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.
Loading Entry-Form...
...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.
188 comments:
We get our car ready by putting emergency items in the car: flash lights, ice scraper, blankets, etc and making sure our tires are ready for the snow!
have an emergency kit in your car
i always take my car to the shop for a 32 pt inspection every fall to get my car ready for winter..check tire pressure..oil change..fluids etc. that way you know your car is winter ready!
My husband prepares my car buy putting on the snow wiper blades, checking the tire's air pressures and filling up the wiper fluid.
abfantom at yahoo dot com
Google+ id: abfantom fantom
abfantom at yahoo dot com
My husband checked the tire pressure, we got it cleaned, and made sure all our papers were in it.
cat litter and a shovel - helps with traction if you get stuck in the snow or ice
msboatgal at aol.com
keep a spare blanket in the car
How very nice (and sensible).
new tires, snow wiper blades, anti-fog rainx on windshield, defroster instead of wiper fluid...
I wax it for protection against the harsh winter climate.
make sure we have extra items in the car (water blanket etc ...)
I don't know. My husband does it.
We make sure our car is upto date with services, ensure we keep blankets and water in the car and have the tires checked
(d schmidt in rafflecopter)
san francisco doesn't really have winter. but we do get a bit of rain. i always make sure the windshield wipers dont need changing
jek9880 at gmail dot com
We have a small emergency kit in our car and extra windshield wiper fluid.
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com
We make sure the wiper blades are in good shape
Thanks!
Nice job!
snow tires
Becky Barrett Beitzel
http://rebecca-lynnephotography.com/
I keep hand warmers in the car, as well as scrapers and small blankets.
I make sure the car is stocked with blankets, snow scrapers, washer fluid, and jumper cables.
I usually carry around a small blanket just in case!
make sure inside window are clean, extra cups and water fresh, maps if no nav systym.
There is not use in winterizing a vehicle where I live, we very seldom have a winter, now summers are a different matter altogether.
I fill the fluids on my car to get ready for winter. And a little Anti-Freeze.
We live in Florida, so we have extra bottled water and a first aid kit.
keep a blanket in the car
I get my car ready for the winter by putting blankets, flashlights, a lantern and a first aid kit too.
ginaferrell3 at yahoo dot com
I have deicer on hand In case I need to in the mornings.
i put take it to get checked to make sure it has antifreeze
I get the fluid levels checked whenever the oil is changed and keep an emergery kit in the trunk of the car.
I just check the anti-freeze and add more if I need it.
check that the fluids have antifreeze in it, have a scraper for the windshields ready
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
I DO live in MN and winter driving is not to be taken lightly, you better pay attention and use caution! I have my car checked out by my mechanic, have them put it on the computer and check it out. I DO have a snowmobile suit and sorrel boots and a blanket in the car!
i change the windshield wipers, put a blanket in the trunk, an ice/snow scraper on the floor, fill the wiper fluid, check the antifreeze and tire pressure.
I always make sure to the get the oil changed and the tires rotated to best keep the car functioning.
tommygirl828 (at) gmail (dot) com
well, for me, it's bring to a service station to get winterized, because i don't know what to do - i know you need antifreeze...
sarah hirsch
windshield solvent. In Michigan, you need this all winter long or you cant see when the salt gets on your window! Keep an extra gallon of it in your car.
like2sweep@gmail.com
Beth H
i get an inspection and fluids checked, antifreeze etc.
michigan can have tough winters, so i always change my tires, change my wind shield wipers and put in some wiper fluid. and put a warm blanket behind seat because u just never know..
kadia3 at yahoo dot com
Making sure fluids are filled, tires are properly inflated and the ice scraper is ready to scrape!
amyleda37@yahoo.com I keep a flashlight ,water,blanket in the car. Probly not enough.thanks for the chance.
I make sure the tire pressure is correct and that it has all the proper amounts of fluids in it that it needs.
Also carry extra weight in the trunk to give better traction.
make the windshield washer fluid is always filled
I like to keep a flashlight, batteries, extra gloves and a blanket as well as water.
Make sure you have jumper cables in your car. s2inamug at aim dot com
I call my son over and he takes care of everything for me.
Make sure you have a first aid kit and a winter survival kit in your car!
Change your coolant.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Check your tires and change your batteries.
Love3570@aol.com
I would love to win this prize.
Make sure you have a good snow brush ready long before the snow just in case!
Thanks,
selinda_mccumbers at yahoo.com
Check the tires!
ijessica_r at yahoo dot com
I could definitely use this kit!!
always have blankets in the car...always check tires etc.
check the fluids and tires.
we have mild winters, but I check oil and tires in late fall
check my tires and fluid levels
In late fall, I make sure my car has had a complete inspection, fixed any problems.
writer61@yahoo.com
Keep the deicer container full
Change to winter tires
Winter tires!
orangestar17(at)hotmail(dot)com
I keep some of my winter safety gear(hand warmers, a blanket) in the car itself, rather than in the trunk with the rest of it, just in case it is impossible or unsafe to get out of the vehicle in an emergency.
