Americans’ love affair with their cars is well documented, along with the dollars they spend each year to keep them running. This is particularly evident in the winter time when the harsh elements can challenge even the most conscientious car owners. One thing’s for sure: Keeping your vehicle in good condition will ensure a safer ride in the short term and a higher resale or trade-in value down the road.
So, before the cold weather takes hold for good, we’ve included the following tips to help you and your vehicles weather just about any storm!
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.
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. 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.
The WaterSavers® program aims to inform consumers that professional car washes are safer for the environment than washing a car at home and on pavement. For more information and to find a certified location near you, visit WashWithWaterSavers.com.
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Win It: WaterSavers Winter Prize Package + $30 Visa Gift Card
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
This giveaway is open to US residents, 18+ only. The giveaway will end at 11:59 pm CST on 12/30.
Disclosure: 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 received the products mentioned above for free. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. rays of bliss is not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.
SMART tips! thanks for sharing!
I learned the water used in WaterSavers car washes is cleaned through filtration or treatment systems prior to returning to the environment, or it is used again.
I learned that 1,500 locations worldwide are enrolled in this program based on their meeting water quality and usage standards.
Thanks!
I learned this program is part of the International Carwash Association and they also publish CAR WASH magazine. I also learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that these car washes use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash – less than the typical home washing machine.
Most people don’t realize that washing your car in the street/driveway causes harm to the waterways
I learned that Water Saver car washes route their used water to treatment plants where it can be treated and reused.
I learned that Using a Water Saver Car Wash, I can save gallons of water because using water at home to wash the car uses over 60 gallons in 5 minutes, where the Water Saver car wash uses only 40 gallons. Thus saving the envriornment.
I learned that according to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the average home laundry machine can use up to 45 gallons of water per load.
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nclaudia25 at yahoo dot com
I learned that the water used in WaterSavers car washes is cleaned through filtration or treatment systems prior to returning to the environment, or it is used again.
I learned that they prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that its very important to not wash your car in your driveway and to use the WaterSavers® car washes which send the water to treatment before returning to the environment!
I learned: watersavers car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons of fresh water per car.
I leaned that keeping your car clean with Water Savers uses only 40 gallons of water per car and that keeping your car clean means less wind resistance, so you get better fuel economy. Surprising!
I learned that when you wash your car on pavement, the rinse water runoff — along with all the chemicals it contains — can go to storm drains that empty directly into rivers and streams.
I didn’t realize how much water most car washes use! Yikes!
I learned that they have a widget on their site so you can find their closest location.
I learned that a clean car has less wind resistance and that will save you money on gas. I will be washing my car more often now.
i learned that Through our innovative techniques, we use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. That’s less than most washing machines
Hello! I learned that they conserve water by only using 40 gallons to wash your car. Also, that they reclaim and reuse the water to prevent water pollution. Cool!
When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
Using WaterSavers helps conserve water
I learned that using a WaterSavers wash ensures that you are using less water than regular driveway or pavement washing, and that all runoff water is returned safely to the environment.
I learned that an average of no more than 40 gallons of fresh water per car is used with WaterSavers.
I learned that Water Saver car washes route their used water to treatment plants where it can be treated and reused.