Cars are important assets- they help get us where we need to be, they help protect us, and they represent a considerable financial investment. That is why car care is important year round, especially for older or used cars. With winter conditions upon us, it is a good idea to make sure our cars are prepared to handle the cold temperatures, wet & salty roads, and other winter challenges. From packing an emergency kit and jumper cables to preventative maintenance like checking your car fluid levels and getting a car wash to defend against ice, salt, and sand, preparation is key to keeping your vehicle going strong all winter long. Snowy weather can be tough on vehicles, so winter car care tips and preparation for the cold months are essential to ensure safety and reliability. Here’s a checklist for winter car maintenance and simple tips to get your vehicle winter-ready.
Winter Car Care Tips: How To Get Your Car Ready For Cold Weather
The International Carwash Association provided me with this informative Car Care Tips Infographic. It is a great visual aid to show the most commonly needed car maintenance for winter months.
1. Check Your Fluid Levels
Antifreeze: The antifreeze helps protect your engine from extreme temperatures and helps keep fluids from freezing as cold sets in. Under the hood of your car there is an antifreeze coolant reservoir. It is usually transparent plastic with a marked fill line to allow you to see if the antifreeze levels are filled to the appropriate amount. Ensure the engine coolant/antifreeze mix is at the right ratio (typically 50:50). A mechanic can test its effectiveness.
Washer fluid: Use a winter-grade windshield wiper fluid that won’t freeze in subzero temperatures.
2. Check Tires
Check tire pressure: Colder weather lowers tire pressure, which can affect handling and fuel efficiency. Inflate tires to the recommended PSI. When temperatures fall, air inside your tires contracts and causes the tire pressure to drop. This can make tires susceptible to damage. A big temperature dip likely means you may need more air. Even though I get it checked at the shop, I still check my tire pressure several times throughout the winter. I have a handy dandy little tire gauge so I can do so easily at home in my garage.
Inspect tire tread: Adequate tread depth is crucial for grip on icy or snowy roads. Replace tires if tread depth is less than 2/32 inches. Consider winter tires. If you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions, snow tires provide better traction on icy roads during the winter season.
3. Change Oil
Colder temperatures can cause motor oil to thicken, which can cause problems starting your engine. Change your oil just before winter to help keep oil flowing easily through your engine and help your car start easier. Consider switching to winter-grade oil if you live in a particularly cold climate, as it’s designed to flow better in low temperatures.
4. Test Wipers, Car Battery, And Brakes
Replace windshield wipers: As thick snow starts falling and when rain turns to ice, it’s important to have new, properly fitted wiper blades to keep your windshield and vision clear. If they streak or fail to clear the windshield effectively, replace them.
Test the car battery: Cold weather reduces battery efficiency. Have it tested at a repair shop if it’s over 3 years old.
Inspect the brakes: Properly functioning brakes are vital on slippery roads. Have brake pads checked by a professional.
My Winter Car Care Hack
I get the first 4 winter car maintenance tips knocked off my list with one visit to my local car maintenance and servicing shop. For me, I always go to my local Jiffy Lube. It is fast and easy. I have been doing this since I bought my first car and was told by a work buddy that getting an oil change at the recommended interval is the most important thing you can do to protect your engine and keep your car running smoothly. I was also told by the same guy to keep all my receipts so that when I go to sell my car I can show the regular car maintenance work was done. Thanks, Walter! He suggested Jiffy Lube and told me that not only would they do my oil changes quickly but they would also check my tire pressure and fluid levels.
I love knowing Jiffy Lube does an inspection of key car components, like engine air filtration, belts and wiper blades. Anytime, they find something that may need servicing, they always let me know and they help me gage the urgency on it. And then the icing on the cake? Your oil changed includes vacuuming for the car’s interior and exterior window cleaning! Because I really do love Jiffy Lube, I am pleased to partner with them on a gift card giveaway so you experience their car services first hand and see the difference. Look for that at the bottom of this winter car tips post for your chance to enter to win.
5. Wash and Wax
Washing and applying a fresh coast of wax is a great first line of defense against ice, road salt, sand and slush. Getting the car undercarriage cleaned at a car wash is also important. It is a great way to avoid rusting on the underbelly of the car. This helps maintain the overall value and performance of the vehicle. Additionally, washing a car at regular intervals in winter can help keep the windshields, mirrors and lights clean. This ensures better visibility for the driver.
