How to Winterize Your Car

December 18, 2019
truck driving in snow

Have you given your car the tender, loving care it needs to survive the ravages of winter? Following our checklist can help ensure it’s prepared to take on the cold. Here are the 11 parts of your car you should winterize to prepare yourself for the cold.

1. Check antifreeze and cooling system

  • Before temperatures drop significantly, drain your cooling system and add new antifreeze (draining the car radiator and refilling it with new coolant should be done at least once a year)
  • Check the owner’s manual for the proper coolant level
  • Make sure the reserve tank or overflow tank fluid levels are sufficient

2. Check tires

  • Check tires weekly for proper tread and recommended tire pressure (you’ll find the recommended tire pressure inside the driver’s side door, doorframe or in the owner’s manual)
  • Replace worn tires
  • All-weather tires are generally adequate for winter, but some states require vehicles to have tire chains or snow tires with studs, so make sure to check local laws
  • If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, consider winter tires, which are designed to better grip icy pavement

3. Replace worn windshield wipers

  • Replace worn windshield wipers, since sand and salt will be more prevalent on your windshield in winter weather
  • Replace wiper fluid with a winter mixture and maintain the proper fluid level
  • Consider winter wiper blades to help cut through snow and ice

4. Check brake pads and brake fluid

  • Check brake fluid levels and brake pads for wear and tear
  • Replace worn pads and rotors

5. Test car battery

  • Make sure battery cables and terminals are secure and free from corrosion
  • Test your battery by turning on the headlights before starting the engine – if they get brighter once you start the engine, schedule an appointment with a mechanic for further electrical inspection
  • If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it inspected by a mechanic

6. Check heater and defroster

  • Turn your heater and defroster on and off to make sure they are working correctly

7. Clean foggy headlights

  • Make sure all lights are clean and working properly
  • Clean lights off prior to driving in any type of precipitation
  • Replace headlights that are foggy, hazy or damaged to improve visibility

8. Check motor oil

  • Change motor oil and filter at recommended intervals
  • Heavier oils thicken at lower temperatures and may not lubricate as well, so consider switching to “winter weight” or less viscous oil

9. Inspect exhaust system

  • Replace or repair leaks and crimped pipes to help keep carbon monoxide out of the passenger compartment

10. Keep gas tank at least half full

11. Periodically wash your car

  • Prevent road salt from damaging your car’s paint by washing your car during winter
  • Apply a fresh coat of wax to avoid corrosion
  • For better visibility, clear snow and ice from your car’s hood, roof, head and taillights before driving
  • Consider winter floor mats to protect your car’s carpeting
  • To protect car paint from winter mud, salt, and dirt, hose off your vehicle when there is a nice day

Along with these maintenance tips, make sure your vehicle has a winter emergency kit and the right auto insurance coverage before you hit the road this winter. For more information on how to keep yourself, your car, and your home safe during the winter, visit here.

Any of the recommendations should only be done if consistent with the owner’s manual.

 

Here are 11 parts of your car you should winterize to prepare yourself for the cold.

  1. Check antifreeze and cooling system

    Before temperatures drop significantly, drain your cooling system and add new antifreeze (draining the car radiator and refilling it with new coolant should be done at least once a year). Check the owner’s manual for the proper coolant level. Make sure the reserve tank or overflow tank fluid levels are sufficient.

  2. Check tires

    Check tires weekly for proper tread and recommended tire pressure (you’ll find the recommended tire pressure inside the driver’s side door, doorframe or in the owner’s manual). Replace worn tires. All-weather tires are generally adequate for winter, but some states require vehicles to have tire chains or snow tires with studs, so make sure to check local laws. If you live in an area prone to snow and ice, consider winter tires, which are designed to better grip icy pavement.

  3. Replace worn windshield wipers

    Replace worn wipers since sand and salt will be more prevalent on your windshield in winter weather. Replace wiper fluid with a winter mixture and maintain the proper fluid level. Consider winter wiper blades to help cut through snow and ice.

  4. Check brake pads and brake fluid

    Check brake fluid levels and brake pads for wear and tear. Replace worn pads and rotors.

  5. Test car battery

    Make sure battery cables and terminals are secure and free from corrosion. Test your battery by turning on the headlights before starting the engine – if they get brighter once you start the engine, schedule an appointment with a mechanic for further electrical inspection. If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it inspected by a mechanic.

  6. Check heater and defroster

    Turn your heater and defroster on and off to make sure they are working correctly.

  7. Clean foggy headlights

    Make sure all lights are clean and working properly. Clean lights off prior to driving in any type of precipitation. Replace headlights that are foggy, hazy or damaged to improve visibility.

  8. Check motor oil

    Change motor oil and filter at recommended intervals. Heavier oils thicken at lower temperatures and may not lubricate as well, so consider switching to “winter weight” or less viscous oil.

  9. Inspect exhaust system

    Replace or repair leaks and crimped pipes to help keep carbon monoxide out of the passenger compartment

  10. Keep gas tank at least half full

    To keep moisture in the gas line from freezing and for easier cold-weather starts, keep at least a half tank of gas in the tank.

  11. Periodically wash your car

    Prevent road salt from damaging your car’s paint by washing your car during winter. Apply a fresh coat of wax to avoid corrosion. For better visibility, clear snow and ice from your car’s hood, roof, head and taillights before driving.

Category:
  • Maintenance