Get Your Car Ready for Cold Weather

Just a little bit of preparation can result in smoother winter driving.

Stay warm and stay safe out there.

Winter is already here, and you’re wondering whether your car can handle it. Freezing temperatures and icy conditions can be brutal on your vehicle, and the last thing you want is to end up stranded in the cold.

But don’t worry, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to get your car winter-ready, step by step.

Check Your Battery

Car batteries don’t love freezing weather—kind of like us. Cold temperatures can reduce your battery’s cranking power by 50%, which means starting your engine might become a real challenge.

Before the thermometer takes a nose-dive, test your battery’s charge and ensure it’s strong enough to survive the season. Most auto parts stores will test your battery for free. If it’s on its last legs, replace it now rather than risk it dying when you need it most. While you’re at it, make sure the battery terminals are clean and tightly connected.

Fill Up on Antifreeze

Antifreeze (or coolant) is your car’s best friend in the winter. It prevents your engine from freezing, which is obviously important when temperatures drop. Check your coolant levels and top them off if needed.

If it’s been a while since your last flush and fill, schedule one to make sure the antifreeze-to-water ratio is correct (usually 50/50).

Switch to Winter Wiper Fluid & Blades

Regular windshield wiper fluid can freeze in extreme cold, leaving you with streaky—or completely iced-over—glass. Swap it out for a winter-grade fluid that won’t freeze on contact.

And while you’re at it, inspect your wiper blades. If they’re already leaving streaks, it’s time for an upgrade. Winter-specific wiper blades are designed to handle snow and ice, making them a worthwhile investment.

Inspect Your Tires

Your tires are what keep you connected to the road, so make sure they’re up for the winter challenge. Start by checking your tire tread. An easy way to do this is with the penny test—stick a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down.

If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn, and it’s time for new tires. For those in areas that get a lot of snow or ice, consider switching to winter tires. They provide better traction in cold weather due to their softer rubber and deeper treads. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure too—cold weather can cause it to drop.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Trunk

Even with all the prep in the world, there’s always a chance that winter will throw you a curveball. Stay ready by keeping an emergency kit in your car.

Include essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a small snow shovel, blankets, gloves, some non-perishable snacks, and a bag of kitty litter or sand for traction.

Check Your Lights

Winter means shorter daylight hours, so you’ll likely be driving in the dark more often. Clean your headlights, taillights, and turn signals to ensure maximum visibility. If your headlights look cloudy or dim, consider replacing or restoring them. Bonus tip: LED bulbs perform better in the cold.

Top Off Your Gas Tank

Try to keep your gas tank at least half full during the winter. This isn’t just to avoid the dreaded “E” on the gauge—having more gas minimizes the amount of space for moisture to build up in your tank, reducing the risk of freezing fuel lines.

Lubricate Door Seals and Locks

Icy weather can cause doors and locks to freeze shut. To prevent this, apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rubber seals around your car doors. For locks that are prone to freezing, keep a de-icer handy just in case.

Warm Up Your Car Wisely

A lot of people think you need to warm up your car for 10 minutes before driving off, but in most cases, that’s unnecessary. Modern engines are designed to warm up quickly while you’re driving.

Give it 30 seconds to a minute while idling, then hit the road. Pro tip? Don’t blast the heat right away—wait for the engine to warm up a bit first.