How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Driving in the winter can be a minor inconvenience for some and a significant headache for others. It all depends on the local climate, the condition of the roads, and how well you prep your vehicle ahead of time. Not having the right accessories and driving too fast can easily put you and your loved ones at risk.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 18 percent of weather-related car accidents, 13 percent of weather-related vehicular injuries, and 11 percent of weather-related  vehicular fatalities occur in snowy conditions. If you think you’re immune to winter weather, think again. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), over 70 percent of roads in the United States are in snowy areas. From reduced visibility to sudden stops and slides, learn how to protect yourself behind the wheel when the snow starts to fall. 

Preparing Your Car for Winter Checklist

Let’s start with the car itself. 

It’s best to start prepping your car or truck before the first blizzard arrives so you’re always prepared for whatever comes your way. Gearing up for winter weather all depends on where you live, so research the local climate to get a sense of what you’ll need. Are you looking at deep ravines of ice and snow or the occasional flurry on your way to work? 

Consider where you plan to travel this winter as well. Long road trips require more prep, but if you plan on staying in one place or working from home this winter, you probably don’t need to spend a fortune on a bunch of expensive equipment. 

Check Fluid Levels and Conditions

Before winter comes in full effect, be sure to inspect your vehicle’s fluids for level and condition. Verify that the engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant are all topped off and in proper condition. Additionally, switch to winter formulas where applicable, like windshield washer fluid and fuel additives. These modified formulas can help prevent freezing, gelling, and other issues, ensuring your vehicle and all its systems remain reliable and fully functional. 

If you’re uncomfortable with performing these inspections yourself, consider scheduling a check-up with a certified mechanic. Doing so is a surefire way to make sure your car or truck is in great shape before you take off on your next adventure. The mechanic will inspect items you might otherwise overlook, such as your battery, internal components, brakes, lights, brake lines, exhaust system, heater/defroster, windshield wipers, and the ignition system. 

Your local mechanic is likely familiar with the local conditions, so they can suggest specific accessories that will help you get through the winter. For example, driving in the mountains is much different than hitting the freeway, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Discuss your plans for the season with your mechanic to receive personalized tips and recommendations for accessories. 

Verify Battery Age and Condition

Your vehicle’s battery is a crucial component, producing the energy necessary to operate the starter and charge the vehicle's electrical system. This component is also responsible for powering various accessories, including radios, speakers, and aftermarket lighting, among others. 

While an aging battery might pack enough punch for warm weather, colder seasons often expose the actual condition of a battery. Once winter sets in, that slow crank may turn into a failure to start, or you may notice the battery depleting far quicker than previously. 

As a general rule, batteries typically last between three and four years on average. Once your battery reaches this age, your vehicle may exhibit symptoms such as slow cranking, dimming lights/idle drops when turning on accessories, or low battery voltage. If you suspect your battery is getting a little tired, consider replacing it before winter hits. 

Switch to Winter Wiper Blades

Traction is key when it comes to winter driving. Your tires need to have contact with the road, or you can easily lose control behind the wheel. When driving over snow and ice, there’s a good chance your tires will roll. You won’t be able to stop unless you have what’s known as “rolling traction.” Keep your tires on the road to make sure you can still steer and come to a complete stop. 

If you don’t have deep treads on your tires, consider upgrading to snow tires or all-terrain tires for improved traction in winter conditions. They feature deep grooves and expanded tread patterns for maximum traction on the road, aiding in braking when rolling or driving over ice and snow.

Worn tires can be a hazard even in dry conditions, so now’s the time to upgrade. Also, keep an eye on your tire pressure. Cold weather can lead to permeation, which can cause the air to escape from your tires, so keep a pump handy. Get in the habit of checking your PSI regularly as the temperature continues to fluctuate. Remember that the air pressure inside your tires will drop about one or two PSI every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees F.

Protect the Interior

Winter weather can be just as damaging to the interior of your car as it is to the exterior. During the winter, it’s best to hit the car wash once or twice a month to get rid of all that mud, dirt, and salt. But don’t forget to protect your floors and seats. 

