5 Tips to Make Your Car Happy this Winter

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My baby, a.k.a. my 2013 Ford Explorer Sport, turns two next month! I can’t believe it’s almost been two years since I brought her home from the dealership. It’s been a whirlwind of fun so far — we’ve gone on a few road trips and we’ve made it through two snowy winters together. She’s been incredibly reliable and she sure has made driving around town a lot of fun. I’ve been wanting to show her how much I appreciate her, so this past weekend I set aside a little time to give her some much-needed pampering.

First on the list — an oil change. We don’t put a lot of miles on her throughout the year (we average about 10,000) so we only have to get the oil changed about twice a year. She was actually due for one in December, but with all the craziness of the holidays we totally spaced it out. I wanted to make it up to her, so I took her to the Walmart Automotive Care Center for some extra TLC.

Since she has low miles, the Walmart service tech recommended that we get a Standard Oil Change using Pennzoil conventional motor oil. Conventional motor oil features a traditional oil base that has been fortified with Active Cleaning Agents™ to continuously prevent dirt and contaminants from creating performance-robbing deposits. The great thing is Pennzoil is designed for complete protection, allowing you to drive an extra 550 miles per year versus a dirty engine. It also helps clean out the sludge that lesser oils leave behind and it provides protection from friction.

The best part is while she was getting her oil changed, I was able to get all of my grocery shopping done for the week. It was so nice to not have to sit in a waiting room wasting time. As a busy mom, there’s just never enough hours in the day, so I appreciate when I can multi-task. It was so nice to be able to drop her off, let the service techs do their thing, and get my shopping done at the same time. That’s a win-win in my book!

She was pretty dirty from all the snow we got a couple of weeks ago, so after getting the oil changed I took her to the automatic car wash. I made sure to purchase the best wash since she was so dirty (plus, she deserves only the best!). Afterwards, I wiped her off with a soft towel to make look nice and shiny. I also cleaned her wheels, gave her some tire shine, wiped down her interior and vacuumed out all the dirt and crumbs. She was one happy car afterwards!

Make sure your car is happy too! Below you will find some helpful tips to make your car happy this winter.

5 Tips to Make Your Car Happy this Winter

1. Get the Oil Changed – Your car will run so much more smoothly if you change the oil as suggested by the manufacturer. Each car manufacturer is different, so check your owner’s manual for a recommended oil change schedule. If you like to change your own oil, Ibotta (a free mobile savings app) is offering $5 off one 5-quart bottle of Pennzoil Platinum with PurePlus Technology starting on 1/21/15.

2. Use a Windshield Treatment – There’s nothing more annoying than getting stuck somewhere with a frozen windshield. A windshield wiper fluid containing antifreeze will help clean off dirt and grime and melt stubborn ice. You simply add the fluid to your windshield wiper compartment.

3. Wash the Interior & Exterior – Cars tend to get a lot dirtier in the winter. Give your interior a little TLC — wipe down all the surfaces with a microfiber towel and interior cleaner, clean all the windows, spray off the floor mats and vacuum all the carpets and seats. Then wash the exterior by hand or run it through the car wash.

4. Check Your Battery – Colder temps can reduce your battery’s capacity. If you suspect your battery is running low, there are devices you can buy to test the charge or you can take it into an automotive shop for testing. Many places offer free battery testing — just call before going in to make sure.

5. Change Your Tires – If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow, you may want to consider snow tires. They provide better traction, allowing you to navigate through snow and ice more effectively. Another cost-effective option is all-season tires, designed to get you through any season without having to be changed.

How do you make sure your car is prepared for winter?

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