The Mommyhood Chronicles

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WaterSavers Tips and a WaterSavers Cold Weather Survival Kit/Visa Gift Card/Tote Bag Giveaway!

Winter is a time to get together with family and enjoy the holidays, but getting ready for the change in seasons is no small feat.  It takes time and planning to make sure your family and your home are ready to brave the elements.  I know we live in a very harsh weather state and we have to make sure we are ready to fight those winter temperatures and be safe!

watersavers

But is your car as ready as you are?  This is one thing my family lacks in preparing for!  If you haven’t thought about preparations for your vehicle, these five simple tips will help you prepare for the colder months ahead.

 

·         Check your tires. Before the roads get slick, check your tires to be sure they aren’t worn and that they are properly inflated. You should be able to find the proper tire pressure on the inside of your driver’s side door. Cold air will cause the air in your tires to compress and may cause your tires to lose pressure, so make a note to check again later in the winter.

·         Wash and wax your car at a professional car wash. Putting your car through the car wash during the sloppiest season of the year may seem a strange idea 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. Besides protecting your car, you’ll also be protecting the environment. Professional car washes can 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 when you wash your car yourself. You can learn more about the environmental benefits of a professional car wash at washwithwatersavers.com.

·         Check your brakes. Your brakes will work harder once the icy conditions of winter set in. Make sure they are up to the task by bringing your vehicle in to your mechanic for a thorough brake inspection.

·         Check fluids. In the winter, no fluid is more important than your coolant because, if you’re out of coolant, you’re out of heat. Your owner’s manual will tell you how much coolant you need as well and provide the correct blend. It’s also never a bad idea to keep an additional bottle of coolant in your car for emergencies.

·         Winter emergency kit. If you find yourself stranded by the side of the road, a winter survival kit can be very helpful. Include an ice scraper/brush, extra blankets or clothes – including hats and gloves – snacks and bottled water and a first aid kit. A small shovel can come in handy if you get stuck and a bag of cat litter can be used to provide needed traction for your tires.

 

Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability, and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes.  By planning ahead you can ensure that your family and your car will be in for a smooth ride all winter long.   Are you ready to fight the winter and be safe? I know I am!

Giveaway: One winner will receive:

WaterSavers Cold Weather Survival Kit that includes:

o   First aid kit, flashlight/signal torch, 2 AA batteries, 2 emergency candles, box of safety matches, 2 hand warmers, emergency water bag (1 gallon capacity), survival compass, emergency blanket and cotton gloves. All items are packaged in heavy-duty, water and puncture resistant carry case made of 600D polyester

·         WaterSavers Tote bag

·         $20 VISA Gift Card

 

 For this giveaway, simply visit http://washwithwatersavers.com/ and let me know something you learned from their website. Please leave comments in comment section proceeding the post. For an additional +2 entry, tweet about this giveaway mentioning @dentistmel and @Water_Savers. This can be done daily but please put all entries in comment section. PLEASE REMEMBER A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS or I have no way to reach you, in the event you win. Giveaway ends 12/31 and winner chosen by random.org. Good luck!

 

 

*I am working with the International Carwash Association to share these tips. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. I received the same gift pack as the winner will receive.*

 

Comments

  6. Sue H. says

    I learned that Watersavers car washes use no more than 40 gallons of water for car washing, whereas washing your car with the garden hose uses more than 60 gallons of water in just five minutes. This really surprised me.

  9. Marti Tabora says

    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 think that’s really cool. Thanks for the chance to win.
    parks27@cox.net

  13. melikegarfield says

    Wow…Using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons (227.1 liters) in as little as five minutes. That is a crazy amount. I would have never thought it was that much.

  14. socratesjr says

    I’ll be honest – I’m like many people who probably didn’t think about the water used for washing vehicles entering storm drains. I hadn’t really thought about the fact that water entering storm drains, unlike water that enters sanitary sewers, does not undergo treatment before it is discharged.

  16. Jessie C. says

    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.

  22. D SCHMIDT says

    Visited and learned that for conveyorized or in-bay/roll-over washes, use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of potable/fresh water per car.

  25. DESIREE H says

    I learned that when you wash your car on pavement, the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil> It also goes into the storm drains to the rivers.
    I will let my husband know this since he washes our cars!
    Thanks

  29. natalie parvis says

    I learned that washing your car at home led to 60 pounds of ammonia being released into their storm sewer system.

  30. Wanda Clark says

    I never knew that it could be so harmful to wash your driveway. I will be paying more attention to the soap that I’m using. The run off really has a big environmental impact.

  37. Linda Szymoniak says

    I was surprised to find a Watersaves car wash just 1.47 miles from my house. I’ll definitely have to check them out!

  39. Cheryl Abdelnour says

    I DID NOT KNOW THIS FACT— Did you know that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance? That means better fuel economy.

  40. Colleen Maurina says

    I learned that washing your car regularly keeps windshields, mirrors and signal lights clean. You will see more of the road, and others will be better able to see you.

