Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle
Winter is on the way. It's time to get your vehicle winter-ready.
Reviewed by Faisal Mohammad
Licensed Automotive Service Technician · 22 years' experience
Key Takeaways
- ▸Cold weather slows down your battery power.
- ▸You need to be able to see clearly while driving, especially in snowy conditions.
- ▸If you are in an area covered with snow for most of the winter, you should replace your regular all-season tires for winter tires.
- ▸Cold weather causes the air pressure in your tires to drop.
Winter is on the way. It's time to get your vehicle winter-ready. Winterizing your vehicle is necessary to keep your vehicle performing its best during the cold months. Your vehicle's safety is important during winter conditions, especially if you must drive on icy or snowy roads.
There are several things you can do to ensure your car operates successfully throughout the winter months as well as maximize your car's ability to keep you and your family safe should a winter weather problem occur.
Before the harsh winter weather arrives, you should have your vehicle serviced for the challenges winter can pose. Routine vehicle maintenance is important year-round, but especially before the winter months. Weather has a huge impact on the functionality of your vehicle, and servicing your vehicle becomes more pertinent during this colder time of the year.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Cold weather slows down your battery power. During the cold weather, your engine requires more current from the battery in order to start the engine. Have a mechanic check your battery to see if it needs replacement, charging or cleaning.
- 2You need to be able to see clearly while driving, especially in snowy conditions. Properly working windshield wipers and a good supply of wiper fluid will ensure you have a clear line of sight even in the worst snowstorm.
- 3If you are in an area covered with snow for most of the winter, you should replace your regular all-season tires for winter tires. They provide more traction and flexibility in the bitter cold.
- 4Cold weather causes the air pressure in your tires to drop. A properly inflated tire ensures the best possible contact between the road and the tires which is necessary for safe traction when driving in winter conditions.
- 5Cold weather reduces the effectiveness of the oil in your vehicle. The colder it is outside, the thicker the oil gets, and thick oil does not circulate through your engine as easily as thin oil. Change your oil and adjust the viscosity.
- 6All lights should be clean and properly working to ensure maximum visibility in the wintertime. Replace foggy, hazy or damaged lens covers to improve visibility.
- 7Check your belts and hoses for any sign of wear and tear. Cold temperature can weaken the belts and hoses that help make your engine run.
- 8Check brake fluid and brake pads for wear and tear and have pads replaced if necessary.
- 9To prevent the coolant in your radiator from freezing, check the anti-freeze mixture.
- 10Have your car prepared with emergency supplies in case you get stranded in a blizzard.
Benefits of Proper Maintenance
- Peace of mind during winter driving
- Prevent roadside breakdowns
- Maintain optimal vehicle performance
- Keep you and your family safe
- Extend the life of your vehicle
Faisal Mohammad
Licensed Automotive Service Technician · 22 years' experience
Faisal Mohammad is a licensed Automotive Service Technician with 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. He has built, repaired, and serviced thousands of vehicles across tires, wheels, brakes, suspension, and diagnostics, and reviews the tire and automotive guides published by Limitless Tire for technical accuracy.
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