Get Your Car Ready for Winter With This Simple Checklist
Winter is coming, and your car’s about to face the cold right along with you. Nobody wants to face dead batteries, frozen windshields, and unexpected breakdowns in the cold weather. A little preparation can go a long way. Here’s a 15-point checklist to get your ride winter-ready.
Check Your Battery
Cold temperatures kill car batteries. If you have an old battery or a weak battery, the winter weather will quickly expose it. Get it tested, clean the terminals, and replace it if needed.
Inspect Your Tires
Bald tires and icy roads don’t mix. Check the tread depth, look for cracks, and make sure they’re properly inflated. If you live somewhere with heavy snow, winter tires are a game-changer. You’ll be giving your car proper boots for the season.
Test Your Antifreeze
Antifreeze is your engine’s winter coat, so it’s not optional. Make sure your coolant levels are topped up and the mix is right (usually 50/50 with water). Without it, your engine could freeze. A five-dollar tester can save you a thousand-dollar repair.
Check Your Wipers
Regular wiper blades turn into useless streak-makers once snow and ice show up. Swap them for winter blades, which are sturdier and won’t freeze up as easily. While you’re at it, top off with cold-weather washer fluid so you’re not spraying ice onto your windshield.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
In winter, running on fumes is risky and dangerous. A near-empty tank can lead to condensation, which freezes and causes fuel line problems. Also, if you get stuck somewhere, you’ll want enough gas to keep the heat on while waiting for help.
Check Your Heater and Defroster
Nobody wants to drive in a rolling freezer with foggy glass. Before the temperature drops, be sure to flip on your heater and defroster to ensure they are working properly. If they seem weak, fix them now, as your comfort and visibility depend on it.
Pack an Emergency Kit
As winter is unpredictable, it’s always smart to keep a simple kit in your trunk. It should have a blanket, flashlight, snacks, water, jumper cables, and a small shovel. This may seem unnecessary, but when you are stranded on the side of the road, you will be glad you packed it.
Check Your Lights
Dark mornings, early sunsets, and snowy nights mean your lights matter more than ever. Walk around your car and check the headlights, taillights, and signals. Replace any dim or burnt-out bulbs. Good lighting keeps you safe and makes sure other drivers see you.
Swap Out Floor Mats
In winter, you’ll have snow, slush, and road salt all over your car’s carpet. The easy fix is to get all-weather mats. They catch the grime, rinse clean in minutes, and keep your car from smelling like soggy boots. It’s a cheap upgrade that saves time and protects your interior.
Top Off All Fluids
Cold temperatures put a strain on every system in your vehicle, so ensure that all your fluids are at the appropriate level, including oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. Don’t forget washer fluid rated for winter; it won’t freeze when you spray it onto icy glass.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Cold temperatures cause rubber to become brittle, and worn belts or hoses love to break at the worst time. Take a quick look under the hood and check for cracks, leaks, or fraying. A little maintenance now will save you from waiting for a tow truck in the snow.
Keep a Snow Brush Handy
Driving with just a tiny hole scraped into your windshield is just lazy and reckless. Keep a solid snow brush and scraper in the car. Taking a few minutes to clear your whole vehicle is safer and makes your car look better.
Test Your Brakes
Icy roads leave little room for mistakes, so strong brakes are crucial. If you hear squeaks, grinding, or feel vibrations, have them checked out. Properly working brakes are the difference between safely stopping and sliding through an intersection.
Check Your Spare
It’s easy to forget your spare until you need it, and winter loves to throw nails, potholes, and sharp ice chunks in your path. Make sure your spare is inflated and the tools to change it are in the trunk. A flat spare is no spare at all.
Keep De-Icer Around
Nothing ruins a morning faster than a frozen car door lock. A small bottle of lock de-icer or lubricant will save you from wrestling with your car door in the cold. You can keep one in your bag or coat pocket; it's the ultimate cheap, effective winter hack.
