8 ways to Protect the Value of Your Car this Winter + Giveaway!

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.

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.