Most people take special precautions when the weather turns cold to make sure they have winterized their homes. We make sure we have the basics we need in case of a power outage due to cold weather and I’ve organized our closets, putting the warmer clothing to the front since we’ve had to adjust our wardrobes to stay warmer. We don’t have much to do in the way of exterior jobs, but I make sure we are as prepared as we can be.
But what about your vehicle?
Since buying our car in March, I have taken special precautions to make sure it’s also prepared for the change in temperatures. Since I was off work this past week for the holidays, I went and got the oil changed and made sure the tires and fluids were checked. We also always keep an emergency kit in the trunk in case of a break down.
5 WAYS TO WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE
· 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.
· 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.
· 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.
· Check fluids. In the winter, no fluid is more important than your coolant 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.
· 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.
By planning ahead, you can help insure that you and your family are in for a smooth ride all winter long.
GIVEAWAY
Need to get your vehicle ready for the winner? Check out this awesome prize pack!
I have one WaterSavers Cold Weather Survival Kit to give away to one lucky reader! Here’s what’s inside:
* First aid kit, flashlight/signal torch, 2 AA batteries, 2 emergency 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 600D polyester
* WaterSavers Tote bag
* $20 VISA Gift Card
Giveaway ends Saturday, December 7 at 12:00 AM CST. US ONLY. Void where prohibited. Winner must respond within 48 hours of winning email being sent or prize will be forfeited and another winner drawn.
TO ENTER
Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.
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.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I like all the tips on how to winterize your car. I never thought of a couple of them before this.
This is a great and useful giveaway!
thanks so much
thanks for a great giveaway
This would make a good Christmas gift.
I am so unprepared from moving from texas to horrible winter weather minnesota
Great to have in the trunk for sure!
This would be great for my SIL who travels alone a lot.
My husband could really use this prize pack, I would love to win it for him. Thanks for the chance.
I’d love to have this to keep in my car for the winters in Kansas
I always check my fluids during the winter, gotta keep em fresh!
I would love to get a jump start on preparing myself and vehicle for winter with this kit. Thank you for the chance.
This is such a great and clever idea and very useful! Especially here in Arizona I have had so many friends breakdown in the heat and say they wish they had water with them!
I would love to win this!
I love this emergency kit! So much better than what I have now.
This would be great for my husband’s car
Oh I would love to have something like this for my car! I do not have a cellphone, so I worry sometimes when its really snowing or icy that if something happened, I could not call for help. I would love this for my car!
looks like a great kit!
I have a small kit but without the flashers
I could definitely use this!! Thanks for the chance.
My winter tip is to make sure your car is full of gas, and oil changes are up to date!
Thanks!!
Can use all of these
Could really use this only have a blanket in the car right now.
I just moved from a very mild-winter area to the frigid midwest. I am ill-prepared.
I love the idea of keeping an emergency kit in your car!
looks like they are finally getting some in my area!
My son just got his first car. I would love to give him a kit for emergencies….
I’d love to have this to keep in my car for the winters in CT!
I try to drive as little as possible in bad weather. I keep a snow brush and ice scraper in the trunk.
This is a great bag that I could use in my car! All I really have for emergencies right now is a flashlight in my glove box.
The winter’s just begun to strike here in the northeast, so it’s overdue to think about adding items to our winter essentials kit for the car. Right now it just has a blanket, flashlight, flares, and jumper cables, but I’m going to be adding more to it this week, such as a portable battery charger. Thanks!
I think the idea of an emergency water bag is really cool. I have never heard of it.