We get winter tires and check all of our fluids to ensure that they are full and the right type :)
Checking fluids and regular maintenance.
I make sure that the tire pressure is good.
I make sure the fluids are good.
I put salt and wiper fluid in the car with me. I make sure I have scrapers in the car.
My tip for getting the car ready for winter? Mention to my husband that it's time. He's so good to me.
Carry duct tape, Extra Fluids, Water, A basic tool set, Duct tape can be used as a patch on a leaking hose, & A Belt.
Put snow brush and scraper in car.
Keep a scraper with you at all times, and have extra blankets just in case.
I put some extra things in the car, wipes, napkins, scrapper, gloves, socks, etc. Then every winter I put down another mat over the regualar mats for my car...so I can throw them out after winter and it saves my carpet.
make sure you filled all your fuels up.
We make sure to have a couple of blankets stored and jumper cables in the stow and go storage compartment.
check fluids and tires every month!
seyma_bennett@hotmail.com
I keep lots of de-icer in the car for those early morning wake-ups!
check fluids & tire pressures - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
Plenty of windshield wiper fluid!
I like to keep a bag of sand or kitty litter in the back of my car just in case I get stuck on ice
Always make sure we have a blanket and extra gloves in the car, a bottle of water and a flashlight.
make sure there is coolant so your heater works.
have emergency kit including battery cables in your car, carawling(at)hotmail(dot)com
I get my oil changed, my antifreeze checked & have all the belts and hoses checked.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I replace my regular wipers with winter ones!
My husband got caught up in a REALLY nasty storm a few years ago, so in addition to all of the emergency supplies, I also make sure that
My husband got caught up in a REALLY nasty storm a few years ago, so in addition to all of the emergency supplies, I also make sure that
I always put a bag of blankets and have kitty litter in the trunk in case I need traction.
The biggest thing for us is to make sure our tires are safe. Ohio winters are pretty rough, with lots of snow, so it's really important to have enough tread on your tires.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
Getting a tune up & putting in winter stuff.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
Have all the fluids checked and put the snow shovel in the trunk!
I like to put a bag of cat litter or sand in the back. It weighs it down (a bit), and then you can use it for traction if you get stuck in ice.
Leslie Galloway (LesGalloway //at// hotmail //dot// com) www.facebook.com/GallowayLeslie
I make sure to have my car maintenance for winter and keep fresh water in the car. Thanks!
romapup at gmail dot com
Make sure the antifreeze and jumper cables are in the trunk
make sure your tires are winterweather safe. Also review how to drive on ice and snow. The car manual addresses what you should and should not do based on what brake assists and computerized aids the vehicle has. It can be very different from what we were taught when starting to drive and that difference can mean losing control
checking to make sure your tires have proper treat, make sure your snow broom is in your car, and if you drive a small pickup, put bags of sand in the bed of it for extra weight!
omgababy at gmail
we put a blanket and ice scraper in each of our cars in case we get stranded.
Thanks,Karen
lemontart5kb at gmail dot com
We keep a box in the trunk with blankets, ice scrapers, key hole warmers and such.
how useful!
I take it in to my regular service shop and let "my guys" handle it for me! They haven't failed me yet!
I always get snow tires and an oil change and won't go anywhere without a lock deicer and window scraper.
Making sure all the service is up to date.
I make sure I have water and nonperishable food in the car. Stephaknee737 at yahoo (dot) com
I make sure the wiper fluid is full and keep a blanket in the car
sweepymummy at yahoo dot com
snow tires!
Extra blankets!
check your tires for proper inflation and thread wear
Check the wiper blades & replace if necessary.
Checking tires, fluids, and blankets/water stock in the trunk!
I make sure I have an extra blanket and coat in the car. I check the fluids, tires, etc.
I keep my car ready for winter by keeping blankets and water in the car. I also keep plenty of gas in the tank at all times.
keep a spare blanket in the car and water
putting emergency items in the car
Definitely here in Colorado you need an extra blanket, a show shovel, and either sand, kitty litter, or ice melt for traction. Luckily I haven't had to use either but I do have them if needed!
well my son works for sears auto in the mall i take my car to him
keep a blanket and flashlight in the car
I get my oil changed, my fluids checked, and change my tires. I also put an extra change of clothes, a blanket, and bottles of water and non-perishable food snacks in the trunk for emergencies.
Always keep a wool blanket and glove, hats, and scarves in the car during winter.
get snow tires, have your oil & battery changed,
Make sure your tires are in good condition. Thanks for the giveaway.
We always make sure that the tires are in good condition and are inflated properly. With temperature changes, they usually deflate which is unsafe and reduces gas mileage.
I had to have windshield replaced recently ,so I got new wipers and filled washer and checked anti-freeze .I am ready ,I hope for winter.
I pack blankets and make sure I don't forget my cell phone at home like I normally do.
we put blankets in the van and make sure we carry our jackets w/just in case...and always make sure we're gassed up.
REstocking my first aid kit.
keep a blanket in the car and always bring a coat
Make sure the family is properly dressed for the weather before going anywhere.
