It's that time of the year when you need to start thinking about winterizing your car. I know I am. Although we no longer live in the mountains of North Carolina, the coast of North Carolina does get some cold weather. Just this morning, I had to run out early in the morning and found my car windows were totally frosted.
I had to dig out the window scraper. I had no gloves on so it was an ordeal. Then I had to wait for the windows to defrost. I was almost late for my appointment. I do miss my garage!!
This is why every year, I have to take the time and make sure my car is running fine. I make sure my tires are in good condition. I check the anti--freeze and make sure I have the supplies and equipment needed when it snows or rains.
Luckily, the International Carwash Association has given me a few tips to share with my readers. These are tips that anyone can use. Of course, if you live in Florida, you are lucky! But the rest of the country does get bad weather during the winter!
HELPFUL TIPS
1. A clean car is your first line of defense against winter. While the winter season typically takes a toll on your car, proper maintenance can go a long way to preserving your investment. For example, according to the International Carwash Association®, getting a new wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature starts to fluctuate can be your first line of defense against winter elements like ice, salt, sand and slush.
Vehicular corrosion also occurs most quickly when temperatures rise and then fall below freezing. That’s why most auto manufacturers recommend getting your car washed and waxed at a professional car wash twice a month, especially during the winter.
Using a WaterSavers® Car Wash can is a strong first step to ensuring that your car will be ready to withstand the winter elements - inside and out. It’s also a great way to protect the environment. For example, these car washes typically use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash. Learn more and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.
2. Rotate your tires. Most people know they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but many forget their tires need maintenance as well. Tires should be rotated before winter and then again every 6,000 miles.
3. Add some winter weight to your oil. Changing your oil and filter is especially important during the winter. Drivers who live in a colder climate should consider changing to heavier, winter-weight oil during the winter months.
4. Take care of your wiper blades. Your windshield wiper blades are your first line of defense when the snow starts to fly. Make sure your wiper blades are in good, working order and replace them if you have doubts. It’s better to make this change now instead of finding out your blades aren't working when you really need them.
5. Take your car in for a tune-up. Any noises, pings or sluggish starts you currently notice will only intensify as the temperature drops. It’s best to get your vehicle in for a tune-up as soon as possible to get any issues addressed.
6. Give your steering some power. Check your powering steering fluid each month, and make sure the car is warmed up before you do so. If you find the level is low, look for leaks in the hoses or pump. Low power steering fluid will make your car more difficult to steer, which is something you'll want to avoid as the roads get slick.
7. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous at any time, but they are especially deadly during the winter when you will be driving your vehicle with the windows closed. Have your exhaust system checked to make sure no leak exists.
8. Apply the brakes. Besides the seatbelt, your car’s brakes are its most important safety feature. This is especially true in the winter when slippery conditions can make stopping difficult. Before the first snowfall, bring your car to an experienced mechanic to verify that your brakes are ready for the season.Cold winter temperatures mean vehicle maintenance is even more important. By following these simple tips listed above, you’ll be able to ward off winter’s harshest advances, protect your investment and those who ride inside of it. To learn more about protecting the value of your vehicle, visit Washwithwatersavers.com.
These are great tips. I know I will be using these this winter. Remember, your car is valuable but so is your life and the life of your family. By following these simple tips, you can keep safe this winter.
Thanks to the International Carwash Association, I have a great prize pack to giveaway to one lucky reader. This will help you this winter! The Prize Pack includes:
o Thermal travel mug
o Fleece travel blanket
o Hand Mitt ice scraper
o $30 VISA Gift Card
What a great prize!! For a chance to win, enter below on the Rafflecopter widget below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rules: One entry per person per day. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.
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. I am not responsible if sponsors do not fulfill prize. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.
check tires, change the wipers, oil, tune up.
ReplyDeleteI always make sure that I have washer fluid filled and I also keep a bottle in the car. I make sure that the tires are filled properly. I watch to make sure gas tank is also filled because the tank can freeze if not enough gas in car will not start.
ReplyDeleteI take my car to my mechanic and he checks everything making sure it's winterized.
ReplyDeleteI make sure to have good snow tires, wiper blades are new, and I have my battery and coolent checked to make sure it is strong enough for the cold weather!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/551039293372637186
ReplyDeleteCheck to see if the heater is working. (I live in a warm climate. I want to win this for a friend who just moved away to Idaho. Brrr.)
ReplyDeleteI don't winterize my car. We live in a mild climate and anyway, that's what husbands are for
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/551058190717431808
ReplyDeleteI dont do anything currently.
ReplyDeleteMy husband takes care of it...checking the tires, making sure there is plenty of AntiFreeze, etc. My car stays parked in the garage so that helps.
