As the Weather Starts to Get Colder, Get Your Car Winter-Ready: Fun and Easy Tips to Beat the Cold!

Get Your Car Winter-Ready: Fun and Easy Tips to Beat the Cold!

Written by Eric Nichols

Ah, winter! The season of cozy sweaters, hot chocolate, and beautiful snowy landscapes. But while we’re all bundling up for the cold, we sometimes forget that our cars need a little TLC too! Prepping your ride for colder weather can be fun (yes, fun!) and will save you tons of headaches when the temperature drops. So grab a hot drink, throw on a beanie, and let’s get your car winter-ready with these easy tips!

1. Check Your Tires: Grip It and Rip It!

Winter roads can get slippery, and you definitely don’t want to be skating around town. The first thing to check? Your tires!

• Tread Check: Look at the tread on your tires. If they’re looking bald or worn out, it’s time for a replacement. An easy way to check is by using the penny test—stick a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is too low!
• Switch to Winter Tires: If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow and ice, consider switching to winter tires. They’re designed to grip the road better in cold temperatures and slippery conditions.
• Tire Pressure: Cold air causes tires to lose pressure, so check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires can reduce traction and make driving more dangerous. Keep them pumped up to the recommended level (you can usually find this info on the inside of your driver’s door or in the owner’s manual).

2. Give Your Battery Some Love: Don’t Get Left in the Cold!

Winter weather is brutal on car batteries. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions in your battery, making it harder for your car to start. So, what should you do?

• Test It: Get your battery tested at a local auto shop (most will do this for free!). If it’s on its last legs, better to replace it now than find out the hard way when it dies on a freezing morning.
• Clean the Terminals: Battery terminals can get corroded over time, which makes it harder for your car to start. Give them a quick clean with a toothbrush and some baking soda paste. You’ll be amazed at how much easier your car fires up with clean terminals.

3. Change Your Oil: A Smooth Winter Ride

Oil gets thicker in cold weather, which can make your engine work harder. Some oils are designed to perform better in lower temperatures, so make sure you’re using the right one for winter.

• Winter-Grade Oil: Check your owner’s manual to see if your car needs a specific oil for colder weather. Many cars use synthetic oil, which tends to perform better in extreme temperatures. If you’re due for an oil change, now’s the time!

4. Top Off Your Fluids: Stay Cool (and Warm)

Your car’s fluids are its lifeblood, and they need to be in tip-top shape to handle the winter chill.

• Antifreeze (Coolant): Your car’s coolant is actually more important in the winter than in the summer! It keeps your engine from freezing. Check the levels and make sure the mix is correct (typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water). If you’re unsure, your mechanic can help you out.
• Washer Fluid: Don’t get caught with an empty washer fluid tank when road salt and grime start coating your windshield. Switch to a winter-grade washer fluid that won’t freeze in the reservoir. Bonus tip: keep an extra jug in your trunk just in case!
• Brake Fluid: Cold weather can sometimes make brake fluid thicker, affecting how your brakes perform. Have your brake fluid levels checked and topped off if necessary.

5. Check Your Heater and Defroster: Keep Things Cozy

Nobody wants to freeze inside their car or deal with an icy windshield they can’t clear. Make sure your heater and defroster are working properly before it gets too cold to ignore.

• Turn Up the Heat: Test your car’s heater. If it’s blowing cold air or taking forever to warm up, you might have a problem with your thermostat or heater core. Better to fix it now than shiver later!
• Defroster Check: A working defroster is crucial for keeping your windshield clear. If it’s not working, get it looked at ASAP. A foggy or frozen windshield can make driving incredibly dangerous.

6. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit: Be Prepared Like a Pro

This is the part where you get to play survivalist and pack an epic winter emergency kit! In case you get stuck in the snow, having these items on hand can be a lifesaver:

• Blanket: Stay warm if your car breaks down.
• Ice Scraper: Trust me, you’ll need this! Bonus points for getting one with a snow brush on the other end.
• Jumper Cables: If your battery dies, these will get you back on the road quickly (or help someone else out!).
• Flashlight: Winter days are short, and it gets dark early. A flashlight with extra batteries is always a good idea.
• Snacks and Water: Because you never know how long you might be stuck.
• Kitty Litter or Sand: This might sound weird, but a bag of kitty litter or sand can help give your tires extra traction if you’re stuck on ice.

7. Wash and Wax: Protect Your Car’s Paint Job

Winter roads mean salt, snow, and all sorts of grime that can damage your car’s exterior. A good wash and wax before winter sets in can help protect the paint and prevent rust.

• Wash Off the Salt: Salt is great for melting ice on the roads, but it’s terrible for your car’s paint and undercarriage. Give your car a good wash and make sure to hit the underbody to remove any lingering salt.
• Wax On, Wax Off: Applying a coat of wax will help create a barrier between your car’s paint and the elements. Plus, it makes your car look shiny and new all winter long!

8. Wipers and Lights: See and Be Seen

Visibility is key when driving in winter conditions, so make sure your wipers and lights are in good shape.

• Wiper Blades: Old or worn wiper blades won’t cut it in the snow. Swap them out for winter wiper blades that are designed to handle ice and snow better.
• Headlights and Taillights: Make sure all your lights are working and bright. Clean off any dirt or grime that could reduce visibility. Consider upgrading to LED headlights for extra brightness on those dark winter nights.

Conclusion: You’re Ready to Take On Winter!

Prepping your car for winter doesn’t have to be a chore—it can actually be kind of fun! Plus, by taking care of these little things now, you’ll save yourself from major headaches (and possible breakdowns) when the temperature really drops. So go ahead and check off these items from your winter car prep list, and you’ll be ready to take on the cold with confidence.

Bundle up, hit the road, and enjoy the snowy adventure—your car’s ready to roll!