Prepare Your Car for Winter

Driving in cold weather can put both car and driver to the test, so don’t be caught unprepared when temperatures drop. Before the chill is on, make sure that you’ve prepared yourself and your car for the winter weather ahead.

Tune it up
Breaking down in the summer is no fun, but having car trouble in seriously low winter temperatures puts a whole new element in the picture: namely, the weather! Be sure to have any nagging problems, such as occasional stalling, taken care of now. Also have routine car maintenance performed to check and correct:

Tire pressure (check monthly)

Tire tread

Battery — cold weather drains power and also requires more starting power

Antifreeze

Heating and cooling system

Any leaks

Wipers

Washer fluid — keep it filled

Rear defroster

Accessorize for winter
You might want to add a few things to your car to equip it for inclement weather. A block heater, for instance, can be handy in extremely cold climates. It is a small electric heater that plugs into your house current and gets your engine ready to start even on the most frigid Minnesota morning. It will also give you instant heat once the car is started.

Chains or snow tires will be required for any extended driving in the snow. Be sure to practice putting on the chains before you need them, so you won’t have to have your first run-through in the dark, by the side of a road.


Emergency kit
You never know if a winter storm, an accident on an icy road or garden variety car trouble will leave you stranded indefinitely in your vehicle. Always be sure to carry the following with you in your car during winter months:

Fully charged phone
Jumper cables
Gloves
Ice scraper
Shovel
Flares
Sand or cat litter for traction
Flashlight
Boots
Spare tire
Jack
Spare bulbs/fuses
Water and energy bars

Winter car tips
As a driver, you will also need to make some adjustments to your winter routine. The most important thing you can do is slow down!

It also helps to learn everything about your car, such as the type of brakes, tires and drive it has (rear, front, four-wheel) and how those variations react in snowy or icy conditions.

Winter doesn’t have to put the freeze on your driving. With a little preparation and adjustment, you and your car will be ready to take on whatever Jack Frost has to offer.


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