ReplyDeleteCheck all the fluids and tires.
ReplyDeleteMy hubby does it for me....I put in the ice scraper, ice melt, blanket and extra boots
ReplyDeleteI live in south Texas, we don't have to winterize our cars.
ReplyDeleteWe change our tires and also check all other fluids. Patricia
ReplyDeletetake it in for a tune up & address any problems, check tires, & check brake pads
ReplyDeleteAlways always check the tires, and make sure out heat works!
ReplyDeleteTune up,oil change and make sure it has plenty of anti freeze.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/551072229329362944
ReplyDeleteAlways making sure to have a full tank of gas, proper tires
ReplyDeletemy husband changes the tires for winter tires,we have it serviced at the shop and have anti freeze and windshield wiper fluid,,scrapers,and portable air pump,,in the trunk
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/551075399049183233
ReplyDeletewe always take our cars in to the dealership to get thier checkups to make sure they are both ready for really cold weather!! we also make sure that we have several blankets water energy bars and water bottels but also try to put a few G2 in case need to have more then water.we also keep heated gloves socks many pairs all large most can at least fit that. cat litter ,shovel small wood piece
ReplyDeleteWe get the oil changed and tires checked.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the nice giveaway
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/eswright18/status/551086500071215104
We put on snow tires, make sure windshield wiper fluid is full and keep shovel and blankets in car.
ReplyDeleteI get a new ice scraper, put Vaseline on my key and rub in the locks so it doesn't freeze up, and get all the proper fluids.
ReplyDeleteI take my car into & they go over everything when they change the oil
ReplyDeleteFirst I clean it inside and out before it gets too cold, so I'm not in a dirty car all winter. Then I change the windshield wipers and make sure I have enough winter windshield wiper fluid and, lastly I put an extra pair of gloves, a blanket and a scraper in the car.
ReplyDeletecheck air in tires, check fluids and make sure I have a blanket in the trunk
ReplyDeletecheck tires, check oil and wipers
ReplyDeleteI have studded tires put on in the winter, all fluids checked and filled and i make sure the car is running at its best.
ReplyDeleteWe rotate the tires.
ReplyDeleteI always get a good oil change, check my tires and pack a box in the trunk full of extra clothes, water, flash light and candles.
ReplyDeleteI winterize my car by having my husband check the tires and take it in for an oil change! :)
ReplyDeletetweeted!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/methhamfetabean/status/551135957659811840
I put a blanket in the back seat. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteWe make sure there are matches, candle, blanket, first aid kit, and jumper cables. And of course a cell phone!
ReplyDeleteI make sure there is enough Anti-Freeze in the radiator reserve.
ReplyDeleteI flush the anti freeze. thankyou, ken pohl19@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great tips and most of them I didn't even think about. I do always get a tune up and make sure I have necessities in my car just in case of emergencies. I also try and always keep a full tank of gas!
ReplyDeleteI usually have a tune up and oil change.
ReplyDeletejanetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/551175550132166656
ReplyDeleteI change oil get my car checked for everything especially brakes and tires.
ReplyDeleteTweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/551179727021420544
Here in Maine, it's really important to have the car ready for winter. We start with snow tires, then load up with essentials like scrapers, blankets, flashlights, and flares.
ReplyDeleteI usually put on stronger wipers, get snow tires, check the tire pressure regularly, and use a windshield cover to stave off the ice and snow.
ReplyDeleteGeoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
1/2 tweet: https://twitter.com/guettel78/status/551195410773970944
ReplyDeleteGeoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com
My husband winterizes my car by putting on the snow wiper blades, checking the tire's air pressures and filling up the wiper fluid. The only thing I do is put in my rubber floor mats
ReplyDeleteabfantom at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/jbmthill/status/551202138978668545
ReplyDeleteWe change our tires and oil as well as add winter washer fluid.
ReplyDeleteChange the wipers and get the car checked out with an oil change and tune up
ReplyDeletekport207 at gmail dot com
I add antifreeze.
ReplyDeleteI make sure my tires are properly inflated.
ReplyDeleteI get my tires checked!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/ChelseyLJones/status/551218494361305088
ReplyDeleteI check the tires and battery get an oil change and clean the inside really well!
ReplyDeleteI winterize by putting an emergency bag in the truck, change the oil, make sure to keep the car in the garage, keep the gas in tank at 50%+ all the time and let it run a minute or two on startup.
ReplyDeleteI have my tires checked and stow extra blankets and cold weather wear in the trunk.
ReplyDeleteReplace tires if needed.
ReplyDeleteI use wiper fluid that's for winter temperatures, have an ice scraper and also a small shovel and some cat litter in the trunk to help if I get stuck.
