitive to get your car nice and shiny for what’s often the sloppiest season, 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.
· Professional car washes can also 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 with pavement washing. Check out www.washwithwatersavers.com to see how professional car washes save water and help prevent pollution.
2. Check fluids – Check your coolant to make sure you have enough, as you’ll be left without heat if you don’t. Consult your owner’s manual to find the correct blend if you need to add more. It’s never a bad idea to keep extra coolant in your trunk in case of an emergency. Don’t forget about extra wiper fluid, either. It’s not expensive, so stock up!
3. Winter emergency kit – In addition to stocking your car with a scraper and brush, it’s a good idea to include a few provisions in case you get stranded in snowy and cold conditions. Pack extra blankets, hats and gloves, high-energy snacks like granola bars, drinking water and a first-aid kit.
4. Test your battery – The next time you have the car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to test your battery to make sure it can provide enough starting power once the temperature plummets.
5. Check your wipers – When sloppy weather hits, you’ll want to make sure you have strong wiper blades to see through the elements. Checking your wiper blades for wear and replacing them if needed can prevent huge visibility headaches once snow and sleet arrive.
Since I commute to work, I’m making sure I do all of the above to try to avoid any problems on the road. I encourage everyone to do this also and have a giveaway to help with one of those tips above!
GIVEAWAY:
One lucky reader will win a Winter Emergency Kit (pictured above) which includes the following:
.32 oz. WaterSavers branded water bottle
· Carabiner key chain
· Medium flashlight
· 2 heavy duty AA batteries
· 19-piece first aid kit
· Survival tool
· Pocket knife
· Emergency poncho
· Emergency blanket
· 2 tea light candles
· Safety matches
Giveaway ends Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 12:01 AM Central. U. S. Only. Void where prohibited.
To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.
I was provided with the product pictured above to thank me for this post and one to give away. All opinions are my own.
Just got the email that I won the emergency winter car kit! Thank you so much! This is going to help so much in my car to keep my family safe!
I’d give it to my husband- thanks!
I need this in my car and would keep it. Thanks for this contest!
I would keep this if I won.
I would keep it for my family and me.
for this one…me
I would give it to my wife to keep in her van.
I’d put it in my car!
I would give this to my mom
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
I would keep it. I could use this in my car!
I’d give it to my sister
I have the worst luck! I would definitely keep this for myself. You just never know what’s going to happen!
I would keep it for myself because my son is usually with me and my car is an older one!
I would keep this in my car. I’m sure one day I’ld probably need it.
I would keep it.
I would give it to my daughter who just got her first car.
I would give this to my parents, they take long trips to visit family members
I’d keep it
My dad. He is 65 and he is a therapist that travels to his clients’ homes, some of them 2 hours away and that always scares me
thank you
I would keep it
I would keep it myself
I would keep this for my car
i would give it to my wife
I would keep it for myself. I hate driving during winter months!
Keep it and put it in the van
I would definitely keep this. I have two little girls and this would be great to keep in the car!
I would keep it for our family to use!
For me, baby! Thanks for the chance.
keep for myself
for me
keep it for myself
I would keep this for myself.
I would keep it, so that we were prepared for an emergency.
I would keep this for my family, we are severely lacking in the emergency supplies in our household!
I would definitely keep this for myself.
This would be saved for my son, who’ll be getting his first car in the near future!
Great post – thanks for linking on APN!
I would give this to my granddaughter
I would give this to my Husband
If I won, I would give this to my husband for in his truck
I would keep this!
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I’d keep it for myself, put it in my car in case of an emergency. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would keep it for my own car.
I would keep it for myself. It would certainly make me feel safer.
I would keep it for myself
I may keep it or give to my mother
I would probably keep it.
I’d keep it because this is only my second winter in a place where it snows, and everyone said this winter is going to be MUCH worse than last year’s mild winter season.
I would keep it for my car.
A Christmas gift for hubby.
I’d keep it for myself just in case…since I have a 10 and 12 year old I’d like to be prepared.
give to our teen that is attending local college
keep it for myself
I would give this to my brother; he just got his license a few months ago and these are all great things for him to have around in case of an emergency.