Growing up in southern New Mexico, preparing for winter was not on the to-do list, but living in the Midwest changed that very quickly. Now, preparing the cars is just part of my standard “winter is coming” routine.
While I enjoy some snow every now and then, winter in the Midwest is not something I look forward to. Since the cold and snow seem to creep in quickly and unpredictably around here, I try to make sure everything is ready by the end of October. Below is my “Winter Car Prep” to-do list. What winter prep tips, tricks, or “life- hacks” as my daughter says, would you add? Do you have any “wish I did that" or “glad I had this” experiences?
And last but not least, show of thumbs up or thumbs down, are you a fan of winter? 👍🏼 👎🏼
Tire Type & Tread
- Switch to snow tires - Investing in a set of snow tires will help improve traction in heavy snow conditions. If possible, have them mounted on separate wheels for easy changing.
- Check tread depth - Ensure your tires are not bald, you will want tread for traction. I look for at least 5/32nds of tread, so I know they will make it through the winter with good traction. Anything less than 2/32nds must be replaced.
- Check on your spare too
Tire Pressure
- Check tire pressure & patch or fill any leaks
- Maintain tire pressure - Fluctuating & low temperatures can cause the tires to lose pressure. I manually check every now and then regardless of sensors, but on tires without sensors I try to check about once a week.
Battery
- Load test your battery or have it checked at a local auto store
- Ensure terminals are clean and connections are good
Fluids
Coolant / Antifreeze
- