Winter Car Care Tips
Promotional item received. All opinions are my own.
Americans’ love affair with their cars is well documented, along with the dollars they spend each year to keep them running. This is particularly evident in the winter time when the harsh elements can challenge even the most conscientious car owners. One thing’s for sure: Keeping your vehicle in good condition will ensure a safer ride in the short term and a higher resale or trade-in value down the road.
So, before the cold weather takes hold for good, we’ve included the following tips to help your vehicles weather just about any storm!
A clean car is your first line of defense against winter. While the winter season typically takes a toll on your car, proper maintenance can go a long way to preserving your investment. For example, according to the International Carwash Association®, getting a new wash and a fresh coat of wax before the temperature starts to fluctuate can be your first line of defense against winter elements like ice, salt, sand and slush.
Vehicular corrosion also occurs most quickly when temperatures rise and then fall below freezing. That’s why most auto manufacturers recommend getting your car washed and waxed at a professional car wash twice a month, especially during the winter.
1. Using a WaterSavers® Car Wash can is a strong first step to ensuring that your car will be ready to withstand the winter elements – inside and out. It’s also a great way to protect the environment. For example, these car washes typically use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash. Learn more and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.
2. Rotate your tires. Most people know they should get their oil changed every 3,000 miles, but many forget their tires need maintenance as well. Tires should be rotated before winter and then again every 6,000 miles.
3. Add some winter weight to your oil. Changing your oil and filter is especially important during the winter. Drivers who live in a colder climate should consider changing to heavier, winter-weight oil during the winter months.
4. Take care of your wiper blades. Your windshield wiper blades are your first line of defense when the snow starts to fly. Make sure your wiper blades are in good, working order and replace them if you have doubts. It’s better to make this change now instead of finding out your blades aren’t working when you really need them.
5. Take your car in for a tune-up. Any noises, pings or sluggish starts you currently notice will only intensify as the temperature drops. It’s best to get your vehicle in for a tune-up as soon as possible to get any issues addressed.
6. Give your steering some power. Check your powering steering fluid each month, and make sure the car is warmed up before you do so. If you find the level is low, look for leaks in the hoses or pump. Low power steering fluid will make your car more difficult to steer, which is something you’ll want to avoid as the roads get slick.
7. Protect yourself from carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous at any time, but they are especially deadly during the winter when you will be driving your vehicle with the windows closed. Have your exhaust system checked to make sure no leak exists.
8. Apply the brakes. Besides the seatbelt, your car’s brakes are its most important safety feature. This is especially true in the winter when slippery conditions can make stopping difficult. Before the first snow fall, bring your car to an experienced mechanic to verify that your brakes are ready for the season.
Cold winter temperatures mean vehicle maintenance is even more important. By following these simple tips listed above, you’ll be able to ward off winter’s harshest advances, protect your investment and those who ride inside of it.
To learn more about protecting the value of your vehicle, visit Washwithwatersavers.com.
Connect with WaterSavers:
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ONE OurKidsMom reader is going to win a WaterSavers Winter Prize Pack!
o Thermal travel mug
o Fleece travel blanket
o Hand Mitt ice scraper
o $30 VISA Gift Card
This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2015.
Green car washes save water and recycle the water
I learned that the closest Water Savers location is 21 miles away from me in Mahopac, NY
I entered the SOL Republic Tracks Air Headphones GIVEAWAY
I entered the Silverlit Heli Beast GIVEAWAY
I learned that WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution and saves up to 40 gallons of water per car wash.
I learned that a recent study of more than 5 million car washes revealed the rate of damage to be less than one-tenth of one percent!
I learned that if you are going to conduct a car wash fundraiser in a parking lot. Instead, contact a WaterSavers® car wash to ask about fundraising options, to avoid polluting the waterways, Thank you!
I entered night at the museum giveaway.
I entered winter and fire safety giveaway
I learned: That a clean car has less wind resistance, so better fuel economy.
