5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter & Giveaway

I have never been stranded in the freezing cold winters of Minnesota (thank God!) but I am always nervous I will! My husband got a flat tire and was stranded without tools last week and that gave me enough of a scare that I made sure to pack my new Winter Emergency Kit in my car!

The International Carwash Association (ICA) has these great tips for getting your car ready for 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.

5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

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. 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.

It was 12 degrees today where I live - you don't want to be stranded in that without an emergency kit! So make sure to you enter the giveaway to win a great Winter Emergency Kit!

Win It: (1) Winter Emergency Kit  (includes · 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) to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Winter Emergency Kit 
(includes Water Bottle, Carabiner Key Chain, Flashlight, Batteries, First Aid Kit, Survival Tool, Pocket Knife, Poncho, Blanket, Candles, Matches, Instruction Card, & Mesh Sack)

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* I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips for getting your car ready for winter. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.*