Prepare your vehicle for winter to prevent issues like not starting, frozen doors and windows, engine freeze, and accidents by following this checklist. Additionally, check out our essential winter emergency kit for your car.
It’s common sense not to venture into a harsh environment like a desert without ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained, so why take the chance of breaking down in potentially life-threatening blizzard conditions? By winterizing your car, you significantly increase your chances of reaching your destination safely.
Changing your oil is a crucial maintenance task, as noted by Alan Gelfand of German Car Depot. “As temperatures drop, lubricants can thicken or harden, causing damage to the vehicle’s components. Therefore, it’s essential to use a winter-grade oil with lower viscosity that remains adequately fluid and maintains its flow, even when it’s cold outside.”
Your engine isn’t the only part that needs lubrication, and there are various other actions you can take to prepare your car for winter. Here’s a rundown of some key maintenance tasks to get your vehicle ready for the freezing temperatures.
Inspect Tire Tread
Worn tires paired with winter driving can be a particularly perilous mix. They can lengthen your stopping distance and reduce stability on wet roads. While most states allow a minimum tread depth of 2/32-inch, studies have indicated that tire traction diminishes significantly once tread wears below 4/32-inch.
You might think you can manage winter with low tread, but that will leave you sliding rather than driving. A mere slide into the curb at five MPH could lead to $1,500 in damages to your steering and suspension systems. Sure, insurance may cover it, but you’ll still have to pay the deductible, and it will count as an at-fault accident, leading to higher premiums over time.
For about the price of a single deductible, you can purchase new tires or winter tires to avoid nasty accidents. To measure your tread depth, invest in an affordable tire tread depth gauge and inspect the depth at both the center and outer edges of each tire.
Evaluate Your Car Battery
Car batteries have a finite lifespan. Don’t wait until yours fails and leaves you in a pinch. Using a computerized battery tester, you can evaluate the health of the battery, starter, and entire charging system.
In addition to measuring voltage, a computerized battery tester assesses internal resistance and conductance, providing an overview of the battery’s condition. Plus, such testers can also evaluate the starter and alternator’s functionality.
Ensure you choose a battery tester compatible with conventional lead-acid batteries, as well as gel and absorbed glass mat (AGM) types. This way, you can use the same tester for your motorcycle and gardening equipment.
Sanitize Battery Terminals
Corrosion on battery posts and terminals can lead to difficulties in starting in cold conditions and hinder your charging system’s ability to recharge the battery. Cleaning these terminals is a maintenance task that many drivers overlook, but it is vital for winterizing your vehicle.
Always disconnect the negative cable first, followed by the positive cable. Use a battery cleaning tool or wire brush to clean the battery terminals and the cable connections. Wipe off any grease and acid residue from the battery’s surface with a paper towel. Once everything is clean, reattach the positive cable first, then the negative cable.
Shield Your Battery Terminals
To reduce the likelihood of future corrosion on battery terminals, apply a battery terminal protectant spray. After cleaning and reconnecting the battery terminals, generously coat each terminal with this protective spray.
Treat Window Tracks
Frozen water can infiltrate the window tracks, causing resistance when attempting to open the window. This added drag can damage the window regulator cables, leading to expensive repairs. You can completely avoid this issue by lubricating the window tracks with either spray silicone or dry Teflon spray lubricant.
Lower the window and direct the spray into the front and back window tracks. Apply a sufficient amount of lubricant so that it drips all the way down the track. Afterward, operate the window multiple times to distribute the lubricant evenly along the entire track. Clean off any spray residue on the glass with glass cleaner and a paper towel.
Condition Weather Stripping
If water manages to seep between your door and weather stripping, it can freeze, leaving you locked out of your vehicle. To prevent this, coat the weather stripping and the surfaces of the door that make contact with it using spray silicone. To avoid overspray in the interior of your car, spray the silicone directly onto a clean cloth. Wipe the silicone lubricant onto the weather stripping of the doors and trunk. Repeat this process on the mating surfaces of the doors and trunk lid.
Lubricate Your Door Locks
You may not frequently use your door and trunk locks if you rely on remote keyless entry, but that’s no reason to overlook them. If you fail to keep the lock cylinders well-lubricated, they can corrode, rendering your key useless. If the battery in your key fob happens to die, you’ll find yourself locked out and needing to contact a locksmith.
