Tuesday, December 3, 2013

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

WaterSavers logo
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!

eco-friendly car wash

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.

winter car wash

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*!

WaterSavers prize pack giveaway
*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.


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. 

251 comments:

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Stevie said...

New wipers & we pulled out the snow brushes. It's a start.

Wanda McHenry said...

We put antifreeze washer fluid in.

Pink and Green Mom said...

I definitely need new wipers and I'd like to track down this washer fluid I used when I lived in MN that would help defrost the windshield faster!

Jayne said...

My car needs the battery posts cleaned, an oil change, and new windshield wipers for starters. I guess I better get to it! Haven't had too bad of weather in Oklahoma but still need to gt those things done.

jbmthill said...

I have made sure that my windshield solvent is full and I have my snow brush/ice scraper in my car. YUCK! I hate winter!

like2sweep@gmail.com
Beth H

wigget said...

nothing

Unknown said...

I put a shovel and sand in my car.

rounder9834 @yahoo.com

JC said...

We get our car winterized at local dealer's.

Mysharona said...

put my scraper in the car

d schmidt said...

We have just had our car serviced to prepare it.

JJ said...

We get the oil changed regularly. (3 to 5 months) My husband drives to work an hour one way each day. (2 hrs total) We have the ice scraper in the shop. lol

Anonymous said...

I bought new wiper blades

BrunoDogg2 said...

The only thing I have done is put my ice scraper in my car!

jmajor4870 said...

prepare for winter. just need blinker fixed only trunk broken and cant open to replace the bulb

CarrieAnn13 said...

We put our snow tires on, winter wipers, and add non-freezing wiper fluid

CarrieAnn13 said...

We put our snow tires on, winter wipers, and add non-freezing wiper fluid

SueZH said...

My ice scraper is ready.

Jen F said...

I prepare my car with winter tires and an emergency kit.

Kim H. said...

I always get an oil change around now and make sure all of my fluids are right, along with tire pressure.

Billie Wilson said...

I have my ice scrapper ready, still need winter tires!

Heather B said...

I keep my ice scraper handy, extra blankets in the car, snacks.

Elena said...

I don't prepare my car for winter because I live in a warm climate

katieoscarlet said...

I haven't done anything yet but definately need to winterize my car by checking fluids and tire pressures.

Christina said...

Living in FL and not traveling this year for the holidays, we don't really have to do anything to winterize our cars.

cjabdelnour said...

BLANKETS AND SHOVEL IN THE CAR. ALSO CARRY CELL PHONE. NEED TO DO MORE. Cheryl Abdelnour cjabdelnour@hotmail.com

Kelly Massman said...

we check the tires and make sure it has a fresh oil change

Helga said...

I dont have a car, so nothing!

Carrie Phelps said...

I prepare my car by having my snow tires placed on my car for the Winter.

janetfaye said...

I just had an oil change a couple of weeks ago. I need new snow tires.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

angel heaps said...

get snow tires and oil change

Suburban prep said...

Fill the washer fluid.Maker sure usually at least 1/2 full tank. I keep a blanket in the car and I have ice melt in the car.

Candice said...

I checked my wiper fluid level, and got an oil change.

lilpinksocks said...

Nothing yet!

amp said...

I got new wiper blades, put kitty litter in the trunk and properly inflated the tires.


apoalillo {AT} hotmail dot com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

i need an oil change.

CindyWindy2003 said...

I have a survival safety emergency kit already in my car, but I need to put more windshield wiper fluid in.

Unknown said...

We've checked all the tires to be sure that they are properly inflated and we've made sure that we have our fluids levels filled correctly with the proper fluids for cold weather.

Lesley said...

New tires and new windshield wipers!

guettel78 said...

I've replaced the wiper blades and fluids already, but I've been putting off getting winter tires on until I absolutely have to!

Geoff K
gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com

Joanne said...

I bought a new ice scraper.

kim burnett said...

I put a bag of cat litter in the car for the snowy roads!

~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said...

I bought windshield deicer so that I don't have to scrape and scrape my windshields in the morning! Thank you for the chance to win this giveaway.

Jackie said...

We recently replaced the windshield wipers on the car.
Thank you!

Anne said...

Last weekend we got the snow tires put on, and we put our "winter kit" in the trunk (blanket, collapsible shovel, scraper, etc.). Still need to get some winter wipers, though.

mellyrox said...

Getting a blanket, gloves, & jumper cables to store in the car is a good idea for my 18 y/o son this winter..

melly66(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

tat2gurlzrock said...

