Is Your Car Ready For Winter? 5 Tips to Get Your Car Ready and a Giveaway

I think many of us, including myself take for granted a running car.  My friend has four kids and no running car.  It is very important to take care of our running car and again I know many of us do not do these five simple ideas that could not only keep our car running, but also keep our family safe.

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. 

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.

I want to offer one more tip.  6.  Keep a cell phone charger in your car.  If your car is running that is a plus, but you don't want to  have a problem and can't call for help due to a dead cell phone battery.  I know many people do have cell phone chargers for the car, but I do not have one.  I always figure that I can charge it at home, but with winter coming, I think I better finally buckle down and buy one.

I do admit that I slack on some of the above tips.  I am a mother of three kids and I need to be better prepared!  These are simple tips that only take a few seconds and are really important.  

 The International Carwash Association has decided to give one lucky myokcmommy  a Winter Emergency Kit.

Prize Pack Details

·         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

 Want to win? 

Here's how:

Tell me which idea or ideas that you do to prepare yourself for winter.

Extra entries for: 
Sign up for Scott's Shared Values and leave me a message that you did.  Please be honest.

Like me on facebook and leave a comment saying that you do.

Follow me on twitter and leave me a comment saying that you do. 

Like WaterSavers on facebook and leave a comment saying that you do. 

Follow WaterSaverson twitter and leave me a comment saying that you do.

  Subscribe to MyOKCMommy's daily feed and leave me a comment saying that you do.

Please leave separate comments, and direct all other comments or questions to my email.

  Contest will end on November 25th at 8pm.

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. 

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