Here are some wonderful tips to help prevent damage to your vehicle this winter season. No one wants a damaged vehicle, after all!
![]() ***Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation. I received information and promotional products to facilitate my post. All opinions and experiences are my own.*** Are you ready for winter? Maybe you have had snow already, and are shoveling your way out of it. Or perhaps, you've been experiencing unseasonably warm weather, and Old Man Winter hasn't reared his ugly head just yet. Here in the Cleveland, OH area, we haven't had too much wintery weather....YET. It's coming. I know it's coming. Living near Lake Erie, we get a lot of snow, ice, etc. They may be calling for a milder winter than the past couple of years, but that doesn't mean we won't get slammed by snow. (Sledding, anyone?) In anticipation of winter, we've been doing a lot to get prepared. We've gotten our cold weather clothing out of storage, we've winter-proofed the house to avoid pipes freezing and frigid drafts. We've also been taking steps to winterize our vehicles so they don't leave us stranded in the cold this season. You see, winter is hard on our vehicles, too! My husband, Dan, is a "car guy". He was a mechanic for years, and is now a service manager for a national automotive care chain. He sees the consequences of poor winter preparation all the time in his line of work. Preparing your vehicles for winter is super-important, and might just save you time and money, too. Here are some tips on how you can make sure your vehicles can withstand the cold, wintery weather that's yet to come. Ice, rain, snow and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your car. To keep your family safe on the slippery roads this winter, it's important to take a few simple winterization steps. According to the International Carwash Association, proper maintenance can also go a long way in helping preserve the investment in your vehicle. 1. Switch engine oil: Oil lubricates the engine so it can function properly, but not all automobile oil is the same. If you live in a cold climate, consider switching to a thinner, less viscous oil. For example, a 10W-30 might be ideal for hot summer weather, but a thicker 5W-30 is better for when temperatures dip below freezing. Ask your auto mechanic what is recommended and refer to the manufacturer's manual for more insight. 2. Maintain a car wash routine: Due to the presence of ice, salt and sand on the roads, washing your vehicle in the winter is even more important than the summer. Getting a car wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature begins to drop can be your first line of defense against winter elements. Vehicular corrosion occurs most quickly when the temperature rises and falls below freezing. The International Carwash Association recommends finding a car wash that is part of the WaterSavers® program. There are more than 1,500 environmentally friendly car washes worldwide enrolled in the program that meet water quality and usage standards. These car washes use 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car. Find a participating car wash near you by visiting www.washwithwatersavers.com. 3. Check the battery: Cold weather can take a toll on your car's battery. Before you get stranded, give your battery a once-over to make sure it's in tip-top shape. Check the cables, terminals and fluid and look for anything abnormal. Some battery retailers will conduct a complementary car battery assessment if you'd prefer an expert analysis. 4. Update engine coolant: Just because it's chilly doesn't mean your engine can't overheat. To protect your engine against corrosion and to help ensure it doesn't overheat, ask your car technician to change to a coolant with ethylene glycol which has antifreeze properties. While replacing coolants, ask the technician to make sure all fluids are topped off, including window washer solution. 5. Get a grip on tire safety: If you live in an area where winter means driving in snow and ice, it's critical to check your tires to keep you and your passengers safe. Each tire should have an adequate amount of tread to properly grip the road. You can easily see if new tires are needed with the penny test — hold a penny head down in the center tread. If you see the top of Lincoln's head, you have less than 2/32-inch tread and it's time for new tires. Also be sure to your tires are properly inflated to ensure optimum handling, safety, and fuel efficiency. Taking the time to properly winterize your car not only ensures the comfort and safety of you and your family but also helps you maintain the value of your car for many winters to come. For more information visit www.washwithwatersavers.com Now for a WaterSavers GIVEAWAY!I am thrilled to announce that one lucky reader will receive a WaterSavers Prize Pack, including a very nice duffle bag, a mini flashlight/compass/whistle, and a $30 VISA Gift Card. This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ until 12:00AM EST on December 24, 2015. No PO Boxes. Winner will be drawn using Rafflecopter's Random Number Generator. All entries will be verified, so play fair! I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram in any way. Participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. If you have any questions, please contact Brandy at newlycrunchymamaof3@gmail.com Thanks for entering, and Good Luck! This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Carwash Association. The opinions and text are all mine.
