Holiday Travel Plans? Five Quick Fixes to Winterize Your Car

BLUFFDALE, Utah December 20, 2010; Holiday traffic is expected to increase again this week, with AAA predicting nearly three percent more cars on the road versus this time last year. During what could be a stressful season, the car care experts at Refresh Your Car suggest following five easy steps to keep cars running smooth, and keep passengers happy.

1. Wash Before and After Travel - Winter road salt and other road deicing chemicals are corrosive; damaging your vehicle’s paint and other finishes. Washing vehicles just prior to and immediately following road trips removes these corrosive chemicals and extends paint and surface life. If using an automatic wash, be sure to purchase the undercarriage wash package. Likewise when using manual washes, spray wheel wells and as much of the undercarriage as possible. Salt and deicing chemical attack metal and can cause rust to start from the underside and work its way out to the surface of the metal.

2. Clean Inside Windows - Clean windows are key to good visibility during the winter. While most people focus on cleaning the outside of the windows, however a film builds up on the inside of the glass as well. Cleaning windows on the inside will remove the build-up, reduce glare flare from oncoming headlights and improves visibility especially, at night.

3. Thoroughly Clean the Car's Interior - Winter travel also is hard on interiors. Mud, water, and grit (road salt) all build up on interior surfaces and causing stains, discoloration and cause premature wear. With windows closed and heat running, odors tend to concentrate and build up. While the driver might be accustomed to such scents, passengers appreciate a fresh and clean interior. Vacuum and wipe down interior surfaces, and use air fresheners such as Refresh Your Car’s scented gels to ensure a passenger-friendly experience.

4. Check Tire Pressure - Properly inflated tires ensure the best possible traction for winter driving -putting the most possible tread on the road. As a side benefit, proper inflation also improves gas mileage and maximizes tire life.

5. Top off Fluids - Winter driving equals cold starts and plenty of start and stop driving, both of which tax an engine. Prior to a trip, and before returning home, top off essential fluids including especially engine oil and windshield washer fluid – both of which are essential to peak engine performance and safety.

For additional car care tips, visit www.RefreshYourCar.com.

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