Winter Car Prep Checklist

Cold weather is hard on cars. Batteries lose strength, fluids thicken, rubber gets stiff, and road salt goes to work on metal parts. A little preparation in the fall can save you from a dead battery on a frozen morning or a breakdown on a dark road.

Battery and charging system

Cold temperatures reduce a battery's ability to deliver power, while your engine needs more power to start. A battery that seemed fine in summer can give out on the first cold snap.

• Have the battery load-tested at a parts store or shop
• Clean corrosion from the terminals and make sure cables are tight
• Replace a battery that tests weak or is near the end of its expected life
• Pay attention to slow cranking, which is an early warning sign

If your car is electric or hybrid, expect reduced range in cold weather and check the manufacturer's advice for preconditioning.

Tires and traction

Tires are your only contact with the road, and winter makes that contact harder.

• Check tread depth. Worn tires lose grip quickly on snow and slush.
• Check tire pressure often. Pressure drops as temperatures fall.
• Consider winter tires if you live where snow and ice are common. They stay softer and grip better in the cold than all-season tires.
• Inspect the spare tire, if your car has one, and make sure you have a working jack.

Fluids

Cold weather exposes weak spots in your car's fluids.

1. Coolant. Make sure the coolant mix protects against freezing for your climate. A shop can test it.
2. Engine oil. Use the viscosity listed in your owner's manual. Get an oil change if you are close to due.
3. Washer fluid. Fill up with a winter formula that will not freeze.
4. Brake fluid. Check the level and condition.

Your cooling system also feeds your cabin heater, so coolant problems can leave you cold as well.

Heating and defrosting

A working heater and defroster are safety items in winter, not just comfort.

• Test the heater and make sure it blows hot air
• Run the defroster and check that it clears the windshield evenly
• Test the rear window defroster and any heated mirrors
• Replace the cabin air filter if airflow seems weak

If the heater blows cold air, possible causes include low coolant, a stuck thermostat, or a heater core problem. Get it checked before the coldest weeks arrive.

Visibility and safety checks

Short winter days mean more driving in the dark.

• Replace worn wiper blades or switch to winter blades
• Clean headlights and replace dim bulbs
• Check all exterior lights, including brake lights and turn signals
• Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in the car

Have a shop inspect brakes before roads turn slick. Ask them to check belts and hoses too, since cold rubber can crack and fail.

Underbody and rust protection

Road salt speeds up corrosion. A few habits help:

• Wash the car regularly in winter, including the underside
• Consider a wax or sealant before winter starts
• Keep drain holes in doors and rocker panels clear

Emergency kit and final checks

Keep a basic kit in the car through the season:

• Blanket, gloves, hat, and extra warm layers
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Small shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction
• Water and nonperishable snacks
• Phone charger
• First aid kit

Let someone know your route on long trips in bad weather, and keep your fuel tank at least half full.

If your car has high mileage, has been making new noises, or showed warning lights recently, schedule an inspection before winter. Fixing a problem in a warm shop is better than dealing with it on the shoulder of an icy road.

If you are thinking about coverage for cold-weather problems like heating and electrical issues, see our what's covered overview.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help drivers compare service contracts from independent third-party providers and explain what each plan covers before you buy. Many plans include roadside assistance, which can be useful in winter. You can request a free quote at /get-a-quote/.