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.
The holiday season is coming to close – but winter weather and colder temperatures will be sticking around. Do you know how to properly care for your car during the winter months? The International Carwash Association has some great (and easy!) tips to help keep your vehicle running smoothly – even in harsh winter conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 snow fall, 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.
Stay safe this winter with these helpful tips. Vehicle maintenance is so important- and so often neglected. Let’s make a pledge to keep our cars (and the roads!) a little bit safer in the coming year. And now….for a giveaway!!!
One very lucky Chasing Supermom reader is going to receive an AWESOME prize pack, courtesy of International Carwash Association! One winner will receive:
o Thermal travel mug
o Fleece travel blanket
o Hand Mitt ice scraper
o $30 VISA Gift Card
Thanks for entering and good luck!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To make Sure that I have good winter snow tires on my car! It is not safe to drive with bad tires!
Apply the brakes.
I want good tires and check fluids.
I’ll take my car in for a tune-up.
I am going to take care of my wiper blades. I am going to try and change them myself wish me luck.
Take care of your wiper blades
I didnt know they make a different oil for the colder months. I will tell mu husband about it so we can give it a try. thanks
For me it will be the A clean car is your first line of defense against winter!!! With all the sand and salt they put down on the roads all winter long, I am sure that takes a toll on our cars.
I always have my wiper blades checked when I take my care in for a oil change.
I always make sure to have my tires rotated!
I will be checking fluid levels and getting my oil changed.
I wish I could say that I would definitely follow “A clean car is your first line of defense against winter”, but that almost never happens! But I will make every effort to Take my car in for a tune-up!
My husband made sure the car has plenty of fluids and gave it a tune up. I still need a new battery.
Definitely rotating my tires. I’m getting it done next week!
To make sure to have the Brakes checked before winter begins. There is a lot of stopping when the roads are bad.
I will be following the heavier oil in the winter tip.
I will be following the tune up tip.
I will be protecting myself from carbon monoxide by having my exhaust system checked to make sure no leak exists. I had never thought of this, great tip 🙂