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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I was provided with the product pictured above to thank me for this post and one to give away.  All opinions are my own.