I learned there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America.
I entered your Night at the Museum giveaway.
I learned water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
I like clean cars have less air resistance and better fuel mileage.
What I like is there is a location less than 2 miles from my house!
I learned that water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
I entered your Night at the Museum giveaway
Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons in five minutes.
I learned that car washes must meet certain requirements to participate in the WaterSavers program.
I went to their site and I learned when you wash your car on pavement, the rinse water runoff — along with all the chemicals it contains — can go to storm drains that empty directly into rivers and streams. This pollution has been proven to negatively impact aquatic life and ecosystems.
I entered the headphones giveaway.
entered night at the museum
Thanks for this giveaway.
I learned the water used in WaterSavers car washes is cleaned through filtration or treatment systems prior to returning to the environment.
I learned they have charity car washes around the country.
I learned that there is a carwarsh using watersavers only 12 miles from me.
I learned washing vehicles on pavement causes harm to local waterways
I also entered the Kidde, and Paddington giveaways
I learned: WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
That a clean car has less wind resistance, so better fuel economy.
learned WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution and saves up to 40 gallons of water per car wash.
Read more at http://www.ourkidsmom.com/2014/12/winter-car-care-tips/#wLeM7Ui0AB0SLe95.99
There’s one near me: Bucky’s Car Wash
1398 S Wadsworth
Lakewood, CO 80232, US
Thanks for the contest.
I learned that there is Watersavers Car Wash less than 2 miles from me.
I learned Watersavers uses less than 40 gallons of fresh water per car.
I love that water savers prevents pollution!
I learned that Hofffman Car Wash is 16 miles away and they are a member.
I learned that WaterSavers use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. That’s less than most washing machines 🙂
I learned there are no watersavers near me :(. I even put in surrounding zip codes with no luck. I do like the idea though and would use them if there was one locally.
I learned that they have a widget so you can locate the closest Water Savers location.
love that it is safer for the environment
Visited the site and learned WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly.
I like how the car washes save more water
I learned they offer different fundraising options for organizations thru charity car washes.
I learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that the average home laundry machine can use up to 45 gallons of water per load!
I learned the closest location is only 4 miles from my house!
I learned they do charity washes to help protect the environment
I learned that using a WaterSavers carwash will use less water than simply using a hose at home plus the water is safely returned to the environment without dangerous chemicals.
I learned that using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes.
I learned that this prevents pollution.
There are no WaterSavers car washes in my area! This is such a great idea!
I learned that the closest car wash to me is 20 miles away.
The product is economical in that it saves water.
WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly.
I learned that there are no Water Savers within miles of me.
I entered to win a Night at the Museum prize pack
I used the location finder and found a water savers location 2.02 miles down the road. It is actually the place we get our oil changed so we should get our car washed too
I learned that water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
Something I learned – water that enters sanitary sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged.
thank you
I learned that watersavers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash!
Entered the Paddington the Movie giveaway.
Entered the Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb
giveaway
I like their criteria!
i learned there is more than 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America
I learned that a clean car has less wind resistance
Thanks for the chance to win this!
I learned that WaterSave uses les.a water to clean a car than most washing machines
I learned WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
Washing your car and a Water Savers keeps the water off your driveways.
I learned that having a clean car means less wind resistance and therefore better fuel economy!
I like that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that Using a WaterSavers wash ensures that you are using less water than regular driveway or pavement washing,
I learned that they have a location just 5 miles from my house 🙂
I learned that there are good reasons to wash your car and do it responsibly and save water.
I learned that 190 gallons (719 liters) of gasoline, diesel and motor oil was found in storm sewer system from residential car washing
I learned I’m saving time and money by going to a professional car wash.
I learned water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
kport207 at gmail dot com
i learned that car washes use less water
There is a waters savers location 2.39 miles from my house!!!