It’s simple to lubricate the lock cylinders of your doors and trunk. Applying graphite lock lubricant into the keyway works effectively as long as you don’t apply too much.
Dry Teflon spray lubricant is another viable choice. Shake the spray can to evenly distribute the Teflon, then spray the liquid into the lock cylinder. The solvent will break down any sticky residues. Once the solvent evaporates, the internal components of the lock will be coated with Teflon particles, enabling the lock to function smoothly.
Lubricate Latches and Hinges
When your vehicle fails to start, a sticking hood latch only adds to your frustration. Since the latch mechanism is located just behind the grille, it tends to corrode and seize due to all the salt spray from vehicles in front of you. You can avoid this corrosion by lubricating the latch mechanism before winter sets in.
Simply pop the hood and spray the latch with lithium grease. Open and close the hood several times to work the lubricant into the latch and spring mechanism. After that, close the hood and forget about it for the rest of the winter. It will open easily when you need to access the engine.
Consider Winter Tires
Winter tires can be a lifesaver. Also referred to as snow tires for the snowflake symbol on their sidewall, winter tires offer significantly more traction on snow. “Winter tires make a huge difference,” states Gelfand. “They can improve traction by approximately 30% for acceleration and reduce your braking distance by about 40% on average in icy or snowy conditions.”
A complete set of four winter tires can cost $600 or more, depending on your wheel size. If you have the tires mounted on your current wheels, you’ll need to pay a shop to swap them out each spring and fall. While winter tires may seem expensive, think about the benefits they provide.
With superior stopping distance and handling in turns, winter tires can help you avoid a potential at-fault accident. If your collision deductible ranges from $500 to $1,000, investing in winter tires could prove to be cost-effective if they help prevent an accident in just one season.
Check Your Coolant
Engine coolant serves more purposes than just preventing your engine from freezing and cracking. It also contains anti-corrosive additives and lubricants for the water pump to keep your cooling system functioning optimally, making it essential to check and change it if needed as part of winterizing your vehicle.
Assess the level of freeze protection in your coolant with an inexpensive tester. Draw some coolant from the reservoir and examine the scale on the tester for results.
However, don’t stop there. Just because the coolant appears suitable for freeze protection doesn’t guarantee that the additives are still effective. To evaluate that, grab a digital multimeter and follow these instructions:
- Start with a cold engine. Take off the radiator cap and start the engine.
- Adjust your digital multimeter to read DC volts at 20 volts or less. Once the engine reaches the appropriate operating temperature, insert the positive probe directly into the coolant.
- Rev the engine to 2,000 rpm and place the negative probe on the negative battery terminal.
- If the digital meter indicates .4 volts or less, your coolant is in good shape.
- A reading above .4 volts suggests that the additives have worn out, and you might need a new radiator, water pump, or heater core, all of which are significantly pricier than a simple coolant replacement.
Switch to Winter Wiper Blades
Standard wiper blades can become clogged with snow, leading to streaks or leaving large areas of your windshield untouched. Winter wiper blades resolve this issue. A rubber boot encloses the entire blade, preventing ice and snow from accumulating. They greatly improve visibility and contribute to safer driving in winter conditions. Remove your old wiper blades and store them for use next spring. Then attach the winter wiper blades to ensure clear vision throughout the winter.
Check and Replace Your Hood Lifts
If the gas lift cylinders that hold your hood open struggle in warm weather, they will eventually stop functioning entirely when temperatures fall below freezing. Since both the left and right lifts experience the same wear over time, it’s best to replace them as a pair. Left-side and right-side lifts may have slight differences, so it’s a good idea to ask the store clerk to label them properly for you.
Have a friend assist you by holding the hood open while you swap out the lift. Using a piece of wood to prop the hood can lead to serious head injuries. The lifts are attached to the hood and fender with either bolts or a ball-and-socket connection.
The bolt types allow for a simple replacement. Just take out the bolts and install the new lift. For ball-and-socket arrangements, a C-shaped clip secures the socket to the ball. To detach the ends from the ball studs, simply insert a small flat-blade screwdriver into the center of the clip to pry it off. This will allow you to separate the ball and socket.
Use the screwdriver to remove the C-clip from the new lift and snap the end onto the ball.
Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Cabin air filters are often overlooked in modern vehicles. You might not think this maintenance is crucial, but a blocked cabin air filter can significantly hinder airflow through your vehicle’s heating system, which can strain the blower motor and cause the blower motor resistor to overheat.
The cost to replace a blower motor on some vehicles can be as high as $400, so it’s wise to change your cabin air filter before the heating and cooling seasons arrive. Purchase a new filter at any auto parts store for less than $20 and follow the installation instructions found in your owner’s manual. Remember that some models indicate a specific airflow direction, so pay attention to the orientation of the old filter when you remove it.
Assemble A Winter Survival Kit
You likely have some of the items needed for a winter car survival kit already in your garage. However, these items, along with a few others, should be stored in your car! Just collect them in a box and keep it in your vehicle during the winter months for emergencies on the road.
If you are properly prepared, you’ll be able to handle most winter roadside issues and avoid frostbite. For those driving through rural or less populated regions, being stranded in a snowstorm can be extremely dangerous if you’re not prepared. Here’s a list of essential items for your winter car survival kit:
– A candle-powered heater;
– A flashlight;
– A cellphone charger;
– A notepad and pen/pencil;
– A compact tire inflator;
– A small tool kit (including screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, duct tape, zip ties);
– A bag of cat litter or floor sweep absorbent to assist with traction on ice;
– Jumper cables;
– A small shovel;
– A can of Fix-A-Flat;
– A basic first aid kit;
– Warm gloves, a hat, and a blanket.
Driving in Winter Weather
The Basics
Slow down. Controlling or stopping your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface is more difficult. In fact, in 2022, around 153,620 police-reported traffic accidents occurred under snowy or icy conditions. When driving, extend your following distance so you have ample time to stop for vehicles ahead.
Keep your distance from snow plows and avoid driving next to them. Snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, frequently stop, cross lanes, and exit the road regularly. If you find yourself trailing a snow plow, stay at a safe distance and be cautious if you decide to overtake it.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you find yourself stopped or stalled in wintry conditions, concentrate on yourself and your passengers, your vehicle, and your surroundings.
Stay inside your car and avoid overexerting yourself.
Make your vehicle visible. Place bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light illuminated.
Be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow and only run your car intermittently—just enough to maintain warmth. Avoid running your car for extended periods with the windows closed or in confined spaces.
Driving in Winter Weather
The Essentials
Reduce your speed. Controlling or halting your vehicle becomes more difficult on icy or snowy roads. In fact, in 2022, about 153,620 traffic accidents were reported to police during snow or sleet conditions. On the road, extend your following distance significantly to ensure you have enough time to stop for vehicles in front of you.
Do not tailgate a snow plow or ride alongside it. Snow plows move slowly, make broad turns, frequently stop, enter different lanes, and exit the road often. If you find yourself behind one, maintain a safe distance and proceed with caution if you decide to overtake it.
What to Do in an Emergency
- If you find yourself stopped or immobilized in winter conditions, prioritize your safety and that of your passengers, your vehicle, and your environment.
- Stay inside your vehicle and avoid physical exhaustion.
- Make your car visible.
- Attach bright markers to the antenna or windows and keep the interior light on.
Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning. - Ensure your exhaust pipe is free of snow and run your engine only intermittently—just enough to keep warm.
- Avoid running your vehicle for extended periods with the windows closed or in confined spaces.
Changes You May Observe
Tires
As the temperature decreases, tire inflation pressure diminishes as well. Confirm that every tire is inflated to the recommended pressure set by the vehicle manufacturer, which can be found in your owner’s manual and on a sticker in the driver’s side door frame. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure indicated on the tire itself; that figure represents the tire’s maximum capacity, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
Here are some additional tips:
- Examine your tires at least monthly and before any lengthy trips.
- It’s ideal to check tire pressure while they are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours.
- Also, verify the age of each tire. Some manufacturers suggest replacing tires every six years, regardless of their wear.
Inspection goes beyond checking inflation and age. Be sure to look for any damage or issues that may need addressing, including inspecting the spare tire. When evaluating tread and sidewalls, check for cuts, punctures, bulges, abrasions, cracks, or deformities. Additionally, look for built-in wear indicators or use a quarter to assess when you should replace your tires.
