Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Winter from the International Carwash Association {Winter Emergency Kit Giveaway}

While my family is decidedly modern, there are some aspects around here where my husband and I follow stereotypical "woman's work" and "man's work" roles.

I do more of the cooking and laundry (because I'm home during the day and because I love laundry), while he takes out the garbage and cleans out the gutters (because... eew. I don't want to do either).

Another area where I defer to my husband to take more responsibility is with our cars. While I can handle keeping my van filled with gas, that really is the extent of it. Back in my younger years, I was known to jump a car or change a flat on my own, but clearly I must have gotten wimpier since then, because neither of those sound like something I would do these days.

Therefore, when it comes to getting my car ready for winter, I'm thankful for tips from knowledgeable folks like the International Carwash Association (ICA) who can help me out.

Even better, I love knowing that the ICA, through its Wash With WaterSavers consumer awareness campaign, is committed to promoting the importance of using eco-friendly carwashes that use less fresh water and return clean water back into the environment. Smart plus green!

Thanks to the ICA, here are an important list of 5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter:

1. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counterintuitive to get your car nice and shiny for what is 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% 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 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.

The ICA has put together a really great emergency kit that truly includes just about everything you need (minus water and food) to keep in your car at all times:

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.

This winter, don't be caught unprepared. Make the smart choices for you and your family that will have your car in tip-top shape and less likely to cause you problems. As for me, this is going to the top of my husband's to-do list!

And, thanks to the generosity of the ICA, one person will be just as ready for the unexpected as I am, because...

One lucky person will win a Winter Emergency Kit prize package*!

*Winter Emergency Kit contains: (1) 32 oz. WaterSavers branded water bottle, (1) Carabiner key chain, (1) Medium flashlight, (2) heavy duty AA batteries, (1) 19-piece first aid kit, (1) Survival tool, (1) Pocket knife, (1) Emergency poncho, (1) Emergency blanket, (1) Mesh sack, (2) tea light candles, Safety matches, and Survival instruction card

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below — simply enter your name and email address and click on each entry that you would like to complete. Follow the directions for each individual method, entering in the necessary information when asked. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to let me know.

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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.