There are lots vehicle maintenance tips coming out on the net that can really make life easier for you this coming winter months. And speaking of tips, 3M Car Care is also offering simple to follow tips that work amazingly.

According to John Mailand, technical services manager for 3M retail Automotive, "Winter preparation is more important than spring cleanup for your car. The harsh weather can be hard on your car’s mechanical systems, while tough road conditions can wreak havoc on your car’s exterior. With a few easy maintenance projects this fall, you can really improve the performance of your vehicle this winter and enhance the longevity for years to come."

For the coming winter months 3M Car Care recommends exterior clean-up and protection that will include the cleaning of exterior finishing to prepare the car for a protective winter coat to keep off damaging salt and sand off the car’s finish throughout the winters.

3M Car Care also provides ten tips on how to winterize your vehicle and these are as follows (sourced from The Auto Channel):

1. Just like you, your car needs a good bath. Make use of 3M Car Wash Soap to remove summer dirt and grime without stripping off the wax protection.
2. Get rid of the tar and debris from summer road work using 3M Adhesive and Wax Remover. Simply rub it on with a microfiber cloth, leave it for a few minutes to loosen dirt, old wax and tar, and then wipe off.
3. For the wheels and tires use 3M Wheel and Tire Cleaner to remove brake dust and highway grime
4. Bring back the brand new look of your tires with 3M Tire Restorer. It’s very easy to use simply spray on and wipe off for a deep black luster. You may also use the 3M Tire Restorer for restoring black plastic bumpers and door handles to their showroom style.
5. Protect the clean finish on the wheel hubs or rims with 3M Performance Finish. Just wipe on and wipe off. Not only will it stand up to months of car washes, it also will endure sleet, snow and sludge on winter streets
6. Remove surface scratches with 3M One Step Cleaner Wax. This easy to apply wax eliminates surface scratches and restores the shine to the paint finish in one easy step.
7. Give the car a good protective coat of 3M Performance Finish. This innovative finish, which chemically bonds with clear coat finishes, keeps the car’s finish looking good through up to 50 washes. And it is simple to apply with no hazing �" just wipe on and wipe off in minutes using a 3M Microfiber Cloth without any worries for residue left in cracks and crevices
8. Get the glass clean inside and out with 3M Glass Cleaner, which has a unique vertical cling to prevent drips and is safe to use on glass, plastic, chrome, metal and painted surfaces
9. Protect the upholstery with 3M Leather and Vinyl Restorer, which revives the natural sheen and soft feel of the factory finish
10. Clean the car's carpet with 3M Carpet Cleaner and protect from winter salt and dirt with 3M Scotchgard™ Fabric and Upholstery Protector spray.

Aside from your car's exterior 3M Car Care also suggest for you to protect your car’s mechanical system, components, and fluids. For this task, 3M recommends seven easy tips that you can perform personally:

1. Prevent rough idling, which can be worse in the winter, with 3M Throttle Plate and Carb Cleaner. Just spray it on to the throttle plate to clean, lubricate and increase engine performance.
2. Add 3M Complete Fuel System Cleaner to clean fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers for maximum power and fuel economy.
3. Check the tire pressure and fill to the manufacturer's recommendation. Cold weather decreases tire pressure, which can lead to blown tires in the winter--- not a great time to have to change a tire.
4. Prepare door, hood and trunk hinges, locks and other moving parts with 3M Multi-Purpose Spray Lubricant. This lubricant is four products in one--- it lubricates, penetrates, displaces water and resists corrosion.
5. Flush the coolant system and add fresh antifreeze---don't be tempted to just top off from the previous year because older antifreeze can damage the car's coolant system.
6. Check the battery. If it is four years or older, it might be a good time to replace it, particularly if the car is operated in a cold climate.
7. Consider changing the oil to a lower viscosity for colder temperatures.

3M Car Care offers a comprehensive product line that includes performance cleaning products, waxes, compounds, glazes, adhesives, abrasives, and other specialty products that were once offered solely for the professional market.