Winter Car Preparation Checklist

22 items · Lifestyle · Medium difficulty · 1 hour

Get your car ready for winter: battery, tires, wipers, fluids, lights, and an emergency kit for the trunk.

• Read the winter section of your owner's manual

  It lists the fluids, tire pressures and warnings that apply to your car.

• Have the battery tested

  Ask a repair shop or parts store, especially if the battery is several years old or slow to start.

• Check the tread on every tire

  Look up the minimum tread depth where you live, and replace tires that are close to it.

• 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.

• Decide whether you need winter tires or chains

  Some places require them at certain times. Check local rules.

• Check the wiper blades and replace worn ones

  Blades that streak in the rain will smear worse on ice.

• Top up the washer fluid with a winter mix

  Plain water can freeze in the bottle and lines.

• Check the coolant level and antifreeze mix

  Have a shop test the mix if you are not sure how.

• Check the engine oil level

  Your manual gives the right grade for cold weather.

• Check the brakes

  If they squeal, pull, or feel soft, book a shop visit before winter.

• 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.

• Clean the lights and windows inside and out

  Dirty glass fogs and glares more in low winter sun.

• Check the heater, defroster and rear window defogger
• Keep the fuel tank at least half full

  It gives you fuel to keep the heater running if you are stuck in traffic.

• Pack an ice scraper and a soft brush

  Keep them inside the car, not in the trunk.

• Pack a flashlight and spare batteries
• Pack jumper cables or a jump starter
• Pack a warm blanket, gloves and a hat

  You may wait a while for help.

• Pack a small shovel and something for grip

  Sand, cat litter or a traction mat all work to get out of a rut.

• Pack water and non-perishable snacks
• Keep a phone charger or power bank in the car
• 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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