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Winter Car Care

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This posts is sponsored by Watersavers.com

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it is time to start thinking about winter car care. Taking the time to properly winterize your car not only ensures the comfort and safety of you and your family but also helps you maintain the value of your car. We get snow and ice all the time here an are all too familiar with the havoc they can cause on vehicles!

Winter Car Care - Protect your Car this winter

Here are some tips for winter car maintenance that are quick and easy!

Check the Engine Oil

Use the Correct Engine Oil
The oil lubricates the engine and keeps it functioning properly, but not all oil is the same. For cold climates a thinner, less viscous oil might be appropriate. In cold and snowy New York where I live 10W-30 is fine for summer weather, but during the winter a thicker 5W-30 is best. So consult your local mechanic and make sure you are picking the right oil for your car.

Wash the Car Regularly

This is a huge issue around here! I live on a rural road, and the town dumps lots and lots of salt on it every time it is snowy or icy. It makes the road less slippery, but it sure hurts the cars, so washing your vehicle is even more important in the winter than in the summer. It is a good idea to get a car wash and wax before the cold weather starts, so your car is protected. The International Carwash Association recommends finding a car wash that is part of the WaterSavers® program. There are more than 1,500 environmentally friendly car washes worldwide enrolled in the program that meet water quality and usage standards. These car washes use 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car. Find a participating car wash near you by visiting www.washwithwatersavers.com.

Check the Battery

Nothing is worse that a car that won’t start, and cold weather can stress your battery. Don’t take the risk of getting stranded, check your battery before the cold weather begins. Last year my daughter’s car had trouble starting in the winter, and we assumed the battery was dead. But it turned out to just be corrosion on the battery terminals, and it was cheap and easy to fix. So check the cables, terminals and fluid. Some retailers will conduct a complementary car battery assessment so you can have peace of mind.

Engine Coolant

Update Engine Coolant

Engine coolant is just as important in the winter as in the summer. To protect your engine against corrosion and to help ensure it doesn’t overheat, consider changing to a coolant with ethylene glycol which has antifreeze properties. And makes sure all the fluids are topped off, especially the window washer solution. We go through lots of window washer solution in the winter, due to all the snow and slush.

Check tire tread

Check Tire Safety

Good gripping tires are crucial for winter driving in snow and ice. Each tire needs enough tread to properly grip the road. The penny test is a quick and easy way to see if your tires have enough tread. Just hold a penny head down in the center tread. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, you have less than 2/32-inch tread and it’s time for new tires. Also if you live in a very snowy climate you might want to consider dedicated snow tires for the season. And make sure to your tires are properly inflated to ensure optimum handling, safety, and fuel efficiency.

I worry a lot about winter driving safety since both my girls are driving now, and the weather around here can make travel hazardous. Making sure our cars are in the best shape possible is one way to give me peace of mind.

You can get more information at www.washwithwatersavers.com. And I have a great giveaway for my readers – one reader will win a WaterSavers Gift Pack which includes:

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Carwash Association. The opinions and text are all mine.

anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

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