5 Easy Tips for Winter Car Safety: A Mom's Guide to Car Care

Last February, I had the great pleasure of attending the New York International Auto Show (you can read all about that here). I've always loved cars, even as a child, and visiting this show with my dad was one of my greatest childhood memories. Unfortunately, many of the cars I owned in my life have not loved me back! I had numerous problems with cars over the years, and I've found myself broken down on the side of the road no less than six times (six!! Can you imagine?!). Since then, I've learned some important ways to keep my vehicle in tip-top shape, and some tricks to avoid safety issues in the future. So come along as I show you 5 easy tips for winter car safety. Trust me, I know all the tricks now.

This is a sponsored post on behalf of Cars.com, but I assure you, I would have shared this with you anyway because I care about you!  These are actually small things we can all do to maintain car safety in the winter, and we don't have to rely on anyone else to do it.

1. Have an Emergency Kit Ready

Before you do any prep for your car this season, please make sure you have an emergency kit handy. A good winter emergency kit in your car should contain:

• jumper cables
• flashlight/batteries
• first aid kit
• compact snow shovel
• ice scraper/snow brush
• windshield wiper fluid
• rags
• blanket (even extra mittens and a hat would be a good idea!)
• energy bars/granola bars
• tool kit/scissors
• flares or reflectors
• car jack/spare tire
• bag of salt or ice melt

Some stores even sell Car Emergency Kits already made for you, so all you need to do is purchase it and stick it in your car! It's that easy!

2. Keep Your Car Maintained 

As much as you might not want to, you need to take your car in for a pre-winter check. Find a reliable mechanic and make sure you check your tire wear and air pressure, as well as brakes, wipers, ignition/wiring, battery, and antifreeze level. This will give you the peace of mind when traveling, too, knowing that your car received an 'all clear' for winter readiness!

3. Check Your Wiper Fluid - Carry Extra Rags

Have you ever had salt splattered all over your car, to the point where you can't see out of your windshield? It's imperative to have enough wiper fluid available, or even some extra rags in case you run out of fluid or your windshield wipers don't work (hey, it happens!).

4. Have Ice Scrapers, Snow Brushes, and Shovels Handy

You might not think a mini shovel is necessary until that one night when you come out of work to find your car snowed in, or find that a plow has driven by in the parking lot and left a pile of snow behind your car. A small shovel could save you a lot of trouble! I also recommend carrying a good ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle.

5. Keep Your Gas Tank Full

I know how busy life can get, and sometimes stopping at the gas station is one of the last items on your To Do list. But trust me, winter is not the time to mess around with a low gas tank. Keeping your tank half full keeps moisture from forming in the gas lines, which could possible freeze. Yikes!

For more information about car safety, maintenance, or general automobile information, visit www.Cars.com