ReplyDeleteI check tire pressure, oil, and change wipers when necessary. I also make sure vehicles gas tank is at least 1/2 full all the time.
ReplyDeleteWe keep a cheap bag of cat litter in the trunk- it's great for adding traction under the tires whenever an ice storm freezes the driveway.
ReplyDeleteI remind my husband. LOL
ReplyDeleteI take it to my corner repair station, and let them make sure everything is in working order.
ReplyDeleteI get an oil change, check the fluids, and make sure the wipers are in good condition.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
https://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/551375246129782785
ReplyDeletetweeted!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/methhamfetabean/status/551384472357056512
I check my tires, get oil changed, make sure heater and defroster is up to par.
ReplyDelete1/3 tweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/eswright18/status/551416468751933442
My brother takes care of this for me.
ReplyDeleteI know that he checks the tires and fluids.
thank you
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/551418518537662464
ReplyDeleteGoogle+1 this post
ReplyDeletehttps://plus.google.com/u/0/115080239707068685010/posts/gcBAgfS69ce
We put on snow tires and change the wipers and oil.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/551419464554541056
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/551420345467432960
ReplyDeleteWe get windshield wipers ready and make sure the tires are good. Top off the fluids too. :)
ReplyDeleteWe change to snow tires and have our car checked out.
ReplyDeleteWe change the oil and other fluids, add antifreeze, check tire pressure, check wipers and put a bag of kitty liter in the truck, in case we get stuck, put it under the tires for traction on slick roads. :)
ReplyDeleteMy tweet: https://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/551467218194534400 :)
ReplyDeleteI check all the fluid levels, get an oil change and check tire pressure.
ReplyDeleteI get all fluids checked, get new windshield wipers, and check the tires.
ReplyDeleteWe live in a warm climate so we don't usually winterize our car
ReplyDeletetweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/551537294604513280
ReplyDeleteI change my wiper blades!
ReplyDeleteEntered the rafflecopter form as "Wild Orchid"
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/ChelseyLJones/status/551542127717388289
ReplyDeleteI just check tires and get an oil change and check coolant. also make sure I have a scraper in the car
ReplyDeletehippopurplemonkey at yahoo dot com
Check the tires, have salt in the trunk and get the shovel out!
ReplyDeleteI take it in to the station and ask them to winterize it.
ReplyDeleteGet my oil changed, check my wipers and wiper fluid, make sure my scraper is handy and put an extra coat in my car.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/551556558207725568
ReplyDeleteNew wipers, oil change, check tires (this year got new ones).
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
I make sure I have a scraper, shovel, gloves, blanket and cat litter in my trunk.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/slehan/status/551594593418899456
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
I make sure my tires are good and I have an ice scraper
ReplyDeleteWe do a full checkup and make sure winter emergency supplies are in the trunk.
ReplyDeleteget it winterized by a auto place
ReplyDeletedianetherkildsen@att.net
Put on the snow tires and check the fluids.
ReplyDeleteJennifer Rote
My tweet: https://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/551754828842418176
ReplyDeletei get the fluids changed in my car to winterize
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/methhamfetabean/status/551761428604923904
ReplyDeleteI get a tune-up, have all my fluids checked and keep an emergency kit for cold weather in the back of the car.
ReplyDeleteTweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/551776929406140416
Tire rotation, new wipers, and check antifreeze levels.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/551784638801125377
ReplyDeleteI get my oil changed and make sure everything is working properly
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/aes529/status/551789777674964993
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/551790271671697408
ReplyDeleteI put snow tires on my car and check all the fluids.
ReplyDeleterounder9834 @yahoo.com
tweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/551807721352085504
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
tweet https://twitter.com/stigay/status/551818535685480448
ReplyDeleteI add several things to my emergency bag - a blanket, a small shovel and a window breaker !!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/551823203190837248
ReplyDeleteI winterize by making sure I have a big blanket, extra mittens, scarf and hat in my car during the winter.
ReplyDeleteTweet! https://twitter.com/ktkatherine/status/551833031619538944
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/ChelseyLJones/status/551842665356984320
ReplyDeleteI get my winter tires on.
ReplyDeleteBrittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com
I change out my windshield wiper fluid.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/551880457369821186
ReplyDeleteget the tires checked and changed if necessary
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/551912391617695744
ReplyDeletei live in the desert so nothing :)
ReplyDeletecrank the heat
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/551971826226589696
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/552001778703556608
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/552075873495810048
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/methhamfetabean/status/552086979219693568
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/552131622913327105
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/552131976690270208
ReplyDeleteI check tires and fluids
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/aes529/status/552155575669096448
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/552166204626853888
ReplyDeleteMy husband usually handles it. But I know he changes the pressure in the tires and makes sure we have a winter emergency kit in the car.
