Five Tips for Getting Your Car Ready For Winter

Last Updated on August 14, 2020 by Ellen Christian

Winter has already arrived here in Vermont, and if it hasn’t yet in your area, it will be coming soon. Winter driving is not my favorite thing in the world, so I try hard to find tips for getting your car ready for winter. We live fairly far out from town, so I want to make sure that my care is in the best condition possible for winter. Here are a few tips for getting your car ready for winter that I hope will make winter driving easier for you. This post has been sponsored.

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Tips for getting your car ready for winter

Tips for 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’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.

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! Trust me, after breaking down on the side of the road a few weeks ago & losing coolant.  I have extra now.

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.

4. Test your battery – The next time you have the car in for an oil change, ask the mechanic to check 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.

Before the bad weather arrives, make sure that you follow these tips for getting your car ready for winter. Don’t wait until the snow falls before you prepare.

5 Tips for getting your car ready for winter

75 thoughts on “Five Tips for Getting Your Car Ready For Winter”

  1. i learned that 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.
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  2. Each participating car wash must annually reaffirm that it is meeting the above criteria, including inspection by a licensed plumber or distributor member.
    Reply
  3. I learned that A study by the City of Federal Way (Washington) found that residential car washing led to the following being released into their storm sewer system: 190 gallons (719 liters) of gasoline, diesel and motor oil 400 pounds of phosphorus and nitrogen 60 pounds of ammonia 2,200 pounds of surfactants 3,000 pounds of solids jofo120 at yahoo dot com
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  4. I learned that using a garden hose at home to wash your car, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes.
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  5. I learned that water entering storm drains, unlike water that enters sanitary sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged
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  6. Learned that when cars are washed on streets, parking lots and driveways, that dirty water eventually winds up in rivers, streams and lakes... not good!
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  7. I learned  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. diane(dot)wortman(at)gmail(dot)com
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  8. 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.
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  9. I've learned that "WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment" Thank You
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  10. I learned that all of their spray nozzles are inspected annually to ensure maximum efficiency of water used. It's cool that they are so responsible!
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  11. I learned that when my car is clean, their is less wind resistance...meaning better gas mileage. What a great tip for saving money. :) Thank you.
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  12. There are 6 water saving car washes within 15 miles of my house. One is my hubby's favorite self serve car wash. That makes me happy!
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  13. Professional car washes typically use 40 gallons of water and recycle most or all of the water while at home washes waste approx 60 gallons
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  14. . The WaterSavers® program also aims to inform consumers that professional car washes are safer for the environment than washing a car at home and on pavement.
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  15. WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment. These car washes also use only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash - less than the typical home washing machine.
    Reply
  16. I honestly never thought that washing my car at home was that bad...but seeing it from this perspective...UGH. Because of the drought, we didn't wash cars at home at all this year...but this is really good to keep in mind for the future...
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  17. I didn't know:  Did you know that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance? That means better fuel economy.
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  18. To earn the WaterSavers® designation, a car wash must: Water Quality Criteria Route all water discharge to a treatment facility or leech/septic field. Have a backflow prevention device installed and operable on the potable water supply
    Reply
  19. 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
    Reply
  20. I learned the nearest site to me is in the next state. Well maybe when we visit we can go there. Sounds interesting. My daughter would love it as she enjoys car washes.
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  21. When I use their car wash, not only do I SAVE myself hassle- but it is MUCH better for the environment for me to do it!!!! Instead of the run off going to the storm drains!
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  22. I had no idea that the run off from washing the car hitting the pavement leaves behind chemicals.... Didn't even pause to think what it does.
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  23. I forgot that you should check your wiper blades every so often. This year we have been in a drought and I have barely used mine, but I do think I need to get new ones and this is a great reminder
    Reply

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