9 Things You Need to Do to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Breaking down in the cold weather certainly is not fun. Nevertheless, recovery companies see a significant uptick in callouts as temperatures plummet. Fortunately, through a few simple steps, we can all mitigate the risk of breakdowns or being involved in an accident in the winter months.

1. Check Your Oil

To keep running smoothly, your car’s engine needs oil. Low oil is a chief cause of breakdowns. At worst, a lack of oil can result in catastrophic engine damage. It is therefore very important to check your oil periodically, familiarizing yourself with the minimum and maximum mark on the dipstick.

When completing this task, you will need to have a paper towel at the ready to wipe off any oil. You should insert the dipstick into the tube slowly, pushing it all the way down before withdrawing it and examining the tip. If the mark falls within the two lines, your car has enough oil. If you are running low, it is important to top up to avoid damage to your engine.

2. Check Your Tires

Worn tires and wet or icy roads are a dangerous combination, as they decrease your stability and drastically increase stopping distance.

Most states have a minimum tread depth standard of 2/32 of an inch. However, independent tests suggest that traction diminishes considerably once tires wear beyond 4/32 of an inch.

Because a single skid into a curb at just 5 mph could result in thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to suspension and steering components, it is prudent to invest in a tire tread depth gauge and test your tires regularly. You should check both the center and outer edges of each tire, looking for any defects.

Many motorists opt for winter tires to avoid slip-and-slide accidents, particularly those residing in rural locations where winter weather hits harder.

3. Check Your Battery

If your battery is over three years old, it may well be time for a new one. You should at least get it tested, which is often free to do at many auto mechanic shops. It is important to get your automobile’s battery and electrical system checked periodically rather than waiting until it starts to show signs of weakness.

Instead of using a multimeter, start the engine and turn on the headlights to test the electrical system. If the headlights seem dim, this suggests that it may be time to change your battery.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

In addition to checking that you have sufficient tread, it is also important to check that your tires are properly inflated since low air pressure can be particularly hazardous on winter roads.

If you have a basic understanding of car maintenance, you can easily check the tire pressure yourself using a free air pump at your local car shop or gas station. Alternatively, you can take your car to a mechanic for an inspection.

5. Test Your Heater

Short drives may be bearable without a working heater in your car. However, you must consider the ramifications of being stuck in your automobile for an extended period without heat. Having a working heater not only makes short commutes more comfortable, but it is also an important preventative measure.

6. Replace Your Wipers

Whether you buy the budget version or invest in top-of-the-range, most wiper blades must be replaced at least every six months. Under extreme conditions, sheathed winter wiper blades will freeze. When changing the wiper blades, it is a good idea to apply a light lubricant at the base of the wiper arm by the pivot to keep your wipers in best working condition.

7. Check Your Doors

The best time to lubricate door locks, hinges, and latches is before the temperature drops. You should also treat door and window seals to prevent them from perishing.

Most auto parts stores sell silicone lubricating compound in aerosol form. It is ideal for treating window and door seals, making them less likely to freeze. Look for a brand with a spray straw so you can reach lock cylinders.

8. Get an Oil Change

It is important to keep on top of routine services to keep your car running smoothly, particularly during the winter months. The viscosity of your oil should be checked during the service to ensure it is the right thickness. As oil gets colder, it thickens. If the oil is too thick, it will not be able to lubricate the engine properly.

9. Test Your Coolant Mix

You should aim for a 50–50 mix of coolant and water in your radiator, which will prevent it from freezing, even at subzero temperatures. You can test this using an inexpensive antifreeze tester from your local auto parts store. If the mixture is wrong, the cooling system may need to be flushed or drained and refilled. Always make sure to dispose of antifreeze properly since it is highly toxic and cannot be poured down the drain.