Entered night at the museum
Entered paddington giveaway
I learned their car washes use no more than 40 gallons of water and that the water is sent to be cleaned before being released back to the environment or reused!
I learned splahcarwash is is in my state
Entered silvelit
Entered kidde
Better fuel on cars that are clean! I never knew that.
Their car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I never knew that such car washes existed…that is cool that they reclaim the water and filter it.
I had never considered how washing my car was a good thing for my health until reading this website! Keeps the bacteria away!!
I learned that their car wash uses less water for one wash than the average home washing machine – amazing!
I like the fact of doing “small” things to keep ourselves from harming the environment. This seems like one of those things that is easy to use/do and provides some meaningful defenses to our pollution-ways.
I really like how interactive the website it. It makes it fun to explore and learn. Thanks for the chance to win!
I love that they use less water than washing your car at home.
I learned that its not the best to wash your car on your paved driveway
love the saving of water for sure. thankyou, ken
I found out that you can do a charity car wash at their facilities. Thank you!!
I learned that All of the water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly
Using a water hose at home can use more than 60 gallons in 5 minutes
I learned that WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution and saves up to 40 gallons of water per car wash.
I learned that according to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the average home laundry machine can use up to 45 gallons of water per load. Holy cow!!! That is A LOT of water!!! Eeeeek!
Maureen
maureen.tenney@gmail.com
Learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.
I learned that using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes.
I liked their reminder/tip #8 about cleaning your car’s interior to help remove bacteria.
It’s nice they give you reasons to wash your car. My favorite is making sure you can see well and that the headlights aren’t fogged over.
I learned When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I learned that average of no more than 40 gallons is used to wash cars
I learned that washing cars on pavement causes harm to local waterways.
I learned that When you wash your car on pavement, the rinse water runoff — along with all the chemicals it contains — can go to storm drains that empty directly into rivers and streams.
I learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance? That means better fuel economy
I learned a lot actually! The first thing I learned was that when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers. I had no idea and never really thought about it, now I will!
Professional car washes are safer for the environment than washing a car at home and on pavement.
More than 5 million car washes revealed the rate of damage to be less than one-tenth of one percent.
I didn’t really think about how much I was polluting the soil when washing my car in the driveway and letting the soap run off into the grass..
I learned that there is one close to me! I’ll have to check it out!
I learned that washing my car on pavement is harmful…
Reasons to wash your car
I learned that there is a location less than 7 miles from my home.
i like that their car washes uses less fresh water, filter the used water, and keep pollutants out of rivers
I learned that The water used in WaterSavers car washes is cleaned through filtration or treatment systems prior to returning to the environment, or it is used again.
I learned that the using a garden hose at home to wash a car can use more than 60 gallons in as little as five minutes.
I entered the Silverlit Heli Beast giveaway.
I entered the Night at the Museum giveaway.
Entered Sol Republic giveaway!
Using a garden water hose you use over 50 gallons in 5 minutes.
WaterSavers car washes is cleaned through filtration or treatment systems prior to returning to the environment
watersavers send water from their car washes to the treatment plant rather than just letting it run on the ground
entered night at the museum
I learned that there are NOT any Watersavers Locations within 25 miles of where I live!! How sad!!
entered heli beast
I learned that they offer different fundraising options for organizations, including pre-paid ticket sales that eliminate rain day uncertainty.
I entered the Silverlit Heli Beast and Night at the Museum giveaways
Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons.
I had no clue that such technology even existed! Reclaiming the used water: genius! I wish there was one near me.
I learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance and that gives you better fuel economy.
WaterSavers® car washes use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. All of that water is either recycled or returned to the environment cleanly.
Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes.
entered Night At The Museum
I learned that there are 3 locations in my city.
Learned that there is a limit on amount of water to be used – 40 gallons
learned that Water Savers car wash saves 40 gallons of water per car wash
I learned that if I clean my car there will be less wind resistance
WaterSavers is a recognition program from the International Carwash Association that helps consumers find environmentally friendly car washes.