For the quarter test, insert a quarter into the tread groove. If the tread doesn’t touch George Washington’s head, consider replacing your tires. If you discover any tire damage, consult a tire service expert.
Think about getting snow tires, but prior to purchasing new ones, check the NHTSA’s Tires page for tire safety ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) allows you to compare tire treadwear, traction performance, and resistance to heat.
Car Seats
In colder months, parents often dress their kids in bulky winter coats. However, it’s crucial to realize that heavy coats can affect the correct harness fit in a car seat. When securing a child in a car seat, opt for thin, warm layers, and drape blankets or coats over your child after ensuring the harness is snug and secure for added warmth.
Also, verify that car seats and booster seats are installed correctly and that any children traveling with you are in the appropriate seat based on their age and size. Refer to NHTSA’s child passenger safety guidelines to determine the suitable seat for your child. You can use NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a nearby free car seat inspection site or to get details about virtual inspections.
Batteries
As temperatures drop, battery performance declines. In cold conditions, gasoline and diesel engines require more battery power to start, and the driving range of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles may diminish. Have a technician assess your battery, charging system, belts, and any other necessary repairs or replacements.
Safety Technologies
Get to know the safety features available in your vehicle and understand how they operate in winter conditions. Determine whether your vehicle comes equipped with an antilock brake system and learn how to effectively utilize it. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking during braking. If your vehicle has antilock brakes, apply firm and steady pressure to the brake pedal. If it lacks antilock brakes, you may need to pump the brakes if you perceive that your wheels are beginning to lock up.
Floor Mats
With the messy conditions of winter, you might want to consider replacing your regular floor mats with ones made of thicker materials or rubber. Improper installation of floor mats in your car could obstruct the functioning of the accelerator or brake pedals, raising the likelihood of an accident. Adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for mat setup and utilize retention clips to keep the mats in place. Always ensure the mats are the proper size and fit for your vehicle.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Lights
Examine your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Don’t forget to check the brake lights and turn signals for your trailer, if applicable.
Windshield Wipers
You can easily deplete a lot of windshield wiper fluid during a single snowstorm. Ensure that your vehicle’s reservoir is filled with high-quality “winter” fluid containing a de-icer before the winter weather arrives. Confirm that defrosters and windshield wipers are functional, and replace any worn blades. If you live in an area that experiences heavy snow and ice, consider putting in heavy-duty winter wipers.
Cooling System
Verify that your vehicle has an adequate amount of coolant, and that it aligns with the manufacturer’s specifications. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for guidance. Inspect the cooling system for any leaks, assess the coolant’s quality, and drain or replace the old coolant.
You might also want to schedule a tune-up with your mechanic, and ask them to check for any leaks, severely worn hoses, or other necessary repairs and part replacements.
Before You Go
Stock Your Vehicle
Keep items in your vehicle to address common winter driving tasks and supplies you may require in an emergency, such as:
- a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;
- abrasive material (like sand or kitty litter) for traction if your vehicle becomes stuck in snow;
- jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (such as flares and emergency markers);
- a first aid kit, which includes a tourniquet;
- blankets for warmth; and
- a cell phone with charger, water, food, and any required medication.
Gas Up or Plug It In
Try to keep your gas tank as full as possible whenever you can.
For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it’s also crucial to maintain a charged battery and minimize battery drain. Generally, batteries with liquid electrolyte experience decreased energy storage and delivery capabilities in lower temperatures, which is why most vehicle batteries use power for self-heating in cold weather. You can reduce the battery drain caused by heating by ensuring your electric vehicle stays warm during freezing temperatures. A common method is to plug your vehicle in overnight during winter to keep the battery within its optimal temperature range.
Plan Your Route
Review local weather and traffic updates before you set out. If road conditions are poor, consider delaying any non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you must go out, ensure you are well-prepared in case you encounter delays while traveling. If you plan on taking a long trip when winter weather is imminent, think about leaving earlier or changing your departure time to avoid driving during the storm’s peak.
Get familiar with directions and maps ahead of time—even if you rely on a GPS—and share your route and expected arrival time with someone else. On longer journeys, allocate enough time for breaks to stretch, eat, check your phone, and switch drivers or rest if you start feeling drowsy.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
You already know the rules: avoid texting or driving distracted; adhere to posted speed limits; and always drive sober. Both alcohol and drugs can hinder safe and responsible driving by impacting coordination, judgment, perception, and reaction times. And always remember to wear your seat belt.