In the photo above I used to used my local WaterSavers® Car Wash. They do a great job at preparing my car to withstand the winter elements while going easy on the environment. The Water Savers Car Wash typically uses only 40 gallons (151.5 liters) or less of fresh water per car wash — less than the water used for a load of laundry!
6. Pack an emergency kit
This last step of these winter car care tips just involves a one time chore. Pack a car emergency kit or if you have one in the car already, just beef it up for the winter. To help ensure safe travel and be prepared for emergency situations, keep an emergency kit. Essential items for your vehicle emergency kit include: gloves, ice scrapper, shovel, salt or sand, warm clothing and blankets, jumper cables, first-aid kit, and some water and snacks, just in case! You can’t go wrong with a Winter Vehicle Preparedness Kit. Make your own car emergency kit or order my favorite through my affiliate Amazon link.
Jiffy Lube Gift Card Giveaway
I already told you above why I love Jiffy Lube for a quick oil change with car inspection. That is why I am so excited to partner with Jiffy Lube and be able to share a Jiffy Lube Gift Card giveaway with my readers to help get your vehicle ready for the cold winter months.
“When it comes to properly caring for your vehicle, it is important to perform regular oil changes as part of the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule,” said Jennifer Friedmann, Customer Relations Manager, Jiffy Lube International, Inc. “Regular oil changes help ensure that your vehicle operates efficiently, which can result in preserving engine performance and increasing the longevity of key vehicle components. What sets us apart is our Jiffy Lube Signature Service® Oil Change, which includes a complimentary, multi-point inspection of key components and a check and fill of key vehicle fluids.”
Details: One lucky reader will receive one $100 Jiffy Lube Gift Card.
Dates: November 21- December 9, 2024 Midnight CST
How To Enter: Just complete the actions in the Gleam widget below to earn entries. I appreciate your following on social media as it helps make it possible to keep bringing you these great giveaways.
$100 Jiffy Lube Gift Card GiveawayGiveaway Terms:
Open to residents of the USA, 18+. Email entered into the widget will be kept private. Winners announced above in the Gleam widget on December 10, 2024. Winner will be selected randomly. I will notify by email and winner must respond within 4 days or the prize will be forfeited and alternate winner will be chosen.
Winter Car Tips Conclusion
Proper winter car care is essential to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely during the colder months. By preparing your car with seasonal maintenance, checking critical systems like tires, battery, fluids, and brakes, and carrying an emergency kit, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns and accidents. A little effort now can save you time, money, and stress later while keeping you and your passengers safe on winter roads. Stay proactive, and you’ll be ready for whatever the season brings!
Is a winter car care important to you? How do you keep yourself and your family safe? Which of the winter care tips that I shared have you done or do you have left to do?
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Ruth Rade says
Super helpful tips for winter car care! It’s so important to stay on top of maintenance during the colder months, and I appreciate how you broke it down into easy-to-follow steps. Checking tire pressure and battery health is something I often overlook, so this is a great reminder.
The Jiffy Lube gift card giveaway is such a nice bonus—perfect timing for those prepping their cars for winter. Thanks for sharing these essential tips!
Lucy says
Great tips for preparing your car for winter! This is a helpful guide to keep us safe and our vehicles running smoothly during the colder months.
Willma says
Great tips for keeping your car safe and ready for winter! Preparing in advance with things like checking the tires, battery, and fluids can save a lot of trouble during the cold months. Thanks for sharing!
Eva says
Great tips for getting my car ready for winter and snowy conditions! Definitely going to follow these to stay safe and prepared.
Arvindpatel says
Great tips for winter car care! These preparations are so important to keep safe and have peace of mind. I also go to Jiffy and I just got my engine oil and cabin air filter changed. They also checked my car’s battery to make sure it had plenty of juice.
Cassian Wylde says
Scarlet, I love how you’ve outlined the essential tips for winter car maintenance. It’s so true that keeping our vehicles in top shape, especially during the colder months, is critical not only for safety but also for prolonging their lifespan. From checking fluid levels to ensuring that the tires are ready for the snow, it’s all about being proactive.