I learned the water savers location is 8 miles from me
I learned the average wash load uses up to 45 gallons of water
I entered the UKonserve giveway
entered u konserve
I learned that there is a Watersavers car wash quite convenient to me. Living near the bay, we are aware of how much the marine life can be affected by such things.
I learned that car washes have to meet certain requirements before they can participate in the WaterSavers program.
A clean car has less wind resistance.
I apologize. I’m so used to doing at least 3 of your contests at a time I automatically clicked on ‘enter another giveaway’. Except right now there are only two open.
I learned that they have charities!
I learned that water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
A good reason to wash you car. Washing regularly keeps windshields, mirrors and signal lights clean. You will see more of the road, and others will be better able to see you.
there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America.
Entered u konserve
i learned that a washing your car at the carwash saves 40 gallons of water.
I learned, –According to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, the average home laundry machine can use up to 45 gallons of water per load.
I learned that its better for the environment to go to a carwash
I’d never thought about it, but learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance.
I learnt that your pavement can pollute your soil.
I learned that residential car washing can waste 190 gallons (719 liters) of gasoline, diesel and motor oil!!!!! Can you fricken believe that? I’m absolutely flabbergasted! Who would think that would waste that much!
I liked that when I put in my zip code after clicking on the locations tab, I found out my hometown has two of their car washes.
entered your Neutrogena giveaway
Entered Neutrogena giveaway
Entered neutrogenia
that WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution and saves up to 40 gallons of water per car wash.
I learned that car washing led to 2,200 pounds of surfactants being released into the local storm sewer system.
I learned that a cleaner car means less wind resistance and better fuel mileage. Who knew??
I learned that WaterSavers members must use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of potable/fresh water per car in conveyor and in-bay/roll-over systems.
I entered the Netrogena giveaway
i ;earned that there is a WaterSavers 6 1/2 miles away from my home.
Entered the-Neutrogena Fights Unseen Acne | $50 Walmart #GIVEAWAY.
I like this fact of it WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment love too help the environment as much as possible here
I learned that Quickie’s Quality Car Wash offers water savers .
I make sure mywiper blades are in good shape but I try not to replace them. After they go thru the battle of winder ice, then I put on new blades for the spring rains. And yes, you need to make sure you have winter quality washer fluid in the car.
I learned the water is put through a filtration system and then reused
Thanks for the chance
entered Neutrogena
Entered this giveaway: Neutrogena Fights Unseen Acne | $50 Walmart #GIVEAWAY
Read more at http://www.ourkidsmom.com/2015/01/neutrogena-fights-unseen-acne/#Az0l04YlwZzmmwUj.99
I learned to check the tire pressure.
like the Reasons to Wash Your Car list
you can use up to 60 gallons of water in 5 min while washing your car with a hose
Auto Bell is close to us.
The Water Savers Car washes uses only 40 gallons per car of fresh water and reuses the water.
I learned Water Savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
The Watersavers concept is great, but unfortunately I found that the nearest location is over 50 miles from here–closer to 75, actually. Too bad. I hope one opens closer, because I’d go there, for sure.
I entered the Neutrogena/Wal-Mart GC giveaway.
I learned
Pavement Pollutes
When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I entered: http://www.ourkidsmom.com/2015/01/neutrogena-fights-unseen-acne/#comment-414772
I entered the Neutrogena giveaway.
Water savers prevents water pollution.
Entered the Neutrogena $50 Walmart giveaway.
I learned the closest location is only 6 miles from my home! I also learned that water savers washes only use 40 gallons of water or less per car wash!
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
I learned I can save a lot of money on carwarshes
With more than 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America, the enormity of the pollution problem becomes obvious.
washing vehicles on pavement causes harm to local waterways
I learned that they use very little water…less than my load of laundry. That is amazing.
