Get Your Car Ready for Winter with WaterSavers {$20 Visa Gift Card & Cold Weather Survival Kit Giveaway}

Typically when I think about winter and getting ready for the change in seasons, my mind goes to outgrown snow pants and whether or not last year's boots and mittens still have their partner.

Following that, I think about plans for the holidays, what we'll do for Little Sister B's winter birthday, how it's possible that an entire year has passed by so quickly, and more. What doesn't come to mind? Whether or not my car is as ready for winter as the rest of us.

Therefore, when it comes to prepping our rides for the cold, 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, if you are like me and haven't thought about preparations for your vehicle, here are five simple tips for Getting Your Car Ready For Winter:

1. Check your tires. Before the roads get slick, check your tires to be sure they aren’t worn and that they are properly inflated. You should be able to find the proper tire pressure on the inside of your driver’s side door. Cold air will cause the air in your tires to compress and may cause your tires to lose pressure, so make a note to check again later in the winter.

2. Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash. Putting your car through the car wash during the sloppiest season of the year may seem a strange idea 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.

Besides protecting your car, you’ll also be protecting the environment. Professional car washes can 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 when you wash your car yourself. You can learn more about the environmental benefits of a professional car wash at washwithwatersavers.com.

3. Check your brakes. Your brakes will work harder once the icy conditions of winter set in. Make sure they are up to the task by bringing your vehicle in to your mechanic for a thorough brake inspection.

4. Check fluids. In the winter, no fluid is more important than your coolant because, if you’re out of coolant, you’re out of heat. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much coolant you need as well as provide the correct blend. It’s also never a bad idea to keep an additional bottle of coolant in your car for emergencies.

5. Winter emergency kit. If you find yourself stranded by the side of the road, a winter survival kit can be very helpful. Include an ice scraper/brush, extra blankets or clothes – including hats and gloves – snacks and bottled water and a first aid kit. A small shovel can come in handy if you get stuck and a bag of cat litter can be used to provide needed traction for your tires.


Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability, and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes. By planning ahead you can ensure that your family and your car will be in for a smooth ride all winter long – this winter, don't be caught unprepared!

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 WaterSavers Cold Weather Survival Kit*!

*Winter Emergency Kit contains: $20 VISA Gift Card, WaterSavers Tote bag, first aid kit, flashlight/signal torch, 2 AA batteries, 2 emergency candles, box of safety matches, 2 hand warmers, emergency water bag (1 gallon capacity), survival compass, emergency blanket and cotton gloves. All items are packaged in heavy-duty, water and puncture resistant carry case made of 600D polyester.

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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.