5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter – Plus Winter Emergency Kit Giveaway!

It's almost winter time and that means it is time to get ready for the snow and ice. Personally, I hate winter. Sure, it's beautiful when it snows but it is not pretty when I have to drive in it.  I like to take precautions with my little car. I make sure the tires are in good shape. I make sure to put supplies in my car in case something happens.

Thanks to the International Carwash Association (ICA) I have some great tips to get your car ready for the winter. ICA through its Wash With WaterSavers consumer awareness campaign, is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly carwashes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment.

Here are the tips:

1. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counter intuitive 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 Wash With Water Savers 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. We have created an exclusive Winter Emergency Kit for you and one of your blog readers.

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.

These are great tips. I would definitely suggest that you make sure your tires have good tread on them so they can hug the road. Also, keep your tires at the correct tire pressure. The other tip I would offer is to make sure that you always have more than a half tank of gas in the car just in case of any emergency.

I am hoping that it doesn't snow too much this winter because I really dislike driving in the snow. I am a California girl and it's still pretty scary to me! But these tips and my new emergency kit are sure to keep me safer this winter!

Thanks to the folks at ICA, I have a wonderful Emergency Car Kit for one lucky reader!  This is a great kit to pop into your car during the winter or summer. It is surely going to be a lifesaver if something happens. Here is what is included in the kit:


* 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
* Survival instruction card
* Mesh sack

This is the perfect giveaway for the upcoming winter! If you would like to win just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.