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.
I love my new car. Alright it’s not new, I bought it in August 2011. But I still think of it like it’s new. I remember when I first bought it and I washed it every week. Now not so much. I still love it but there is so much going on that my car is not my number one priority. However there are some things to keep in mind during the winter.
( Okay, that’s not my car but I did drive it for a week!)
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.
- 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.
Win a prize package below!
Thermal travel mug
o Fleece travel blanket
o Hand Mitt ice scraper
o $30 VISA Gift Card
I took my car to get an oil change and to make sure fluid levels were good and brakes were good
I got snow tires and LOVE them. Best thing next to AWD, which my car doesn’t have!
I’ve had my oil changed and my tires rotated recently. 🙂
I changed the wipers and oil
I use Winter weight oil, make sure my wiper blades work good, have my car tuned up and rotate my tires!
I got my oil changed, fluid levels topped off and tire pressure equalized.
I commented on this blog post
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day on DMA & Blu-ray 2/10/15
I put on new windshield wipers, snow tires and has the oil changed.
My husband rotated the tires.
I changed the oil and tires
My husband makes sure our tires are winter ready and all fluids are correct.
I got new tires, wiper blades and an oil change and checked the fluids.
I have changed the oil 🙂
We checked the fluids in my car and replaced the windshield wipers.
Commented on non-giveaway post as Janet W.
https://mommyhastowork.com/2014/12/recycling-for-christmas/#comment-276618
I just changed my wiper blades today.
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I got new windshield wipers and put blankets in the back of my truck.
We changed the oil, waxed it, and put the scraper in.
i get the tired checked and oil
We got new tires (much needed!)
I also commented here https://mommyhastowork.com/2015/01/alexander-and-the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day-on-dma-blu-ray-21015/#comment-276634
we checked the tires and the battery
I had a good oil change and got some new tires.
I made sure it had plenty of anti-freeze so I don’t end up with a cracked block.
We have had our tired rotated, and had the oil changed!
I change oil and tires.
I changed my wiper blades
I put snow tires on my car for the winter.
I got some new weather ready tires.
I recently had my car serviced and put a washer fluid in that helps dissolve ice quickly.
I had the car serviced and made sure the tire pressure was correct, also i cleaned out the garage so i can park the car in there to keep it from getting icey.
Oil change and checked the tires.
I always get the fluids checked and filled if needed. I always buy studs for my car. We get a lot of snow. I also like to clean my car at the carwash whenever it warms up so that i can get all the snow and salt off of it.
Get an oil change.
Changed my wiper blades to the winter ones.
I Checked Battery, Changed Wiper Blades And Check Tires.
I got my tires checked!
I aired the tires and checked the fluids!
My husband is an auto technician, so he’s been keeping an eye on our vehicles regularly to ensure that they have all the needed fluids and the tires have proper air. Thanks.
partymix25(at)Hotmail(dot)com
I insisted on having an under coat treatment done on our car recently, protects from salt and rust.
new tires!
Changed the oil and wiper blades
My husband checked and filled all fluids, he put all new snow tires on my car and he changed the spark plugs.
I got my antifreeze and oil changed
I haven’t done anything yet. I need to stow some warm weather clothes and a snack/water in cse we got stuck. I suppose I need to have my tires checked.
Always have over a 1/2 tank of gas, new wipers, checked tires, plenty of antifreeze.
New tires and changed the oil.
Checked fluid levels, oil change & replaced wiper blades.
I left a comment here https://mommyhastowork.com/2015/01/alexander-and-the-terrible-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day-on-dma-blu-ray-21015/#comment-276715
I got the oil changed, checked the fluids and windshield wipers
I haven’t really done anything this winter, but that reminds me: I need an oil change!
I got new tires at the beginning of winter time!
I put snow tires on my car and changed the oil and wipers.
I rotated my tires, filled my washer fluid with antifreeze fluid, had my oil changed and put on new wipers.
Changed the oil, checked the battery and filled up my washer fluid.
we make sure it is running well and has good wipers
I gave it a heck of a wax job in the late fall
I got a tune up and oil change
I left a comment on your New Puppy Pictures post today
We bought new tires that were very overdue and had the brakes checked.
put antifreeze in changed thermastat
I have gotten an oil change and tune up
commented here – https://mommyhastowork.com/2015/01/12-healthy-juices-smoothies-for-the-new-year/
Changed the tires! Good tires are super important to me.
We make sure it has gas at all times.
I had the oil changed, fluids checked and air pressure in tires checked.
We always make sure our tires are good, our fluids are full and keep a spare blanket or two in the car.
We just took our car to the car wash, it was so covered with salt! Cars rust so fast out here, so keeping them clean in the winter is so important. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
I am due for an oil change and need to do a spring check up on my vehicle as well. Thankfully my husband is a mechanic and takes care of all of those needs for me.
Your tips have been really helpful. I just bought my first new car and I have determined to take great care of it. I didn’t know I should rotate the tires every 6000 miles but I will put that on my list. I am excited to have my car last a long time. Thanks for sharing.