Saving up for those winter days

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Winter is on the way, but there are plenty of ways to save a few dollars before the frosty season hits.

Preparing your car for the chilly nights ahead is an important step toward saving money this winter.

"If your car sits out and your coolant freezes, or if you don't have coolant or antifreeze in your car and just have water, and it freezes, then it can break your block on your engine. The block on the engine can get cracked and you have to buy a new engine," Tad Kennedy, owner of Kennedy Tire and Auto Service said.

Kennedy said buying a new engine could cost thousands of dollars, but the price tag of winterizing your car costs $75 to $100. You also need to be careful when you test your antifreeze Kennedy said.

"You don't want to take the radiator cap off if the radiator cap, if it's going to be under pressure. You can feel it and if it's too hot to put your hand on it, it's too hot to open it," Kennedy said.

Experts also recommend inspecting your tires. If they're underinflated, that could cost you more gas and shorten the life on your wheels.

Winterizing your home is another important step in pinching your pocketbook.

"An average home has 15 to 20 windows and a couple doors at least, and a little leak or draft could push the padding on your heating bill.

Handyman Cliff Mcbeth said caulking your windows and covering your wind turbine in the attic are a few simple steps to save on heating costs.

Cliff also recommends insulating your attic and protecting your pipes when it freezes.

It's also important to winterize your body. Click here for tips on how to keep the chilly weather from getting you down.