New wipers,checked the antifreeze and put blankets and jumper cables in the truck

Wild N Mild $$$ said...

I need to buy a new snow brush.

Unknown said...

I need a new brush scraper

Michele P. said...

I've got a small shovel in the trunk and some kitty litter-also have some snack bars, flashlight and blanket.

stowelljg said...

I've installed new wiper blades.

scottsgal said...

we got the oil changed and tires rotated for winter

jlee said...

I need new wiper blades!

Bethany C. said...

I think we need to check the pressure in the tires.

Jody Sisson said...

My husband just did an oil and filter change, radiator flush and fill, Rotated the tires and installed new wiper blades.

s said...

Got a new battery.

Heavensangel2387 said...

I need to get another emergency safety kit. I had one in my old car. I also need to buy an ice scraper! Thanks!

Debra said...

i got the winter wind shield washer fluid and put kitty litter in my trunk

steve weber said...

put the new winter tires on as well as check all the fluid levels.

Unknown said...

put an ice scaper and blankets in it. Also make sure there is a flash light

Linda Szymoniak said...

Well, I needed new tires, so I took care of that. Nothing worse than worn tires on snow and ice. I also just had an oil change and made sure all my fluid levels are where they should be. I also inspected my jumper cables to be sure they were in good shape. I use them quite often - mostly to help jump-start other people who don't carry cables of their own.

slehan said...

Full car checkup. Have scraper, boots, food, light, firstaid kit in car.
Thanks for the contest.

slehan at juno dot com

Anonymous said...

I've added air to the tires. But I do need to have the oil changed.

captainliss40 said...

Need to put coat, scarf, gloves, and blankets in the trunk!

mecarolks said...

I bought a new ice scraper.

Anonymous said...

We have put a couple bags of kitty litter in our trunks to help us become unstuck in snow if needed.

sdavis said...

i have put blankets and flashlight and batteries, ice scraper, and a bag of litter in my car. i may need it all this weekend since we are suppose to get ice.

Anonymous said...

My car had a tune a few weeks ago,getting prepared for the cold weather to come.

debbie said...

I need to put two new tires on the car, before much longer.

renee walters said...

I prepare my car with an emergency kit. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Reneewalters3 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I live in South Florida where it doesn't get very cold in the winter, so I'm not doing anything special to get my car ready. Thanks!

sherylssg said...

I have my mechanic winterize the car by checking the antifreeze. I keep an ice scraper in the car with deicer.

sflickinger at rocketmail dot com

bison61 said...

I usually put a blanket and a few snacks in the car and then all I need is to find my ice scrapper

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I have made sure that the battery is working fine and the tyres have been changed. even the windshield is working fine incase it snows

Unknown said...

We changed the oil, topped up all fluids and got new tires.

Anonymous said...

I NEED TO switch to snow tires

Anonymous said...

I NEED TO switch to snow tires

mysweetiepiepie said...

I need to get new wiper blades.

Anonymous said...

Well, it's not for the car, exactly... We clean out the garage - to give us access to the plow that we attach to our truck!

Unknown said...

I need to put a pair of boots in my car.

SnowflakeDay (Audra) said...

I did replace my wipers a few weeks ago, but I seriously need new tires!

clc408 said...

I just put air in the tires and changed the oil.

Unknown said...

Check the tires and the oil.

Unknown said...

We put anti-freeze in, check the tires, oil, etc.

Unknown said...

I keep a first aid kit, quart of oil, jumper cables, antifreeze and blanket in my trunk

Unknown said...

Check all fluids and tires.

bkittie said...

I put warm blankets in both of our cars.

Natalie said...

I changed my oil and put a shovel in the trunk.

cosmic_cat84 said...

Check tires for wear

Melissa Zimmerman said...

I filled the tires

kdrae said...

Just got new tires!

Patricia Wojnar Crowley said...

We put snow tires on, changed/filled all the fluids, and put a snow brush in the trunk!

Dave said...

new wiper blades and I do the general upkeep

VP22 said...

I had planned to prepare my car for winter by getting new tires but I had to replace my car's thermostat which was a little more urgent.

Rita M said...

New car, so I pretty much only need to add a blanket and a First Aid Kit.

Unknown said...

We carry a first aid kit and extra blankets in the car.

Tracey said...

I've had the oil changed and added antifreeze.
traymona[at]aol.com

Beanybopp said...

We got new tires in the spring and just got new breaks/rotors. We don't have anything in our trunk besides scrappers so we really need something just in case!

