How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather

Quick Tips for Preparing Your Car for Winter

• Check your tires, battery, fluids, and wipers before cold weather arrives.
• Consider winter tires if you regularly drive in freezing temperatures, snow, or ice.
• Pack an emergency kit with warm clothing, blankets, food, water, and other essentials.

Cold weather can be hard on your car. Freezing temperatures affect batteries, tire pressure, and vehicle fluids, while snow and ice create additional challenges for drivers.

Preparing your vehicle before winter arrives can help prevent breakdowns and improve safety. Whether you live where heavy snowfall is common or occasionally encounter freezing temperatures, here’s how to get your car ready.

Check Your Tires Before Winter

Your tires are essential to winter driving safety. Worn tread and improper inflation reduce traction, particularly on wet, snowy, or icy roads.

Inspect your tires for wear and check their pressure regularly. Tire pressure typically drops about one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree decrease in temperature. Inflate cold tires to the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb, not the maximum printed on the tire.

Do You Need Winter Tires?

The answer depends on your climate and driving conditions.

• All-season tires are designed for year-round driving in dry, wet, and mild winter conditions, including occasional light snow.
• All-weather tires offer improved snow traction compared with typical all-season tires while remaining suitable for year-round use. Look for the 3-peak mountain snowflake symbol, indicating the tire meets an industry snow-traction standard.
• Winter tires use specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns for better traction, braking, and handling in cold temperatures, snow, and ice. They’re worth considering when temperatures consistently fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

All-wheel drive (AWD) can help your car accelerate on slippery surfaces, but it doesn’t improve the traction available for braking and turning.

If you travel through mountainous areas, check whether tire chains are required and compatible with your vehicle.

Test Your Car Battery

Cold weather reduces battery performance just when an engine may need more power to start.

If your battery is several years old, have it tested before winter. Slow engine cranking, dim headlights, and recent jump-starts can signal a weakening battery. Many auto parts stores and repair shops offer battery testing.

Electric vehicles also need cold-weather preparation. Freezing temperatures can reduce range and slow charging. When possible, precondition your EV while it’s plugged in to warm the cabin and, on some models, the battery before departure. Plan for reduced range on longer trips.

Check Fluids, Wipers, and Other Essentials

A few maintenance checks can help prevent winter breakdowns and visibility problems.

• Coolant: Check the level and freeze protection. Use the mixture specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Engine oil: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity, including any guidance for extreme temperatures.
• Washer fluid and wipers: Use washer fluid rated for freezing conditions and replace streaking or damaged blades.
• Heater and defrosters: Make sure both work properly before temperatures drop.
• Brakes and lights: Have worn or noisy brakes inspected and confirm that all exterior lights work.

Address overdue maintenance before winter. Aging belts, hoses, and other components are more likely to cause problems when temperatures fall.

Keep an ice scraper and snow brush handy. Before driving, remove snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof. Snow left on your vehicle can obstruct your view or blow onto other drivers.

Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

A breakdown or road closure can leave you stranded in freezing temperatures. Keep basic supplies in your vehicle, particularly when traveling through remote areas or regions with heavy snowfall.

Winter emergency kit essentials:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Blankets, gloves, and warm clothing
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Phone charger or portable power bank
• Nonperishable snacks and drinking water
• First-aid kit and essential medications
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Reflective warning triangles or LED emergency lights

For severe winter conditions, add a compact shovel, traction material such as sand, and tire chains if required. Check your supplies periodically. Recharge batteries and replace expired food, medications, or other items.

Prepare for Winter Road Trips

Check the forecast and road conditions before traveling. If a major winter storm is expected, consider postponing nonessential trips.

Keep your gas tank at least half full or plan EV charging stops with extra range in reserve. Allow additional travel time, and tell someone your route and expected arrival time when traveling through remote areas.

Before leaving, check tire pressure, clear snow and ice from the vehicle, and make sure your lights and wipers work.

Preparing your car is only part of winter driving safety. Pro tip: Read our 20 Tips for Driving in the Snow for advice on braking, steering, handling skids, and navigating slippery roads.

What if You Become Stranded?

If you’re stranded during a winter storm, call for help and generally remain with your vehicle unless it’s in an unsafe location. Use your emergency supplies to stay warm and make your car visible to rescuers.

If you run a gasoline-powered engine for heat, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Run the engine intermittently as needed, and never in an enclosed space.

Prepare Before Winter Arrives

You don’t need to wait for the first snowfall to get your car ready. Checking the essentials and keeping emergency supplies on hand can help you avoid a breakdown and stay safer when winter weather arrives.

Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.

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