  42. Janette says

    I learned that the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load, I had no idea it was that much.

  50. Candice says

    I learned it that using a garden hose at home, you can use more than 60 gallons in as little as five minutes.

  58. Dogmama says

    It’s easy to forget that washing the car in the driveway or on the street isn’t environmentally sound, but that’s no reason to NOT wash the car.

  63. beth shepherd says

    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

  66. Dorothy Teel says

    I learned that I have a car wash here in Norman, that does recycle water at Boomerang Car Wash and that by recycling water we reduce water consumption and the amount of water that has to go through our water treatment plant and into our streams, ponds and lakes. i.teel(at)sbcglobal (dot)net

  68. sandra davis says

    i learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance. That means better fuel economy.

  73. wen budro says

    Wow….I learned that 5 minutes of car washing with a hose can consume 60 gallons of water. Yikes!!!

  76. JJ Caraway says

    I learned that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance which means better fuel economy. Learn something new everyday!

  80. Brandi Dawn says

    I learned that 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.

  82. harolde says

    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

  90. Michelle F. says

    I learned that washing your own car can bring pollution to our water.

    knickgirl_3 at yahoo dot com

  107. Thomas Murphy says

    I learned they use an average of no more than 40 gallons (151.5 liters) of fresh water per car. That’s less than most washing machines

  112. Mandala says

    Learned that washing car on pavement can cause pollution because the run-off carries the grime and chemicals into the soil and storm drains that empty directly into our rivers.

  118. Corey Olomon says

    I didn’t know that washing you own car can use over 60 gallons of water in just 5 minutes!

  125. Emi says

    I was very surprised to find that my local 7 Flags Car Wash is one of the water savers locations to get your car washed.

  137. Birdiebee says

    I learned that washing your car at home with the hose uses over 60 gallons of water within 5 minutes.

  140. Tiffani P. says

    I learned that when you wash your car on the pavement, the run off carries the grime and chemicals into storm drains that empty directly into our rivers but WaterSavers car washes route the water to treatment prior to its return to the environment.

  154. angela saver says

    I learned washing your car improves your gas mileage, and also learned that if you wash your car at home you can use over 60 gallons of water in 5 minutes. That’s a lot of wasted water!

    andysavi.mom@gmail.com

  167. Michelle Brown says

    I learned thatthe average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load…I need to buy a new model

  179. Karen Gonyea says

    I learned that By reducing water pollution in our communities, we are protecting our streams, rivers and water tables 🙂

  187. Paol Trenny says

    I learned that WaterSavers® car washes prevent water pollution by routing wash water to treatment prior to its return to the environment

  193. Kitty says

    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.

  216. MH SCHMIDT says

    A cold weather survival kit in your car can save your life and the lives of those you love. I always carry some MRE’s (military style Meals Ready to Eat) in my truck. I get the kind with the heater units…if you can melt a little snow, a little bit is all you need for the heater to work and warm up your meal. Thanks for sharing all your tips. I didn’t know that it is more water efficient to go to a carwash that recyles their water, than to wash your vehicle at home .

  221. Tom Bellamy says

    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.

  222. Sky Sparkle says

    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.

  226. Kelly Nicholson says

    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.

  230. soha molina says

    According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons of water per load.

  239. Lentil says

    “Did you know that the cleaner your car, the less wind resistance? That means better fuel economy.” Yikes! Time to wash my car!

  241. Angela Killingsworth says

    I learned that that professional car washes are the better environmental choice to wash your car.

  253. Cori Westphal says

    I learned that keeping your car clean can actually lower wind resistance and give you better gas mileage! Funny!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

  262. Susan Smith says

    I learned that Watersavers car washes use no more than 40 gallons of water for car washing, whereas washing your car with the garden hose uses more than 60 gallons of water in just five minutes.

  267. Daniel M says

    By reducing water pollution in our communities, we are protecting our streams, rivers and water tables.

  269. wen budro says

    I learned that you can use 60 gallons of water in just 5 minutes of washing your car. Yikes!!! That’s a lot of water.

  276. Mike S. says

    I learned that a car wash I drive by every day (and another that I drive past occasionally) are WaterSavers car washes… Jax is the name on the billboard though. I’ll have to give them a shot sometime soon, sloppy roads are common here this time of year. Thanks.

  282. Katharina says

    I learned that professional car washes are better for the environment… I hadn’t known that!
    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

  286. Robin says

    I learned that washing your car regularly keeps windshields, mirrors and signal lights clean and allows you to drive more safely

  287. Jill Myrick says

    I learned that there is a Water Savers location just eight miles from my home.

    jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

  289. rochelle johnson says

    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.

  295. Ashley Tucker says

    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 rivers

  299. mary gardner says

    I learned that “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.”

  301. Rita Guffie says

    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.

  313. meme says

    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.

  314. laurie says

    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

  316. Gianna says

    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.

  317. Tamara says

    I was surprised to read about the chemicals from soap that runs down your driveway into the street, and how it ends up polluting our natural water. I never even thought about it before.