The weather is starting to act much more like winter, is your car ready? Proper maintenance during the cold harsh winter months can really help preserve your vehicle investment. The International Carwash Association has put together a list of eight tips for you to keep your vehicle in good condition. WaterSavers also offers tips on saving water during the process of keeping your car clean. These tips will ensure a safer ride in the short term and a higher resale or trade-in value down the road.
1. A clean car is your first line of defense against winter. Getting a new wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature starts to fluctuate can be instrumental in protecting your car against winter elements like ice, salt, sand, and slush. Even getting some extra protection for your car by using Premier Eco Steam paint protection, for example, may be a good idea in order to offer you some peace of mind when it comes to the chips and damage that your car may experience on the winter roads.
Auto 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 is a strong first step towards 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. This is a biggie for me – you have to be able to see to drive. 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 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.
Now for the giveaway! One lucky Detroit Mommies reader will wint the following prize pack:
Prize Pack Details:
WaterSavers has created a prize package to help you feel prepared for winter. You and one of your readers (we will ship directly to your giveaway winner) will receive:
o Thermal travel mug
o Fleece travel blanket
o Hand Mitt ice scraper
o $30 VISA Gift Card
Use the easy Rafflecopter entry from below to enter the giveaway!
I put snow tires on my car.
Parking it in the garage helps with ice build up and not having a bunch of crap to try and see through. I also check the tire pressure frequently.
I always get it regularly checked.
My boyfriend is really great with cars so he always makes sure that mine is safe to drive.
I have my car serviced and replace the wipers.
Make sure the regular maintenance is up to date and that I have and emergency kit in our vehicles at all times.
My dad always checks our cars.
i get a car check every fall to be ready for winter
Rotate your tires and change the wiper blades
I make sure that it gets checked regularly and that I have backups of everything!
I get my wiper blades replaced and make sure my washer fluid is full but most importantly, I try to stay close to home during bad weather.
We try to make sure that the car is ready with fluids and good tires. Then we stay off the roads if possible.
I make sure I drive slowly and have supplies in the car if something happens.
I mske sure I have good tires with lots of tread and my antifreeze level is good!
I make sure that I have wiper fluid with me and a snow scraper.
I always do a good oil change and get my tires checked. I also make sure i have good windshield fluid that is formulated for winter.
Make sure everything is good and ready to go oil tires and wipers make sure my car is warmed up and all the snow and ice is off the windows
Make sure to never drive with snow on your windows or you won’t be able to see
I think it’s very important to warm up the car! 🙂
The most important thing to me when it comes to winter driving is good snow tires.
we do new tires!
I always make sure to have plenty of wiper fluid and gas as well as the snow removal tools needed to be able to safely see out of all of my windows.
I check the windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
I keep a winter kit in the car in case I get stuck somewhere. I carry extra pillow and blanket with me. I also make sure I have good tires and that my antifreeze is at the proper levels.
We check out tires and always get a tune up before the snow hits.
I make sure that all fluids are full, not to let the gas go down below 1/2 a tank so that it doesn’t freeze. snow tires are put on and the car is in full working condition.
We always get our tires checked every year before the winter weather sets in!
We make sure there is always washer fluid in the container and also keep some extra in the trunk.
We make sure our tires are good and we have extra blankets in the car just incase!
Get the tires checked
I make sure first aid kit is stocked and tires are good
I get oil change and check brakes and tires to get my car ready for winter. Start slow on the road to be safe.
I like to make sure my car is cleaned fully inside and out before the winter salt and kid mess up the floor. I also like to apply Rain- X on my windshield. It makes the ice slide right off the window so you have a clear vision in the winter!
I keep a shovel in my car in case I get stuck and need to dig myself out. But I try to drive slow to avoid such a disaster!
I check tires, oil change, & stock car with emergency supplies for winter.
Check tires, oil change, & stock car with emergency supplies for winter.
I check the tires, fluids and wipers and get an oil change.
We take our car for a tune up.
We check tire pressure, change oil, and wipers.
I check my tires and get my oil changed
Check all of your fluid levels and tire pressure.
We check the tires, make sure we have wiper fluid, keep a scraper in the car, and change the oil.
We have all of our fluids exchanged in the fall to make sure we don’t risk a breakdown, and we try to avoid major thoroughfares because it isn’t me I am worried about, it is the people behind me.
I put snow tires on my car, and change the wipers and oil.
change the oil and put on winter tires
We put winter tires on the car and change the windshield wipers.
every year i get my car checked out
I make sure there is lots of tread on my tires for winter driving. I also replace my windshield wipers.
We have a tune up on the car.
I make sure my car is warmed up for awhile and also make sure I have enough gas.