61 Comments
Lisa Brown
12/10/2015 10:23:07 am
I check tire condition, pressure, check all fluids, may get a tune up.
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Janet W.
12/10/2015 01:03:51 pm
I replace my tires if needed and make sure they have good tread for winter driving. I also prepare myself by keeping a winter hat, gloves, and blankets in my car.
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Elena
12/10/2015 02:51:40 pm
I change tires to prepare for winter
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Margaret Smith
12/10/2015 03:15:36 pm
We check the fluids and tire air pressure on our vehicles.
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natasha lamoreux
12/10/2015 04:19:04 pm
We always make sure all maintenance is done on car and blankets and flash light in trunk
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Laurie Nykaza
12/11/2015 01:50:31 am
Not very cold where we live so really nothing at all.
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Lauren
12/11/2015 07:33:20 am
I check my tires.
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suzanne
12/11/2015 09:20:31 am
Well, here in Chattanooga we don't have a lot of winter weather, and when we do the town is basically closed down.
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DAWN SCHMIDT
12/11/2015 09:22:32 am
We prepare by doing some home maintenance and getting our cars serviced.
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Ann Fantom
12/11/2015 10:58:16 am
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Cheryl
12/11/2015 11:42:11 am
Our winter road kit includes a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, rags,and sandbag. We already keep a first-aid kit in the glove box and tire tools separately.
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Elena
12/11/2015 12:04:01 pm
I change oil in my car
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Steve Weber
12/11/2015 12:42:49 pm
I get my tires checked and fluids changed.
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Cynthia C
12/11/2015 01:03:31 pm
I make sure I have a scraper in the trunk and check the tires and wiper blades
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Sarah Hayes
12/11/2015 02:54:05 pm
I make sure my heater is working well
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Pamela Gurganus
12/11/2015 03:09:25 pm
I prepare for winter weather by making sure my tires are properly inflated and I have good wiper blades on the car.
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12/11/2015 04:41:14 pm
I prepare for winter by making sure we have enough fuel oil for the winter.
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Anne
12/11/2015 07:24:26 pm
We're going to get snow tires this weekend. :-(
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Audra O'Hara
12/11/2015 08:06:15 pm
My husband checks my tires and wiper blades. I also try to keep a full tank of gas in case of getting stranded in bad weather.
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Barbara Montag
12/11/2015 08:14:58 pm
We always make sure our snow tires are good.
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cheryl s
12/12/2015 07:48:02 am
we get the vehicles tuned up and put the winter kits including small shovels, blankets and cat litter for traction on the trunks
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Anne
12/12/2015 12:21:05 pm
We make sure there's a blanket and flashlight in the back, because you just never know.
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Natalie
12/12/2015 04:31:45 pm
I will check my tire pressure, put a shovel in my car, and get my oil changed.
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Jackie
12/13/2015 06:42:53 am
We make sure that all of the cars have a snow brush/ice scraper in them.
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SARAH HAYES
12/13/2015 01:22:09 pm
we make sure our heaters are working well
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Anne
12/13/2015 02:36:39 pm
When it's time to prepare for winter weather, we make sure we have a good plow guy so we can get out!
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Crystal F
12/13/2015 04:36:06 pm
We don't do a lot. It rarely gets really cold here. We use a different oil and do a check of the antifreeze. Thank you!
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Julie Lundstrom
12/13/2015 08:20:24 pm
I keep supplies in my car like a blanket, a snow shovel, some kitty litter, and some granola bars incase we get stuck for awhile.
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Monica Y.
12/14/2015 09:01:46 am
I live in Phoenix, AZ so it doesn't get "too" cold here but I always make sure to check my fluids regularly and check my tires because it's just as important in the winter as it is during our very HARSH summer temperatures. LOL.
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stacey trim
12/14/2015 09:48:00 am
Thick blankets and propain in case the lights go out.