ReplyDelete1/5 ~ https://twitter.com/Zuzuz_Petalz/status/552174645068066816
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/552180826591731713
ReplyDeletehttps://mobile.twitter.com/joyq74/status/552221865658163200
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/552249658869682176
ReplyDeleteI check all the fluid levels.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/552362036974587904
ReplyDeleteTweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/552409510715731968
https://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/552491562370748416
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/552492060947656704
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/aes529/status/552504482571902976
ReplyDeleteI do so by getting it serviced and keeping certain items in the car.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/552520541450420224
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/552528485181173760
ReplyDeleteMy hubby does the Winterizing. He checks the fluids and put's snow tires on our vehicles. He also adds De-Icer windshield washer fluid.
ReplyDeletetweet
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Grannylove38/status/552537415097671680
I don't winterize my car. We live in a mild climate and anyway.
ReplyDeleteagnesye@hotmail.com
I change the oil, make sure fluids are full, and tires have tread
ReplyDeleteTweeted. https://mobile.twitter.com/joyq74/status/552595814585888770
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/552617150154686464
ReplyDeleteTweet! https://twitter.com/ktkatherine/status/552620420034490368
ReplyDeletetweeted
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/552675145311985664
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/552719015521423360
ReplyDeleteslehan at juno dot com
I get the oil changed, make sure I have antifreeze and I add blankets and extra water that I keep in the car at all times.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/sandradavis07/status/552737490176839680
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/552804252804849665
ReplyDeletetweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/552813782670802945
ReplyDeletewildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Tweet- https://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/552836233236189184
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/552837415451115521
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/552866142063054848
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/aes529/status/552885544963682304
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/552888068621885440
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/joyq74/status/552898905306701824
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/552944838241288192
ReplyDeleteI make sure we all have the right kind of windshield wiper fluid in all of our cars, and everyone has ice and snow removal equipment, roofing shingles and/or rubber floor mats for getting out of ice/snow situations, blankets, mylar sheets and sleeping bags, and food and water for just in case. I also encourage everyone to keep extra warm pants, socks, boots, gloves etc. and a blanket in their car.
ReplyDeleteTweet:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/553001381951320064
https://twitter.com/ChelseyLJones/status/553002154944778240
ReplyDeleteTell me how you winterize your car
ReplyDeletemostly anti freeze..i live in the south
https://twitter.com/kelsweeps/status/553009983881621506
ReplyDeleteI dont really do anything to winterize my car.
ReplyDeleteI make sure to have water and a blanket in the car, but I should probably do more! Can't wait to move back to FL where I don't really have to worry!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/553017139192668161
ReplyDeleteI always get the car in before the weather shifts to winter weather. that way I have a proper mechanic checking everything from brakes thru fluids to tires before the car is tested by the bad weather.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/bettycd/status/553024000629039104
ReplyDeleteI make sure to get an oil change, check my fluids and put on new wiper blades.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/553062801187418112
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/jbmthill/status/553184439899922432
ReplyDeleteI just check the fluids
ReplyDeleteI winterize my car by checking the antifreeze, getting an oil change and making sure enough air in the tires.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/bbdream34/status/553213726887657473
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/553222223402508289
ReplyDeleteDespite the fact that I've lived in the Northeast my entire life, I do absolutely nothing to "winterize" my car. It's the same all year round. I keep an ice scraper in the door pocket & a blanket in the trunk. that's all folks!
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/KGlatt/status/553231030019043328
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/joyq74/status/553234322845470720
ReplyDeleteMy husband takes care of maintenance. I just gas up and go.
ReplyDeleteHubby does all the maintenance.
ReplyDeleteI get the oil changed and get the snow brush out
ReplyDeletewe live in a warm climate so don't have to do too much winterizing....usually just keeping warm stuff in the car is good
ReplyDeleteI never do anything personally to the car.. hahaha. I have THE BEST mechanics EVER and I just tell them to do anything that needs to be done whenever I bring the car into the shop for the regular oil changes! So they do everything. I think that includes making sure the antifreeze is right, everything lubed and brakes checked. They remind me to go to the balancing spot to get the tires rotated too.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/vickiecouturier/status/553244752858984448
ReplyDeleteMy husband handles it. However, we live in south Texas where winters are mild.
ReplyDelete1/8 https://twitter.com/Zuzuz_Petalz/status/553250291529678850
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/tatzgrrly/status/553252922570452993
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/553255521906487296
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/aes529/status/553275967028752384
ReplyDeleteI clean out my garage and park one of the cars in there, check tire pressure, and make sure oil and all the routine maintenance is done.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/553276826517528577
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/carawling/status/553277437157445633
ReplyDeleteNothing different here in Hawaii!
ReplyDelete