Practical Tips To Protect Your Car This Winter {Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

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(Disclosure: I am working with the International Carwash Association and was compensated to share these tips.)

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, here are some tips to help your vehicle weather just about any storm!

1.       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.

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.

GIVEAWAY: 

One reader will receive a thermal travel mug, fleece travel blanket, hand mitt ice scraper and a $30 VISA Gift Card

 HOW TO ENTER:

Comment on how you protect your car in the winter

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on a social network

Giveaway ends January 20, 2015 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident to enter.

249 thoughts on “Practical Tips To Protect Your Car This Winter {Visa Gift Card Giveaway}”

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  28. we change the tires, we wash the car regularly so the junk doesn’t stick on it permanently and get it serviced regularly as well.

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  38. I protect my car in the Winter by making sure that my coolant is strong enough to handle the cold temperatures. I also make sure my battery is good for my car, and putting on new wiper blades, and having the oil changed that can withstand cold temps.

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  51. We put in antifreeze and keep a winter kit in the car.
    The winter kit has
    flashlight
    batteries
    hand warmers
    gloves
    socks
    kitty litter
    water bottles
    candle
    matches
    blanket

    Reply

  71. Had the tires rotated, changed the oil, washed it to get the salt off…we also keep it in a heated garage so it is really babied!!

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  82. I have weathertech floor liners in my car to protect my carpet from spills and salt stains in the winter! I also will run my car through a car wash a couple times during the winter to get the salt off it

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  91. We make sure the antifreeze is full, give our car/battery warm up time when its really cold and keep it in the garage when possible.

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  111. We start every season with an oil change, new wiper blades, a tune up, and a tire rotation. We also make sure the van is vacuumed and washed so that each season it starts off clean and ready to go. We live in NY and have harsh winters with lots of snow and ice. So when we get ready to leave the house, we start the van and let the engine warm up as well as the interior of the van. It isn’t good to just start them up and leave right away when your vehicle has been sitting in .zero degree weather for 10 hours overnight.

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  112. I check the tires first and foremost, as the cold air seems to make them low almost every time I need to go somewhere! Also, my husband and I life our windshield wipers after getting home for the day/night so that they do not freeze to the windshield and ruin them. I also have a pretty neat contraption that covers your windshield to keep snow and ice off – but it’s so difficult to get it on and strapped inside of the doors with just one person, so many times I end up skipping this as I have a 10 month old who I need to worry about getting into the warm house. It would be awesome to win this giveaway and help stock up on essentials that need to be kept in the car – deicer, oil, etc… I used to have one of the “mitt” type of ice scraper and they are great for those days when the real-feel temperature and windchill are so low that you can barely stand to grip the scraper. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply

  117. I always have my tires rotated for the winter! I also get an oil change, but need to remember to get my car washed often for all the salt and sand on the icy roads. I know that takes a toll on the car!

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  119. I protect my car in the winter by making sure to always park it in the garage…and to let it warm up a bit before I start to drive it.

    Reply

  127. You can protect your car in the winter by making sure your car has had it’s winter maintenance. You can either look in your car manual or take your car to someone who will check you fluids, tire pressure, windshield wipers, etc. Always keep a blanket and extra water and food with you in case you get stuck. Better to be safe than sorry.

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  131. I protect my car for the winter by making it to my local garage and getting the Anti-Freeze replenished, As well as to make sure all fluids are where they should be. I have them check the Battery to make sure there are no forseeable problems with it. Also, I have my Tires Rotated.

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  137. We always FULLY clean off the car. Ice AND snow. I’ve seen too many people get hit by snow falling off other peoples’ cars and people with only a tiny little patch of ice cleared from the windows…scary!

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  144. Get new tires and check the tread. I make sure my windshield wipers are working and I have anti-freeze and oil. I also make sure to start my car up every now and then if I’m not driving it around a lot.

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  160. We get our car ready for the winter by checking hoses and fluids and making sure we have blankets in the car incase we were to break down.

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  162. I just take my car in to the Goodyear and they maintenance it, make sure my antifreeze is good, check the tire pressure etc.

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  163. I just take my car in to the Goodyear and they maintenance it, make sure my antifreeze is good, check the tire pressure etc.

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  165. I am lucky in that i live in Florida but we do have some below freezing temps here. I keep a blanket in the trunk as well as an led flashlight, an extra cell charger, snacks, and jumper cables

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  173. I live in the south so weatherproofing the car is more of making sure I have adequate antifreeze and air pressure in my tires. I also always make sure I have a first aid kit and blanket in my car just in case.

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  177. My husband always gives both of our cars a good tune up in fall so that they are all set for winter. He is also pretty OCD about checking the tire pressure, especially during the winter.

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  182. I protect my car in the Winter by making sure all the fluids are changed and full, especially the windshield wiper fluid, so I can see on those days when you need it most!

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  188. We get a tune-up/oil-change in the fall. We also typically go to a carwash partway through the winter to get rid of salt buildup on the car.

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  189. We protect our car in the winter by always keeping the wheel wells free of as much snow as possible. We also always make sure to have window wash solvent that is appropriate for the freezing weather we have!

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  194. I use windshield washer fluid that is specific to freezing temps. I also keep the car in the garage and wash off the salt after snowstorms.

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  196. i protect my car in the winter by checking tire pressure often. I add air when needed, and make sure my tires are ready to handle any condition.

    Reply

  202. I allow time for my car to warm up before I drive it and get it washed after I’ve been driving on salted roads. I also try to never let the gas tank get below half full when it’s below freezing!

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  208. We usually make sure all the fluids are were they need to be and then check the tire pressure. Of course, if we have a good snow then there would usually be salt on the roads so if that were the case we take it to get a wash after everything is thawed.

    Reply

  218. I prepare ahead of time by having the car ready and stocked with various supplies like blankets, water, food, oil, etc..

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  222. Winters are brutal around here so to help protect my car I always put studded tires on my car. I keep sand,antifreeze, windshield washer fluid in my trunk just in case. I bring my car to my mechanic and he checks my oil and all of my fluids. On warm enough days I always go to the carwash to get all the salt, sand and yuck off my car.

    Reply

  227. Before winter hits I get a tune up, a tire rotation and tire check, an oil change, new wiper blades, and check the anti freeze.

    Reply

  230. I check my tire pressure often in the winter time. Also a tip for your safety is that I always make sure I have plenty of gas. Just incase I get stuck out or behind a wreck.

    Reply

  231. I put on my studded winter tires and check he fluids, etc. I also slow down and keep the ice in mind when I’m driving….that protects my car too.

    Reply

  238. Every year I get an oil change, antifreeze put in, new wiper blades, check tires. I keep a blanket, water,snacks,flashlight and an emergency road service/first aid kit. I like to be prepared so when I go out of town Im ready for weather change. Thank you for the chance :)

    Reply

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