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Winter Car Preparation Checklist

Medium 22 items · 1 hour
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testuser Published 2 weeks ago Updated 1 week ago
Lifestyle

The first frosty morning is a bad time to find out the battery is weak or the wipers streak. This list is for drivers where frost, ice or snow is normal. Most items take a few minutes, and a few say when a shop should do the job.

Do the battery and tire checks first. Cold weather is hard on a weak battery, and a car that starts fine in September can fail on the first frosty morning. Many shops will test a battery, so ask.

Your owner’s manual and your local rules win over this list. Where it says check, check what your own car and local law require, such as winter tires or chains.

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  1. Read the winter section of your owner's manual — It lists the fluids, tire pressures and warnings that apply to your car.
  2. Have the battery tested — Ask a repair shop or parts store, especially if the battery is several years old or slow to start.
  3. Check the tread on every tire — Look up the minimum tread depth where you live, and replace tires that are close to it.
  4. Check tire pressure, including the spare — Pressure drops as the temperature falls. Use the figure on the driver's door frame or in the manual.
  5. Decide whether you need winter tires or chains — Some places require them at certain times. Check local rules.
  6. Check the wiper blades and replace worn ones — Blades that streak in the rain will smear worse on ice.
  7. Top up the washer fluid with a winter mix — Plain water can freeze in the bottle and lines.
  8. Check the coolant level and antifreeze mix — Have a shop test the mix if you are not sure how.
  9. Check the engine oil level — Your manual gives the right grade for cold weather.
  10. Check the brakes — If they squeal, pull, or feel soft, book a shop visit before winter.
  11. Walk around the car and test all the lights — Headlights, brake lights, turn signals and fog lights if you have them. Ask someone to watch.
  12. Clean the lights and windows inside and out — Dirty glass fogs and glares more in low winter sun.
  13. Check the heater, defroster and rear window defogger
  14. Keep the fuel tank at least half full — It gives you fuel to keep the heater running if you are stuck in traffic.
  15. Pack an ice scraper and a soft brush — Keep them inside the car, not in the trunk.
  16. Pack a flashlight and spare batteries
  17. Pack jumper cables or a jump starter
  18. Pack a warm blanket, gloves and a hat — You may wait a while for help.
  19. Pack a small shovel and something for grip — Sand, cat litter or a traction mat all work to get out of a rut.
  20. Pack water and non-perishable snacks
  21. Keep a phone charger or power bank in the car
  22. Save your roadside assistance number in your phone — Also write it on paper in the glove box in case the phone dies.
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