Winter has already made it’s appearance here in the Northeast. I honestly don’t mind snow. I just hate shoveling it and driving in it. I’m also not too fond of what it does to my car. All that rock salt does a lot of damage to your car, not to mention it makes your car look very dirty and disgusting.
I live within walking distance of a car wash. Every time there is a nice sunny day during the Winter months the car wash is packed. People line up around the block to get all the dirt and salt washed off their car.
I am a paranoid driver when it snows. If I so much as see a snowflake when I’m driving I panic. Many years ago my car lost control during a snowstorm and spun around several times (going down a steep hill no less). Thankfully I wasn’t hurt and my car was not damaged. The only “damage” was to my psyche. Now whenever it snows I freak out if I have to drive in it.
It’s very important that you make sure your car is in tip top shape before the the Winter starts. By taking some precautions you can help protect your car and your safety.
Here are some great tips from the International Carwash Association (ICA) for getting your car ready for winter. 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.
5 Tips to Getting Your Car Ready For Winter
Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash – It may seem counterintuitive to get your car nice and shiny for what’s 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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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 would like to add to these tips.
Check your tires. Replace balding tires and use snow tires whenever possible. The last thing you want is to slide around on slick roads with bald tires.
Join a roadside assistance club. Like my mom used to always say to me, “Better safe than sorry”. Some clubs are only a few dollars a month and pay for themselves the first time you need a tow or a jump start.
Keep a change of clothing in your car. Just in case you find yourself stuck on the side of the road and you get wet, the last thing you want is to have to sit in your car and wait for help in wet clothing in freezing temperatures.
Always make sure your cell phone is charged. It’s also a great idea to keep a charger in your car just in case.
Keep an inexpensive box of kitty litter in your trunk. Not only will it add weight to your car (which is good when you are dealing with slick roads), you can also use it for traction if you find that your car is stuck in snow or mud.
These are just a few of the tips off the top of my head. I’m sure I’ll think of more.
For more information about Water Savers visit WashWithWaterSavers.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
I have a special Winter Emergency Kit to give to a lucky reader, compliments of ICA and WaterSavers. The prize contains the following must have essentials.
- 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
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on November 23, 2012 at 12:01 AM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
To enter please leave a comment on this post and share with my some other great tips you might have on staying safe (and warm!) during the winter months. If you do not live in an area where you have to worry about Winter feel free to comment on any other driving tip or survival tip you might have.
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.
Kimberly
*I received a sample kit in exchange for my participation. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.
Maureen says
Make sure that you have some water and perhaps some saltines in the car and a blanket.
Claire says
Be really careful when driving – don’t go over the speed limit!
Alicia K says
i always keep an extra blanket in my trunk
domestic diva says
We always keep an extra warm layer in the car.
Virginia Rowell says
I don’t have to worry too much about winter but I always have my car stocked with emergency supplies with a blanket, medical supplies, tools and lots of other things.
Chriss says
I always keep an extra blanket in the car and make sure there are jumper cables in there too.
debbie jackson says
I keep an extra blanket and jumper cables also debbie jackson
djackson1958 at hotmail dot com
Marti Parks says
I keep a small survival tool in my purse. I’ve had people look at me a little crazy, but you never know when something like that can come in handy.
Marti Parks says
I shared on Facebook. I wasn’t sure if I should comment in the extra info section of the rafflecopter or here so I did it in both places.
https://www.facebook.com/marti.parks/posts/132782060205946
Kelly R. says
Extra clothes, just in case you get really wet in a storm or from the snow. Blanket in the car and don’t forget about extra water if you travel with your pets.
Saundra M says
Everyone should keep a small emergency kit in their car, because you just never know when you may need it.
Nancy says
You should keep a blanket, flashlight if it’s dark, bottles of water, and extra clothing in the trunk. OH, and fully charge your cell phone before going any where. Hey, you never know.
Kimberly Bauer says
After living through Sandy and not having power for 2 WEEKS! my best advice is to make sure you have a generator. I would not have been able to stay in my home with 4 kids if I couldn’t get the heat on!
Catie says
Be mindful of the cars around you! Keep a safe distance – black ice can come out of nowhere and cause accidents if you are not cautious.
Debra F says
I always try to keep a huge distance between the car in front of me and my bumper!
crochet4hats[at]gmail[dot]com
Debra Hall says
as soon as summer is over i buy sand and put in the trunk
Michelle Dehowy says
Keep an extra blanket in your vehicle.
D Schmidt says
I do not live in an area with snow but in general we keep blankets, food, torches and water in the car.
Barbara Stenby says
we live in NY and it’s very hilly where we live. Our only vehicle is a cargo van so in winter we like to keep heavy sand bags in the back because it is so light, not only does it help weighing the back down w/ traction it can be used if you get stuck
Kelly D says
My tip is to make sure your tires are prepared for winter driving, or better yet, putting snow tires on. Keeping extra clothes and blankets in the car and always having extra water on hand & a your cell ( I used to forget that one!)
C.j. says
Go 15 under the speed limit in snow., keep extra hats and gloves in the car I also keep a cell phone charger toilet paper (hey there’s not always a tree near by to be discreet) and water and protein foods: slim jims, granola water and sugar packets for quick energy Also having heavy duty floor mats can help too especially with excess water from snow boots. I also have a small shovel and salt in a small stainless steel container. I’ve been stranded before with no emergency kit and its no fun being on a roadside for hours
Jackie says
I buy packages of hand and feet warmers to use when we are outside.
