How To Prepare Your Car for the Colder Weather Ahead

Winter brings unique challenges that can leave you stranded on the roadside. Smart preparation protects both your vehicle and your wallet from costly repairs and dangerous situations.

Cold temperatures strain every component of your car, from the battery to the tires. Taking proactive steps before winter arrives saves time, money, and stress when temperatures drop. Here’s how to winterize your vehicle effectively.

Check Your Battery’s Cold-Weather Readiness

Cold weather reduces battery capacity by up to 50 percent. A battery that works fine in summer may fail completely when temperatures plummet. Test your battery’s voltage and inspect the terminals for corrosion. Clean any buildup with baking soda and water.

If you’ve had the same battery in your car for more than three years, you should consider replacing it, especially if you’ve noticed slow engine cranking. Keep jumper cables in your trunk, just in case.

Inspect Tires and Tread Depth

Tire performance drops significantly in cold conditions. Check tread depth using the penny test—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, replace the tires immediately.

Inflate tires to manufacturer specifications, as cold air causes pressure to drop, and under-inflated tires reduce traction and increase fuel consumption. Consider switching to winter tires if you live in areas with heavy snow and ice.

Replace Engine Oil and Filters

Weather can affect a car’s lubricant viscosity, making oil changes crucial before winter. Cold temperatures thicken engine oil, forcing your engine to work harder during startup. Switch to a lower-viscosity oil designed for cold-weather performance.

Additionally, replace the oil filter to ensure optimal circulation. Fresh oil and a clean filter protect engine components from excessive wear during harsh winter conditions.

Test Your Heating and Defrosting Systems

Your heating system does more than keep you comfortable—it prevents dangerous driving conditions. Test the heater, defroster, and blower motor before cold weather arrives. You should also replace your cabin air filters to improve airflow and heating efficiency.

Check that all heating vents open properly and direct warm air where needed. Malfunctioning defrosters create visibility hazards that put you and other drivers at risk.

Take Action Before the Cold Hits

Winter preparation for your car requires attention to detail, but the effort pays dividends in safety and reliability. Schedule maintenance appointments early, as repair shops get busy once cold weather arrives. Address issues now rather than waiting for a breakdown in freezing temperatures.