Use rubber floor mats to keep mud, melted snow, ice, and salt out of your car. You’re bound to track in all kinds of water and dirt as the months go on, but this can lead to the spread of mold, mildew, and bacteria, lowering the air quality inside your vehicle. Your heater will blow these particles around in the air, which can put you and your family at risk. Leaks and spills can also get into the body of your vehicle, causing electrical damage. 

Floor mats help you keep your car clean. Instead of trying to soak up melted snow, pull out the mat, rinse it off with water, let it dry, and you’ll be good to go. They feature deep grooves that collect excess moisture, preventing it from seeping into the carpet. It’s the easiest way to keep dirt and water at bay so you and your loved ones can stay warm and dry all winter long. 

Seat covers do the same thing for the upholstery in your vehicle. You don’t want to spend the winter scrubbing mud, dirt, and spilled coffee out of your seats. Use these form-fitting seat covers to protect the front and back seats from everyday spills and leaks. Just throw them in the wash when they get dirty, and the interior will look as good as new.

Carry a Winter Emergency Kit

Before you head out on the road, load up on emergency supplies to give yourself more peace of mind. Hopefully, your spare tire is still in good shape. You should also have a jack, toolbox, and work light in case you need to make some last-minute repairs. Bring along a first aid kit containing medications, medical supplies, and other essential items. When faced with winter weather, you may need a compass, fire starter, and other survival gear when exploring rural areas or those off the beaten path.

For roadside emergencies, bring along contact info for the nearest rescue team or AAA. You should have flares in case you need to wave anyone down. It’s also a good idea to bring along jugs of salt and sand in case you get stuck. Both are relatively cheap, after all. Sand is best used in slippery areas, while salt is excellent for breaking up snow and ice. Don’t forget to bring a shovel and ice scraper as well. You never know when you’ll have to dig yourself out of the snow.

If you don’t have enough room in your car for all these winter supplies and accessories, you can always invest in under-seat storage to give yourself some extra space. It’s perfect for storing valuables, medications, and emergency essentials. You won’t have to worry about these items getting wet or going missing when you need them most.

How to Put Together a Winter Emergency Car Kit

Is your car ready for winter weather? There are around 220,000 crashes annually due to icy roads, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. We’ll walk you through everything you need to create the ultimate winter emergency car kit so you never have to worry about getting stranded without the bare essentials. From starting a fire and staying warm behind the wheel to making minor repairs, use this guide to prepare for treacherous driving conditions.

Health and Safety

• First Aid Kit: You should already have one of these stashed away in case of an emergency. Make sure your over-the-counter medications haven’t expired and stock up on essentials like bandages, face masks, hand sanitizer, and heat pads in case the temperature drops too low. Bring plenty of dry rags and disinfectant wipes to keep the interior clean and bacteria-free.

• Water and Food: If the roads get really dicey, you’ll need something to hold you over until help arrives. It could take the rescue team several days to dig your car out of the snow. Bring several jugs of water, non-perishable food, and other essentials to keep your energy up while driving. 

• Floor Mats: Before tracking mud, dirt, and snow all over your car, install a set of rubber floor mats to keep water at bay. It’s almost impossible to get all the snow off your shoes before you get in the car, so plan to make a mess. It just comes with the territory. With floor mats, you can easily pour the excess fluid into the grass before it gets into your carpet. They come with deep grooves for collecting mud, dirt, and melted snow.

• Survival Kit: If you plan on going camping or exploring destinations off the beaten path, bring along everything you might need to survive in snowy conditions, including a fire starter, matches or lighter, compass, flares, backup radio, paper maps, flashlight, extra batteries, and other essential camping gear. 

Staying Warm

• Winter Clothing: Bring along extra pairs of mittens, gloves, scarves, shoes, and socks in case you get wet along the journey. Wearing moist clothing increases your chances of hypothermia. Store these items in a waterproof bag. Pack work gloves with a firm grip so you can still change a tire in the snow. Keep your feet warm with waterproof hiking boots.