I learned that all spray nozzles are inspected annually to ensure maximum efficiency of water used.
I learned that a clean car is more fuel efficient than a dirty car!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I learned about preventing water pollution!
I entered the Neutrogena/ Walmart gift card giveaway
I learned that you can save time and water by going to a WaterSaver car wash than washing your car at home!
I learned Vehicular corrosion also occurs most quickly when temperatures rise and then fall below freezing. That’s why most auto manufacturers recommend getting your car washed and waxed at a professional car wash twice a month, especially during the winter.
I learned water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash!
There are actually locations near me! How exciting! I will be checking them out next time I need a car wash!
Using a WaterSavers car wash only uses as much water a washing machine.
When you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.
I entered the Neutrogena giveaway.
I learned that I can “join the conversation” on twitter and Facebook to help spread the word about the advantages of professional car washes.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
Washing your car at home can be bad for the environment because the runoff can contain chemicals and grime that are harmful to soil and creeks.
I learned that a clean car can improve fuel economy.
I learned there are 300 million registered passenger vehicles in North America!
I learn that you can reuse the water that is used to wash your car by taking it to a carwash and keep the environment from getting polluted with harmful chemical.
learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment. AND no water savers car wash around me :/
There is a location within a few miles of my house.
I entered the $50 Walmart Gift Card.
I entered the U Konserve Reusable Lunch Sack giveaway
I learned washing your car pollutes the environment!
I found out that the closest Water Savers location is 21 miles away from me in Mahopac, NY
I learned that there are 2 Watersaver carwashes near me.
i learned that Nearly 1,500 locations worldwide are enrolled in the program based on their meeting water quality and usage standards.
I learned that there is a location fairly close to me.
I learned they use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car.
I learned there is a Water Saver car wash 12.7 miles from me.
I entered the $50 Walmart Gift Card and U Konserve Reusable Lunch Sack giveaways!
I found that water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
I learnt that Water Savers Car Washing saves 40 gallons of water per car!
WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution and saves up to 40 gallons of water per car wash.
I learned that going to WaterSavers car washes uses less water than washing your car at home
Driveway and parking lot washing can waste valuable gallons of water and pollute lakes, rivers and streams, as the runoff water contains harmful chemicals that will enter waterways through storm drains
I learned washing your car in your driveway can ut lots od pollutants in the waters. This is scary, because we wash the car often in the driveaway.
I learned that giving your car a good wash and wax before winter sets in is a good way to protect it.
I learned that when cars are washed on streets, parking lots and driveways, that dirty water eventually winds up in rivers, streams and lakes.
preventing water pollution
Green car washes save wate
I learned that washing your car at home results in dirty water contaminating rivers.
Very informative. I learned that WaterSavers car washes prevent water pollution and saves up to 40 gallons of water per car wash.
i learned that when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers, i guess i just never thought about it alot, now i will
I learned that car washes only have the rate of damage to be less than one-tenth of one percent
I learned that residential car washing leads to 190 gallons of gasoline, diesel and motor oil going into sewers.
I like that it conserves water.
I never gave much thought to a cleaner car having less wind resistance, and better fuel mileage.
I learned that water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash
I learned you can find charity car washes in your area.
They use no more than 40 gallons of fresh water to wash a car.
Thank You for the giveaway…regular car washes can help ameliorate the effects of your car’s exposure to acid rain, road salt, bird droppings and sun damage.
I learned that water savers car washes save 40 gallons of water per car wash.
I didn’t know that a clean car has less wind resistance.
I learned that something as simple as washing your car can pollute by chemicals washing down into the storm drains.
It is sad how much water a washer goes through (less than one of their car washes). Thank you
I learned that regular cleaning of your car’s interior can help keep away bacteria. 🙂 Makes sense to me.
I learned that When you wash your car on pavement, the rinse water runoff — along with all the chemicals it contains — can go to storm drains that empty directly into rivers and streams.