Jennifer T. said...

I need to make sure we check our tire pressure and treads.

walk9 said...

I changed my windshield wiper blades.

Katy said...

we need new wiper blades and to check air pressure

Unknown said...

I have put my 'winter emergency kit' in my trunk. It consists of a blanket, flares, snow shovel, de-icer and ice scraper and a snow brush.

Andrea said...

We have all weather tires, use a more expensive synthetic oil that does not freeze and have a winter kit of food and supplies in our under storage compartment. If we are going on a trip we have extra blankets and clothes also.

llinda29 said...

I live in fl. no prep here

sohamolina said...

adding chains when going into the mountains

deniseyweesy said...

I got new tires!

EclecticZebra said...

..tire rotation, inspection and I keep blankets and snacks in the car just in case..
no19034770 @yahoo.com

Unknown said...

i dont even drive so my hubby is in charge of all things car, but i did not know that cleaning your car increases fuel efficiency.

Unknown said...

Yikes, I desperately need to get new front tires on our car!

Beth said...

We have our car winterized with new snow tires and wiper blades.

Beth W

Mario1 said...

New tires, fluids, and added weight to the bed of the truck

Elizabeth said...

I just got my tires rotated two weeks ago and have anti freeze windshield fluid!

TheAtticGirl said...

We've had our car winterized at the shop with all fluids checked, new wipers installed, and have a blanket in the trunk just in case.

Anonymous said...

Anti freeze washer fluid new wipers and new tires and brought out the windshield scraper JUST IN TIME! we just had our first snow storm 4" lol

Unknown said...

we make sure that all the levels are correct and have gloves and hats.
gabbflabber at live.com

Teresa said...

Making sure it has enough antifreeze in it.

Seyma Bennett Shabbir said...

We have a remote starter in our car!

Anonymous said...

Checking our tires and oil was first!

Sadie said...

We have the snow brushes in the car and the fluids topped off.

bettycd said...

Took the car in to make sure the tires, the wipers, and brakes were good for the winter season

Unknown said...

There is no real preparation in Florida

Rose Red said...

I really need to get new tires soon.

Crystal said...

I (finally!) replaced 2 of my tires that were in really rough shape!

Unknown said...

changed the wipers and checked and filled the tires with air

Unknown said...

GFC: smurfette

Unknown said...

I had my car's oil changed the other day, and I had them check everything.

Anonymous said...

i always keep a blanket and hat in my trunck

Pricousins said...

I always get an oil change, tune up, and change the fluids and the wiper blades in October/November, just to be safe. Oh, and check the battery!

Treesa said...

I put our winter preparedness kit in the back!

cc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com

abfantom said...

I prepare for winter driving by making sure I have good wiper blades and that the windshield wiper fluid is topped off.

G+ & GFC id: abfantom

abfantom at yahoo dot com

Michelle S. said...

I haven't done anything yet and by looking out the window winter has arrived here :o( I need to get my brakes checked and I need to put snow boots and extra clothes in my truck. I drive on rural roads so if I get stuck I may be there for awhile.

tiffanynichole89 said...

by putting anti freeze in

Kelly Skibbe said...

Well, after all this snow we got today, I realized that I wasn't prepared. I don't even know where my scraper is.

E. Diane said...

Well, pulled-out the chains and reflective triangle signal markers and got those back in my trunk alongside the 2.5 gal water and 5 gal gas and basic first aid I keep in there anyways. plus, I used a cotton and a wool blanket as covers for my back seat. just because 'you never know'. me_juliet AT hotmail DOT com

latanya t said...

got the tires rotated and checked

laurie nykaza said...

We just had new windshield wipers put on and tires too

Rowell Reviews said...

We always make sure to have a long handled ice scraper/brush in the car. kekagel(at)yahoo.com

Unknown said...

we checked the tire pressure and the fluids and got the long handled brush/scraper which i used yesterday after we got a bunch of snow

Anonymous said...

I have prepared my vehicle for winter by checking all the fluids, and tire pressure. I also threw my snow brush in the car:)


jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

Allison Downes said...

I need to check my fluids.
Thank you for the nice giveaway!

Springjoy said...

detailed it before it got cold!

Pat said...

I need to get the ice scraper in the car and some blankets.

Colleen Maurina said...

My husband had the oil changed, antifreeze checked and new windshield wipers put on.

hoeyhooper said...

winit

Unknown said...

I have an ice scraper in my car but I still need to get new windshield wiper blades!