• Blankets: Load up on warm blankets and fabrics, including a sleeping bag, so you don’t have to worry about freezing to death if you have to spend the night in your car. Look for products made with fleece and thermal materials that will keep you warm without taking up a lot of space.

Vehicle Maintenance Items

Winter driving means stocking up on more items, but it’s also essential to stay organized when hauling around all this extra gear. Ensure you can locate these items when disaster strikes. To make more room in your car, utilize under-seat storage. It keeps things out of the way without limiting occupancy. Store the following items based on categories so you always know the right place to look: 

• A brush or scraper for cleaning off your windows

• Snow shovel for getting your car out of the snow

• Spare tire with a jack and toolbox

• Tire gauge and air compressor for refilling your tires. Remember that cold weather tends to sap air pressure.

• Duct tape and insulation for sealing broken windows and vents

• Tire chains or recovery bands for getting your car out of the snow. You can also use traction pads or carry large containers of salt and sand to break up the ice. 

• Jumper cables

• Windshield cleaner (you’ll go through it fast)

Remember, you don’t want to store your food and clothes next to the WD-40. Wrap fluids and containers in leak-proof bags to prevent spills and messes. 

Once you assemble everything on this list, you will have everything you need to get through winter in one piece. Slow down on the road and give yourself some additional peace of mind.

3 Winter Driving Tips

Once your vehicle is ready to go, it’s time to start driving. Accessories aside, the best way to prepare for winter weather is to adjust your driving habits. The three pillars of safe winter driving are:

• Slow down

• Stay back

• Stay alert

Sounds pretty easy, right?

Slow Down

Let’s start with slowing down. Officials say it’s best to reduce your speed by a third when driving on wet roads and by half or more when driving on snow-covered roads. If you’re used to driving 60 MPH on the highway, cut it back to 40 MPH in wet conditions and 30 MPH or slower in snowy conditions. 

Even if the road looks clear, be aware of what’s known as the dreaded “black ice.” This condition occurs when water freezes on the road, but it seems as if there’s nothing there. The road tends to be cooler in shaded areas, so remember to take it slow when it’s near freezing out, even if you think you’re in the clear. 

However, it all depends on what you’re working with. There’s no such thing as the “ideal” speed when driving in the winter. If the road looks treacherous, err on the side of caution—or stay home if you can. Pay attention to the speed limit, apply the math mentioned above, and use your judgment. 

The faster you go, the harder it will be to brake. When applying the brakes, proceed slowly and start earlier than you would in dry conditions. If you press too hard too fast, your car will likely begin to roll.

Be patient and slow down. You will eventually reach your destination.

Stay Back

This one is straightforward, but it bears repeating. If you like creeping up on slow drivers as a way of getting them to speed up, it’s best to ditch this habit sooner rather than later.

Decrease your following distance in the winter to avoid any rear-end collisions. It’s best to double the space between you and the nearest vehicle. Every road, city, and neighborhood tends to be different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Keep your eyes on the car ahead of you to make sure you’re slowing down or speeding up accordingly.

Ensure that other drivers can also see your car. Keep the headlights and brake lights free of snow and debris so everyone can follow these rules. 

Stay Alert

Finally, consider changing your mindset while driving. Instead of treating your commute to work like your last minute of freedom before you head into the office, think of winter driving as an exercise in safety. Try to avoid looking away from the road for whatever reason. Keep directions in sight so you don’t have to keep looking at your phone. Turn down the music and avoid daydreaming behind the wheel. 

It’s tempting to zone out when you’re creeping along at 30 MPH on the highway, but remember that things can change at a moment’s notice, especially when there’s snow coming down and your visibility is limited. If you’re driving with a friend or loved one, encourage them to focus on the road as well. Sometimes, safety is a group effort.

There are numerous ways to prepare your vehicle for another season of harsh winter weather. Even if this year ends up being mild, these tips will make your life a lot easier. Relax, stay safe, and start prepping your vehicle today before the first storm arrives.