Kim Henrichs says
I keep matches, flashlights, a blanket and water in my trunk always. Sometimes litter for the tires as well.
Wendy McBride says
always make sure to take warm clothing, jackets, gloves and keep blankets and supply of water, flashlights, canned goods available in the car.
wendym at cableone dot net
Kristie says
Make sure to have an ice scraper and be sure to clear away snow and ice so you can see well before driving.
L. says
Make frequent rest stops. Know how to recover from skids. Slow down.
Becky Davis says
i make sure to keep flash lights, blanket and jumper cables in the car. After reading this, I need to put more in there for emergency situations.
Sonya says
an extra blanket & an emergency kit
Jessica To says
I keep flash sticks or glow sticks in my truck to alert people if I am stranded in the snow.
debbie says
I keep those hand warmers that heat up in the glove compartment.
Jennifer Rote says
We always keep a warm blanket and a tarp in the trunk.
Brooke Adametz says
I always keep my gas tank full! During one bad snowstorm my husband’s 30 min commute turned into 2 hours and people were running out of gas!
Joanna says
I never let my tank get less than 1/2 empty during inclement weather. Also, I carry a warm blanket and instant hand warmers just in case of a break down.
Nancy says
Keep some extra food in the car – packaged nuts, water, granola bars, etc. – in case you get stranded!
Tammy S says
I always keep some bottled water and snack sin the car.
april yedinak says
My tip is to keep space blankets, candles and a tin can (for a portable heater), bottled water and granola bars. Also, make sure someone knows where you are going and when you should be back, that way someone knows where to look for you.
micki63 says
My tip is to have a warm blanket, hat, gloves and socks in your car in case you get wet during a snowstorm. I also keep a supply of granola bars and water in my car in case I get stranded (God forbid!)
Marty Harris says
Where extra socks
Vicki Wurgler says
I keep blankets and a flashlight in my car
Kimberly Schotz says
I always carry a first aid kit
Kims2312@verizon.net
Ellen says
Emergency snack pack in case you get stranded in your car!
allyson tice says
I always keep blankets in the car along with extra clothing!
jenny green says
I juet moved to colorado and i plan on staulyong in when it snows and drinking hot peppermint tea
tam childers says
always keep extra jackets and blankets in the car
Sarah Hall says
My tip is to always let someone know where you are going and when you will return if you are driving in winter weather. I used to drive 7 miles late at night when I got off work in snow and ice but my husband knew when to expect me and when to start worrying and come looking for me.
Stephanie Grant says
I always keep extra blankets and flash lights in my car for just in case during the winter months as well as keeping a can of de-icer in the glove box!
julie cutshaw says
I keep a bunch of extra socks in my car which are needed if you have to walk in the snow and can be used over your hands. i keep hard candy in my car too, diabetics blood sugar drops if your really cold so the candy can save your life from insulin shock. a tip i use is to keep a tin can, tea candle and pocket lighter in the glove compartment which can serve as a hot plate to warm up anything or melt snow for water needs
sewitupjulie@gmail.com
Louis says
have an emergency and first aid kit in the car
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
clarissa says
the best tip I have is that if the weather is real bad or they are warning on the news it will be getting very bad soon…then don’t go out when its not necessary!
Rhonda S. Phillips-Tenderholt says
we keep blankets in our vehicle. I like the idea of keep protein snacks, hats/gloves, etc.
Melissa P. @Mel4Him says
Check the air pressure in your tires. Temperature differences can cause them to lose air.
Megan says
I keep fleece blankets in the car for my kids because you aren’t supposed to use winter coats in carseats.
Cindy Merrill says
My best tip is to keep a bag of sand or kitty litter in the car- as well as a small shovel- it’s really handy if your car runs into a snow drift.
BusyWorkingMama says
Keep your pantry stocked with non-perishables.
Jan says
Safety first in the winter: my car always has a blanket and extra warm coat in the trunk, in case my car stalls on cold day.
Rochelle says
I always keep fresh water in my car. Thanks!
Patti Hess says
My tip is to make sure the car is in good running condition, have blankets and non perishable food and bottled water
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thank you
Lauren says
I suggest making sure your car is checked over before bad weather hits, and always drive with a blanket on hand and a cell phone
Shelley P says
If taking a road trip always tell someone where you are going, the route you will be taking and when you should be back.
Natalie Finch says
I live in a rural area so I often don’t even have cell reception. We keep an emergency kit, including shovels in both our cars. I also keep a folgers coffee tin with candles and matches. I try to avoid bad weather whenever possible as well, and tell someone your route if you have to go out in poor weather!
christine jessamine says
my tip is to always have extra blankets and multiple emergency kits
dana says
having a portable jump starter is always good!
Vicki Howes says
The best thing I’ve ever done for snow emergencies was get married.
sandy weinstein says
keep extra food and bottled water in the car, a fully charged cell phone, pocket hand warmers, milar blanket as well as reg. blanket, bags of cat litter, carboard, shovel….
Marci says
Always have water and blankets in the car as well an extra pair of gloves.
Brynn says
Spray vinegar on your car windows and windshields and it will keep them from icing over!
Carly says
Always keep extra water with you.
Cori Westphal says
I live in MN. And here, we always have to be prepared for a stall in the winter. I keep a bag with extra blankets, granola bars, water, flashlights and a few other things, just in case!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tammy says
I’m pretty sure you thought of them all! Love the Kitty Litter one. We always have space blankets in our vehicles in winter, and of course a first aid kit, and we always make sure we have some sort of food and bottled water.