Be ready for driving in harsh and icy conditions. Start with these tips.
Know how your vehicle reacts in snowy weather. While features like anti-lock brakes and all-season tires can be beneficial, each car behaves differently. If you can, practice stopping, starting, and turning in a large, empty, snowy parking lot to familiarize yourself with how your wheels perform in the snow.
Ensure your battery is fully charged and functioning well. Cold temperatures can negatively impact battery performance, so it’s wise to check it before the cold weather hits.
Keep your fuel tank filled. Inclement weather or traffic jams might require you to take detours or turn back. A fuller tank will also help prevent your gas line from freezing up.
Consider changing your oil filter and possibly your oil. The oil in your vehicle thickens in colder temperatures, and depending on your car manufacturer’s guidelines, a thinner oil grade can help your vehicle operate more smoothly during winter.
Make certain that your windshield washer fluid has antifreeze, so it doesn’t freeze in low temperatures. You might also think about purchasing winter windshield wipers, which can help prevent ice and snow from accumulating on the blade.
Ensure your windshield and windows are clear. Keep a snow brush and scraper in your vehicle at all times. You can enhance your car’s defroster effectiveness by wiping the windows with a clean cloth to improve visibility.
Verify that your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated—both are crucial for safe winter driving. While all-season tires may suffice for some, if your area frequently experiences snow and ice, think about equipping your vehicle with winter tires.
Check your exhaust pipe to confirm it is unobstructed. A blocked exhaust could lead to carbon monoxide buildup in your car while the engine is running.
Prepare your trunk for emergencies. A snow shovel and a bag of salt (or kitty litter) can help you extricate your vehicle from a ditch and provide traction on slippery surfaces; a blanket can keep you warm, and bottles of water will help you stay hydrated if you get stranded.
Plan your journey sensibly.
Weather-related accidents can occur whether you’re on a lengthy drive or just a short trip to an appointment. Take necessary precautions before you start your journey.
Allow extra time to reach your destination. Winter trips can take longer than usual, especially in bad weather or on icy roads. Driving in adverse conditions is stressful enough without the added pressure of being late, which could impair your safe driving judgment.
Do not warm up your vehicle in a confined space, like a garage. This could cause harmful carbon monoxide to accumulate.
Fully charge your cellphone and remember to have your car charger on hand in case you’re delayed or need to call for help if you get stuck or encounter an emergency. However, resist the urge to use your phone while driving, as it can be a significant distraction. Always pull over before making a call.
Keep an eye on the weather conditions before you set off on your trip, not just at your starting point but at your destination as well. If it appears that the roads will be too treacherous, such as with an ice storm, hurricane, tornado, flood, hail, or any other extreme weather, alter your travel plans.
Drive with extra caution.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two of the most common dangerous driving behaviors are “failure to maintain proper lane or going off the road” and “driving too fast for conditions.” Poor weather makes these actions significantly more perilous, so take additional care while driving.
Reduce your speed since accelerating, stopping, and turning all take more time on snow-covered or icy roads.
Increase the distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow at least 10 seconds to come to a complete stop. Cars and motorcycles typically require a minimum of 3 seconds to stop fully, even on dry pavements.
Be cautious when driving over bridges and roads that aren’t in direct sunlight—they are often icy when other areas are not.
Know your route well and remain vigilant to avoid sudden stops and sharp direction changes, which could lead to spinouts or collisions with other vehicles on slippery surfaces.
Watch out for animals that may be more assertive in their search for food when snow covers the ground and tend to wander onto or close to roadways. In areas known for wildlife, take measures to prevent accidents involving deer or other animals.
Do not use cruise control when driving on a slippery surface. You want to maintain complete control over your vehicle.
If you find yourself caught in a storm.
- Despite your best efforts, you may end up driving in undesirable weather. In such a case:
- Stay tuned to weather updates and reports of weather-related accidents via your radio or GPS. Adjust your routes to avoid the worst conditions of the storm or its aftermath.
- Avoid trying to drive out of the storm. Look for shelter for both yourself and your vehicle and wait for the storm to subside.
