Winter Car Care Tips: How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Cold Weather
Winter brings with it harsh conditions that can take a toll on your vehicle. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt can all contribute to wear and tear, reduced performance, and even breakdowns. Proper preparation can help keep your car running smoothly and safely throughout the season. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential winter car care tips, including a special section for those who don’t have access to tools but still want to keep their vehicle in top shape.
1. Check and Maintain Your Battery
Cold weather can significantly impact your car battery’s performance. A weak battery can struggle to start in freezing temperatures, leaving you stranded. Here’s what you should do:
Test Your Battery: If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested by a professional or use a battery tester.
Clean the Terminals: Corrosion can reduce connectivity. Clean terminals with a battery cleaning brush and apply anti-corrosion spray.
Keep It Charged: If you don’t drive often, consider using a trickle charger to maintain battery health.
No Tools Needed DIY Care:
If you don’t have tools, check your battery’s performance by observing slow engine cranks or dim headlights. Keep jumper cables in your car for emergencies and park in a garage when possible to reduce exposure to extreme cold.
2. Check Your Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and they need extra attention in winter.
Engine Oil: Cold weather thickens oil, making it harder for the engine to run smoothly. Use winter-grade oil (check your owner’s manual for recommendations).
Coolant/Antifreeze: Ensure your coolant mixture is in line with manufacturer recommendations for proper coolant efficiency to prevent freezing.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Regular washer fluid can freeze in cold temperatures. Use winter-formula washer fluid that won’t freeze.
No Tools Needed DIY Care:
Pop your hood and check fluid levels by looking at reservoir markings. If levels are low, top them off with the appropriate fluid from an auto store. No need for special tools—just a steady hand and a funnel.
3. Inspect Your Tires
Your tires are your primary contact with the road, making them crucial for winter safety.
Check Tread Depth: Tires with low tread won’t grip icy or snowy roads well. The penny test (explained below) can help determine if your tread is too low.
Consider Winter Tires: If you drive in heavy snow, winter tires provide better traction than all-season tires.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. Check pressure regularly and inflate as needed to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
No Tools Needed DIY Care:
Without a tire gauge, you can visually inspect for deflation or uneven wear. Using the penny test is simply placing a penny in the tire treads while aiming the peak of Abraham Lincoln’s head at the tread. If the tread blocks any of his head, you’re above the legal standard for safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Many experts agree that 4/32 of an inch is the minimum for safe driving, unlike the state required 2/32.
4. Keep Your Wipers and Lights in Top Shape
Visibility is crucial in winter conditions.
Replace Wiper Blades: If your wipers streak or chatter, replace them. Some suggest winter-specific bladdes, but through our experience, many blades can be rendedred useless in their youth due to unforseen weather or driving experiences, so replacing often is a better solution in our opinion.
Use De-Icing Windshield Washer Fluid: Helps keep your windshield clear in freezing temperatures.
Check Lights: Ensure all exterior lights work properly to improve visibility for you and other drivers.
No Tools Needed DIY Care:
Keep your windshield clean by using an ice scraper and a de-icer spray. For lights, walk around your car and check that all bulbs are functioning—if any are out, a quick stop at an auto shop can get them replaced.
5. Protect Your Car’s Exterior
Winter elements like road salt and snow can damage your vehicle’s paint and undercarriage.
Wash and Wax: A good coat of wax protects your paint from salt and grime.
Use a Car Cover: If parking outside, a cover can prevent snow and ice buildup.
Spray Undercoating: Helps prevent rust on the underside of your car.
No Tools Needed DIY Care:
Rinse your car with water at least once a week to remove salt buildup. Many drive-through car washes offer undercarriage sprays to protect against rust.
6. Stock an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit can prove to be extremely beneficial especially in winter conditions. Your kit should include:
Flashlight with extra batteries
Jumper cables
Rope
Ice scraper and snow brush
First aid kit
Cat litter or sand or gravel for traction if stuck
No Tools Needed DIY Care:
If you don’t have an official emergency kit, gather any items listed above that you may have and store them in your trunk. If you’re resourceful find things that will accomplish the purposes of the items above. I’ve used both a jacket and a piece of cardboard to brush snow off of my vehicles as well as a credit card to scrape light ice. You can also keep a large bag of cat litter, sand, or gravel in the car to help gain traction if stuck.
Final Thoughts
Winter car care doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you have access to tools or not, small maintenance steps can go a long way in keeping your vehicle safe and reliable in cold weather. By staying on top of battery health, fluid levels, tire maintenance, and visibility, you’ll be prepared for whatever winter throws your way. And if you’re ever unsure about a task, a professional mobile auto technician can help you stay on the road safely all season long.
