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Winter Car Prep: The Complete Checklist
Before temperatures drop below freezing, run through these essential checks to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle ice, snow, and cold starts.
The Cold Weather Battery Problem
A battery that performs fine at 70°F can fail at 20°F. Cold temperatures slow the chemical reaction inside batteries and increase engine oil viscosity, requiring more cranking power. If your battery is 3+ years old, have it tested before winter.
Tires: Pressure and Traction
Every 10°F drop in temperature decreases tire pressure by approximately 1 PSI. Check pressure after the first cold snap. If you're in a snow region, consider dedicated winter tires — they remain pliable below 45°F where all-season rubber hardens significantly.
Fluids to Check Before Cold Weather
1. Coolant: ensure proper antifreeze ratio (usually 50/50). A refractometer costs $10 and tells you the freeze protection level. 2. Windshield washer fluid: replace summer fluid with a -25°F or colder rated formula. 3. Engine oil: check your manual — some manufacturers recommend a different viscosity in extreme cold.
Wipers, Lights & Emergency Kit
Install winter/all-weather wiper blades if you're in a snow region. Check all exterior lights — winter days are shorter and visibility is critical. Build a winter emergency kit: jumper cables, ice scraper, blanket, flashlight, and basic tools.
Fuel Tank: Keep It Half-Full or More
Keeping your fuel tank at least half-full in winter prevents fuel line freeze (rare on modern vehicles) and ensures you can run the heater if stranded. It also adds weight over the drive axle in rear-wheel-drive vehicles for traction.
