5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter + Winter Emergency Kit Giveaway

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WaterSavers LogoTraveling is a huge part of the holidays and a lot of people hit the road for long trips to visit family and friends. With the Winter quickly approaching, it is important to prep our cars for the season change to prevent damage, breakdowns and also assure we are prepared if something does happen.  I know the last thing I want to worry about during the holiday season is car trouble or being stranded on the side of the road.

The International Carwash Association (ICA) has created these five tips for getting our cars ready for blistering Winter season.

1. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counter-intuitive to get your car nice and shiny for the slushy weather, but a thorough wash can remove harmful compounds that may cause damage when mixed with 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. I suggest de-icer wiper fluid for the winter. 

3. 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 always forget this one and my wipers end up being trashed after the first bad storm)

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. Winter emergency kit – In addition to keeping a scraper and brush in your car, it’s a good idea to include a few provisions in case you get stranded. Pack extra blankets, hats and gloves, high-energy snacks like granola bars, drinking water and a first-aid kit. (Enter to win a Winter Emergency Kit below)

Take the time to check your car and get it ready for the treacherous weather and road conditions and be prepared for the worse.

GIVEAWAY

The International Carwash Association is giving one lucky Nifty Mom reader a Winter Emergency Kit that includes:

  • 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

No purchase necessary to enter. The giveaway is open to US residents 18+. Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST December 9th, 2012. Winner will be selected via random.org and contact by email. Winner then has 48 hours to reply to confirm their prize or a new winner will be picked. If you have any issues entering or have any questions, please email me at contact (at) niftymom(dot)com.

GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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37 comments on 5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter + Winter Emergency Kit Giveaway

  • Mel T

    We are driving!

  • Julie Wood

    I am not flying this year or going anywhere but staying home this Christmas. I have traveled for the last 9 years, and this year I want to stay home!

  • Julie Lynn Bickham

    I’m only traveling 15-20 mins away.

  • Darlene Owen

    No we do not plan on traveling this year.

  • Marti Parks

    I’m not traveling, I’ll be staying at home.

  • Debi

    Not traveling.

  • rebeka deleon

    no traveling for us

  • Ann Fantom

    Yes, we will be driving to visit my husband’s family out of state

  • Seyma Shabbir

    If we do, driving :)

  • Ellen

    no job, no travelling

  • Sarah Hirsch

    we will be staying home for the holidays

  • Linda Lansford

    we are driving to biloxi

  • Carly

    I am staying home for the holidays.

  • beth shepherd

    We are driving to the inlaws this year.

  • Paul T/Pauline T

    both …driving there and flying back home —– Paul T/Pauline T aka Paul Tran ….. emscout9 at Hotmail dot com

  • Krista Huskey

    No traveling this year. The celebration is at my house!

  • Christine

    not traveling

  • Mark

    I’ll be driving

  • Suzanne M

    My husband will be flying for the holidays, but I have to work =(

  • mell

    We are driving and flying.

  • katfam

    We are staying home.

  • Daniel M

    nope not going anywhere

  • Lisa McGrattan

    No, we’re staying home this year.

  • Dorothy Deakyne

    I am staying close to home this year

  • Kimberly Hilbert

    We haven’t made any plans to travel. If we did it would be by car.

  • Jody Sisson

    No, No traveling, everyone comes to my house.

  • Miz Vickik

    Nope, staying close to home =)

  • Candice Hull

    We always drive to see family, luckily it’s only 3 hours this year
    thank you

  • Brittney House

    We are going to the grandmother house, which is around the corner :-)

  • Jennifer R

    We are not traveling this holiday season, we are hosting this year.
    reejen at comcast dot net

  • Lori C.

    We’ll be driving to visit the grandparents.

  • carol lewis

    Just driving to the kids house but not on Christmas Day or Eve.

  • Samantha Meyer

    we are going to be going to my sister’s house, but she doesn’t live that far away

  • Vikki Billings

    We are not traveling for the holidays, my whole family lives here so we never have to travel very far.

  • Bryan E.

    Thanks for the giveaway… driving 400 miles !

  • SRP Auto

    Great content and tips that every car owner can follow through.

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