Anonymous said...

We topped off our antifreeze.

Anonymous said...

does putting an icescraper and brush in my trunk count?

crankyyanky1 said...

I don't really do anything different it doesn't get very cold here

Kia89 said...

I have a emergency kit.

peg42 said...

I had my tires checked and properly inflated.

pauline15 said...

I do my standard, winter tires, fluids check, water and emergency supplies for 72 hours in the trunk, and my AAA membership up to date!

wen budro said...

I put my winter studded tires on my car.

Jessica said...

We got new tires and windshield wipers

Mami2jcn said...

Use antifreeze.

Mami2jcn said...

Use antifreeze.

Lisa Weidknecht said...

We keep tools, a blanket, and a flashlight in the trunk.

Karen F said...

I need to check the antifreeze and the flashlight batteries.

Unknown said...

I have warm blankets, ice scrapers and a flashlight. I want to put in some granola bars still.

Danielle S. said...

I just bought new winter wiper blades installed.
dhsauers(at)gmail.com

Lissa Crane said...

I always make sure my tires are in good shape and I get new wiper blades!

Unknown said...

got new tires

ivyvine1977 said...

check tires and fluid levels

Unknown said...

I had my tires checked

kport207 at gmail dot com

dfraley3 said...

I had an oil change but I still need to get new windshield wipers.

Tamar said...

we put on our snow tires.

kathy dalton said...

i checked all my fluids and my tire pressure

Unknown said...

We take it into our mechanic.

Mary Gardner said...

I had the tires, brakes, wiper blades and fluids checked

Pauline MIlner said...

In the back of our SUV, we always have two heat blankets, an emergency car care kit, several bottles of water, several energy bars and a first aid kit. We also make sure that we always have a GPS and a cell phone with us when we travel. Thank you for the super giveaway opportunity. Keep up the terrific blogging.

Pauline MIlner said...

In the back of our SUV, we always have two heat blankets, an emergency car care kit, several bottles of water, several energy bars and a first aid kit. We also make sure that we always have a GPS and a cell phone with us when we travel. Thank you for the super giveaway opportunity. Keep up the terrific blogging.

Unknown said...

We generally give it a oil change, check the tires, etc.. we maintain our vehicles year round.

Jasmine P said...

I haven't prepared yet!

Jasmine P said...

I haven't prepared yet!

Tammigirl said...

I have added air to the tires, which is always necessary when the temperature drops. As a matter of fact I need to do it again. I washed it and gave it a nice good protective coat of wax. I have no-freeze rain-x windshield wiper fluid, too.

ShellyCoolSinger said...

I made sure that there was a brush for the windows

Sara said...

We change the wiper blades before winter

sparkedcat said...

I had my radiator flushed and new antifreeze.

jcwega27 said...

cat litter in the driveway to help get out

Sue Hull said...

I have to get air in my tires,check my fluids and get new windshield wiper blades.It doesn't snow here, and I don't drive a lot but I still get my truck prepared for winter. Thank you :)

mandala said...

Oil change and have my snow tires.

Sherry said...

Get all of the fluids checked and check tire pressure.

Sherry said...

Get all of the fluids checked and check tire pressure.

Roy F. said...

I changed the windshield wipers.

Seth said...

I have new wipers and stocked my car with a first aid kit and emergency blankets.

Paol Trenny said...

We replaced our wiper blades and replaced antifreeze - - Paol Trenny..... emscout9 at Hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Vacuumed out all the sand from the Beach.

Courtnie said...

I need to buy new wiper blades.

polly said...

tires rotated, new wipers and always have blankets in the trunk

Anonymous said...

One way I got my vehicle ready for the winter is buying winter tires. Now I am not so nervous about driving on icy roads!

Victoria Nyquist said...

I always get my tires rotated and checked before winter!

Jennifer said...

I check my tires.
Jennifer Dunaway

Unknown said...

I live in Texas not generally something to worry about until this year.

Unknown said...

It doesn't snow where I live!

Robin T said...

I made sure my antifreeze is still good in my car.

rtrexel@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I need to get new tires.

ide2678 said...

My husband checked all my fluid levels and put on new windshield wipers.

mtbears819 said...

put sand in truck for ice

Elaine said...

My car needs new wipers

bbrittbrat1398 said...

I got some snow tires.
Brittney House BBrittBrat1398@yahoo.com

Tom Lester said...

I prepared my truck by buying snow chains

Susan Christy said...

I put my scraper and my coat in the car. My gloves were still in there from last winter.

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