5 Ways to Winterize Your Vehicle Plus a WaterSavers Giveaway #Sponsored 12/24

***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.
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​How cool is that?! ​

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.

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