The winter months are hard on your car, since it is designed to run under warm, clear conditions. Start the season off properly by taking a few maintenance and preparation steps, and be ready to tackle the cold.
Regular Maintenance
The first steps you should take to get your vehicle ready for the winter weather aren't specific to the winter itself, but the threat of the cold makes them particularly urgent. For instance, get an oil change if your car is due for one. Stopping on icy roads can be difficult, so have your brake pads and brake fluid checked for any issues and flushed or replaced if necessary. If your check engine light is on, have the engine checked immediately. Having your car break down in the freezing cold is the last thing you need.
Antifreeze Check
An essential part of your car's radiator, the antifreeze should be filled up to the fill line and consist of a 50/50 water and antifreeze mixture. You can purchase your own tester for as little as five dollars or take your car in to be checked; most service stations will do it for free.
Windshield Wipers and Washers
The best way to be prepared for the snow, sleet, mud and other debris that the winter will deposit on your windshield is to invest in a new pair of windshield wiper blades. In addition, top off your washer fluid reservoir; be sure to use actual washer fluid only, as water or other liquids may freeze in the tank.
Tire Check
Cold air loses a little of its volume, which can lead to a decrease in tire pressure. Check your tires frequently to make sure the pressure is within the recommended range and pump them up if necessary. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread, too: To drive safely in the ice and snow, you'll need at least an eighth of an inch, twice what the National Highway Transportation Safety Board recommends.
Snow Clearing Supplies
Snowstorms may force you to dig out your car or driveway just to get on the road, and if you park outdoors, you may need to clear off snow multiple times in the same day. Pack a scraper and a collapsible shovel in your trunk and be ready to use them.
Emergency Kit
Even if your car is well-maintained, you should be fully prepared for a cold-weather breakdown. Pack an emergency kit with winter attire, wool blankets, hand warmers, snacks, bottled water and anything else you could need in a survival situation. If you often have passengers in your car, make sure you have enough supplies to keep everyone safe and warm.
Regular Maintenance
The first steps you should take to get your vehicle ready for the winter weather aren't specific to the winter itself, but the threat of the cold makes them particularly urgent. For instance, get an oil change if your car is due for one. Stopping on icy roads can be difficult, so have your brake pads and brake fluid checked for any issues and flushed or replaced if necessary. If your check engine light is on, have the engine checked immediately. Having your car break down in the freezing cold is the last thing you need.
Antifreeze Check
An essential part of your car's radiator, the antifreeze should be filled up to the fill line and consist of a 50/50 water and antifreeze mixture. You can purchase your own tester for as little as five dollars or take your car in to be checked; most service stations will do it for free.
Windshield Wipers and Washers
The best way to be prepared for the snow, sleet, mud and other debris that the winter will deposit on your windshield is to invest in a new pair of windshield wiper blades. In addition, top off your washer fluid reservoir; be sure to use actual washer fluid only, as water or other liquids may freeze in the tank.
Tire Check
Cold air loses a little of its volume, which can lead to a decrease in tire pressure. Check your tires frequently to make sure the pressure is within the recommended range and pump them up if necessary. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread, too: To drive safely in the ice and snow, you'll need at least an eighth of an inch, twice what the National Highway Transportation Safety Board recommends.
Snow Clearing Supplies
Snowstorms may force you to dig out your car or driveway just to get on the road, and if you park outdoors, you may need to clear off snow multiple times in the same day. Pack a scraper and a collapsible shovel in your trunk and be ready to use them.
Emergency Kit
Even if your car is well-maintained, you should be fully prepared for a cold-weather breakdown. Pack an emergency kit with winter attire, wool blankets, hand warmers, snacks, bottled water and anything else you could need in a survival situation. If you often have passengers in your car, make sure you have enough supplies to keep everyone safe and warm.
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