How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Old Man Winter can be unkind and unforgiving to your vehicle. Whether you drive a coupe or an SUV, winter conditions can pose many challenges on the road.

You can get ready for the winter months by following these simple steps to keep you and your passengers safe when driving in challenging conditions. In addition, your car will also require less maintenance and upkeep — and could save you money.

What does it mean to winterize a car?

When you winterize your car, the purpose is to make sure that you and your vehicle are ready for inclement weather. Winter weather can provide a mixed bag of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and wind — not to mention frigid temperatures. When you winterize your car, the goal is to be proactive, which keeps you from having to do these chores in freezing cold conditions — or paying an auto mechanic or dealership to perform these services.

10 tips for winterizing your car

1. Examine your tires
   As the part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road, tires are your main defense against snow and ice. If you haven’t examined your tires in a while, it may be a good idea to do so before the first snowfall. Check out this Tire Safety Checklist by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for detailed information.
   
   Even if your tires are new or in good condition, you may still want to check their pressure after the first cold night. Fluctuations in temperature can cause tire pressure to vary by 1-10 psi per 10ºC.¹ If you need help checking the tire pressure or putting air into your vehicle, follow these steps. You may also want to check the tire pressure on your spare just in case.

2. Stock an emergency kit
   When it comes to stocking an emergency kit, it may be better to be over-prepared. Having essentials like water and a blanket could be important if you become stranded during a snowstorm. These supplies may also come in handy if you spot another motorist in need of assistance.
   
   Here are some useful items to include in your emergency kit:

   • Blanket
   • Clothing layers
   • First aid kit
   • Flashlight with extra batteries
   • Flares or emergency light sticks
   • Jumper cables
   • Small shovel
   • Nonperishable food items
   • Water bottles

3. Replace your wiper blades
   Old and worn wiper blades can be a problem when driving in the winter. Instead of clearing the precipitation from your windshield, ineffective rubber stripping could make it harder to see.
   
   If you haven’t replaced your wiper blades in a while, give them a thorough examination. Check to see that the metal arms are straight and the rubber isn’t hard or worn down. If you determine that they need to be replaced, follow these instructions on changing wiper blades before winter starts.

4. Inspect your battery
   Freezing temperatures can be cruel to your engine, especially the battery.² And unlike other parts of your vehicle, batteries may not give a warning before they stop working.
   
   To ensure your battery is ready for winter, try this quick checklist:

   • Examine the cables for cracks and breaks
   • Make sure the terminals fit tightly
   • Measure the battery fluid level and refill with distilled water if necessary
   • If you are uncomfortable inspecting your battery, visit a certified mechanic or service technician to perform the work

5. Check your coolant/antifreeze
   In the warmer months, coolant/antifreeze prevents your engine from overheating. In the winter, however, this very same liquid prohibits your engine lines from freezing. Therefore, it’s important to have a proper level of antifreeze in your radiator to avoid engine damage and keep your vehicle safe to drive. If you’re unsure of how to check your coolant/antifreeze, use this guide.

6. Add winter-blend windshield washer fluid
   Winter-blend windshield washer fluid can be very helpful in colder climates. If you live in an area where they salt the roads, the blend of slush and salt can create a thick coating on your windshield. Basic wiper fluid can be ineffective in removing this winter grime and make it difficult to see the road. Try to carry a spare jug in your trunk to have extra fluid on hand.

7. Check hoses and belts
   Take a quick look at the hoses and belts under the hood — this isn’t as hard as it sounds. Look for any cracks in the material or if the belt seems loose. The fasteners that keep hoses attached should be checked for rust and wear.

8. Keep the gas tank half full
   You may not want to pump gas on a cold day, but it’s vital to keep your tank half full. The reason is that it cuts down on condensation, which can cause lines to freeze. Also, if you are stranded, you need to run your car to keep warm. With a full gas tank, you can stay safe until help arrives.

9. Check the weather
   Winter weather can change at a moment’s notice — temperatures can plunge and moisture in the air can turn into freezing rain or snow quickly. Before you leave — make sure you won’t be driving into hazardous conditions.

10. Put safety first
    Whether you love winter or want to hibernate until April, you can’t ignore the change in driving conditions. Getting your vehicle ready for winter driving won’t only keep you safe; it will keep others on the road safe as well. Buckle up and drive safe!

When you keep your car in top condition for winter driving, you’ll be making sure you and your passengers are safe, no matter what Old Man Winter is up to.

1. https://www.cars.com/articles/2013/06/how-to-check-and-fill-tires
2. http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/winterize-car.php