Fall Car Care Checklist

Fall is the best time to get your car ready for winter. The weather is still mild enough to work outside, shops are less busy than during the first cold snap, and small problems are easier to fix before they turn into roadside breakdowns. Use this checklist to cover the basics.

Tires

Tires grip the road, and cold weather affects them.

• Check pressure monthly. Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall. Use the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number on the tire sidewall.
• Check tread depth. Worn tires struggle on wet leaves, rain, and snow. A tread depth gauge is cheap and easy to use.
• Consider winter tires. If you live where snow and ice are common, winter tires can improve traction. Schedule the swap before the first storm.
• Look for damage. Check for bulges, cracks, or nails.
• Check the spare. Make sure the spare has air and that the jack and lug wrench are in the car. Many newer cars come with a repair kit instead of a spare, so know which one you have.

Battery

Cold weather makes batteries work harder, and a weak battery that started fine in summer may fail on a cold morning.

1. Ask a shop or parts store to test the battery. Many will do it for free.
2. Check the terminals for corrosion and clean them if needed.
3. Note the battery's age. Older batteries are more likely to fail in winter.
4. Keep jumper cables or a portable jump starter in the car.

If your car sits for days at a time, short trips may not fully recharge the battery. A longer drive once a week, or a battery maintainer for cars parked for long stretches, can help.

Heat, defrost and visibility

Test your heat and defroster before you need them.

• Make sure the heater blows hot air
• Check that front and rear defrosters clear the glass
• Replace the cabin air filter if it's due
• Notice any sweet smell or foggy windows, which can point to a coolant leak

Our cooling system coverage page explains how plans often treat heater cores and related parts.

Shorter days also mean more driving in the dark, so check what helps you see and be seen.

• Check headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and fog lights
• Clean or restore cloudy headlight lenses
• Replace wiper blades if they streak or chatter
• Fill washer fluid with a winter formula rated for freezing temperatures
• Clean the inside of the windshield to reduce glare

Fluids and brakes

• Engine oil: Get it changed if it's due, using the oil specified in your owner's manual.
• Coolant: Check the level with the engine cold and confirm it's in good condition.
• Brake fluid: Have it checked during service.
• Transmission and other fluids: Follow the intervals in your manual.
• Engine air filter: Replace it if it's dirty or due, especially after a dusty summer.
• Belts and hoses: Ask the shop to look for cracks, fraying, or soft spots, since cold weather can make worn rubber parts fail.

Wet leaves and early frost make good brakes even more important. Listen for squealing or grinding, and notice if the pedal feels soft or the car pulls when stopping. Have the brakes inspected if anything feels off. See our brakes coverage page for what plans often include.

Emergency kit

Pack or refresh a kit with:

• Blanket, gloves, and a hat
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Phone charger
• Water and snacks
• First-aid kit
• Small shovel and sand or cat litter for traction

Paperwork and coverage

Fall is also a good time to check your paperwork. Confirm your insurance is up to date, note your roadside assistance number, and check when your factory warranty or service contract ends. If coverage is running out before winter, now is a good time to compare options.

Keep the receipts from any fall service in your records. If something fails later, dated proof of maintenance can help a warranty claim go smoothly. Our claims page explains what administrators commonly ask for.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare plans from independent third-party providers and explain what a plan covers before you buy. If you're thinking about coverage before winter, request a free quote at /get-a-quote/.