Entered under Jill L
Winter travel is not a major problem in this area, but since I grew up in Minnesota, I still check the antifreeze and make certain I have blankets, etc., in the car.
cgclynsg0 @ gmail dot com
my hubby usually changes all the fluids and checks the tires..he wants to oil undercoat the car to prevent rust also
my tip is to check fluids, tire pressure
ardy22 at earthlink dot net
My husband starts and heats it up for me in the morning.
Put a warm blanket in the trunk.
Car gets a complete work up and emergency supplies are stocked in the car.
In Canada we would be sure to carry Ice Melt, a scraper and an extra blanket or two. Now that we're in a little different climate, I'm not sure what we'll need, but I like to keep water and a few snacks in the car at all times, because you never know when you or someone else may need it.
We do not have emergency kit!
i put blankets and a flashlight in my car
Keep it in the garage and check that antifreeze.
Putting in blankets and keeping the gas tank full
we keep water softener salt in the trunk both for the weight for traction and to melt the snow/ice if we get stuck
I got an oil change.
I keep a blanket in the trunk
I get the car eninge ready.. check house, replace anti-freeze. rotate the tires. tune-up
make sure it's washed! If you wash it in the winter you will have frozen doors!
Because we spend winter sin Florida I don't do much to our car but be sure there is a scraper in the trunk in case we have to head north anytime. Also Antifreeze too.
Donnie W
ki4ggs@gmail.com
We have a family of 9 so being prepared is a must. We always put blankets, boots and handwarmers in the trunk. Along with water and flashlights.
putting a snow shovel in my trunk =)
Miz Vickik
I just make sure to get my preventative maintenance done so that everything is up-to-date.
ericacarnes(at)gmail(dot)com
regular maintenance!
I put a box of hand warmers in the car, just in case I ever get stranded. :)
Always keep rock salt in the trunk just in case it gets icy!
I had a tune up, anti-freeze check and put on snow tires. (Corey Olomon)
Make sure that my car and tires are in good condition, and replace my wiper blades.
I check the air pressure in my tires.
I make sure and put cat litter in the truck for traction and weight plus a blanket and glowsticks for the early dark evenings.
Make sure to check all the fluids every day during the winter! The last thing you want is for your engine to seize up on the road in the middle of winter. Been there!
we pack extra items in the car in case we get in a bind. We change out the wipers and check the tires.
I have my car checked out and I stock it with food, water and blankets
morganowl28 at gmail dot com
well my mom puts extra umbrellas and blankets in the car and gets it all cheked out for winter i would be giving this to her
We check all the fluids and add antifreeze. Weather doesn't get too bad here. keep a blanket in the car.
Make sure it has antifreeze in it.
hd6719@gmail.com
I have my tires checked.
I leave a blanket in my car & a flashlight just in case.
Make sure your tires have the right amount of air and they still have enough life to withstand the winter.
I keep a bag of sand in the trunk along with a safety kit that has a blanket, granola bars, bottled water, etc.. in it just in case :)
Make sure you've got a blanket and maybe even an extra sweater in there just in case!
We just got new tires and of course, good wiper blades are a must!!
I do check the antifreeze and tires.
Anti freeze and winter tires
gfc- jessica.goodwill
I'm from south Florida, so all I do is run my yearly check to make sure my all-seasons emergency kit is stocked and in order!
I make sure I have antifreeze, and some defrost liquid for my windshield. I always have blankets in the car.
vikki.billings@yahoo.com
i do not have alot of money so the best thing i can do is fill up the fluids and pray
Always restock your first aid kit when winter nears!
Carry a blanket and warm clothing in the trunk and also some cat litter. :)
Always have a CD case handy in case you need an impromptu ice scrapper.
I make sure I have a blanket, water, oil and ice removing devices in the car.
We examine the car more than usual in the winter and make sure to always have a working flashlight and lots of water as well as blankets!
This would be cool to win
We always keep some rock salt in the trunk.
tdlsfm(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have good winter tires installed and carry a snowshovel and cat litter and booster cables and a blanket in the trunk, just in case. Thanks for this contest!
We put on snow tires!
cc_girly(at)yahoo(dot)com
Always bring something in your purse to defrost the locks with, whether it's home made or store bought.
MARY DEBORDE
Antifreeze! But I really do need an emergency kit :)
Checked my AAA membership, waxed the car, oil change, breaks fixed, tires rotated...now ready for any weather.
Snack foods, flashlight, batteries, blankets and water.
we always have an emergency kit in my car (hubby doesn't though!). To get ready for winter I have snow tires put on the car.
check all fluids, tire pressure, and brakes are the main things in my opinion
I have the car seviced for winter. Make sure clean antifreeze and wiper blades are added and tires pressure is correct. garrettsambo@aol.com
Thanks for the giveaway...if your state / community uses salt or other deicing chemicals on roads / highways, be sure to get the undercarriage & wheel wells of your vehicle washed every week to prevent corrosion of metal surfaces.
senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com
Post a Comment