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Anne
12/14/2015 05:29:28 pm
Definitely, the snow tires are the most important thing.
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Anne
12/15/2015 11:48:24 am
We had a bit of snow today, and I made sure the shovels were handy. Fortunately, it didn't accumulate. This time.
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Anne
12/16/2015 12:19:19 pm
We keep a blanket and extra scarves and gloves in the car.
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Amanda Alvarado
12/16/2015 05:52:22 pm
Other than checking the tire pressure, we don't really need to do anything to our vehicles! We rarely ever hit the 30s!
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John Joseph
12/16/2015 07:46:10 pm
We stop mowing the lawn after the first frost and bring in the plants!
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Anne
12/17/2015 04:00:52 pm
To prepare the car, snow tires are the most important thing.
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Sarah Hayes
12/17/2015 05:09:02 pm
I get my car checked over to make sure its running well
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Cynthia R
12/18/2015 01:23:37 pm
I wish I could say I am prepared but I am not ready, normally it doesn't get really bad here until late january/early february.
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Cynthia R
12/18/2015 01:25:38 pm
I wish I could say I am prepared but i'm not, weather doesn't turn bad for another month or two so maybe I can be ready by then.
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Anne
12/18/2015 03:07:30 pm
We make sure the car has enough gas all the time so that if we get snowed in, we can still use the car, whether to get out or just to charge the phones etc. in case of a power outage.
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Claire Rheinheimer
12/19/2015 05:27:18 am
I make sure my tires are in good shape and keep blankets in the car. I also try to make sure my fuel stays above 1/2 tank.
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Anne
12/19/2015 05:03:53 pm
We make sure the car's battery is in good shape, too.
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Bridgett Wilbur
12/19/2015 05:12:35 pm
I buy new wipers every year.
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Leigh Anne Borders
12/19/2015 05:23:56 pm
I try to stay prepared by packing things in the car like oil, water, clothes, and even some snacks.
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Seyma Shabbir
12/20/2015 09:46:58 am
We keep extra blankets and snacks in the car.
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Anne
12/20/2015 11:29:14 am
There was a dusting of snow on the ground this morning. I guess I can't complain, being that it's Christmas week, but I can't put off getting out the hats, scarves, and gloves. And the heavy-duty winter coats.
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sharon shafran
12/20/2015 09:10:41 pm
never leave home without water and some fiber bars
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suzanne
12/21/2015 03:55:49 am
Check and top off the windshield-washer fluid.
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Anne
12/21/2015 03:03:39 pm
Finally! We got the snow tires on the car today. Whew! Now we're winter ready.
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Carolyn Daley
12/21/2015 07:18:06 pm
I live in Florida so I do not have to worry about snow unless we are traveling up north. No special preparation for weather other than the standard maintenance of oil change, getting the brakes checked, and sometimes an alignment.
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Amy Orvin
12/22/2015 07:45:45 am
We always get our car tuned up and check the tires for winter.
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Anne
12/22/2015 12:16:03 pm
We make sure the car is ready with snow tires and a general check-up, as well as things like a blanket and flashlights on board.
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12/23/2015 04:45:49 am
We prepare for winter weather by checking the tires, antifreeze and making sure we have a emergency kit in the car.
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Paige Chandler
12/23/2015 12:46:43 pm
I add anti freeze and check tires
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Robin Trexel
12/23/2015 02:38:03 pm
I usually have my antifreeze and tires checked.
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Anne
12/23/2015 05:06:01 pm
Christmastime in Maine, and it rained last night. It's supposed to rain tomorrow, too. Still, we've got the snow tires on and the emergency pack in the car, in case winter ever does get here.
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Laurie Emerson
12/23/2015 07:04:45 pm
We always make sure there is enough anti freeze as well as checking the tires and battery.
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Sharon Braswell
12/23/2015 07:17:17 pm
My husband takes good care of our car and for winter he checks all the fluids, the battery, the tires and antifreeze as well!
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Thomas Murphy
12/23/2015 07:26:11 pm
I put snow tires on my car.
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Hesper Fry
12/23/2015 07:35:17 pm
I have de-icer, blankets, and good tires on my car.
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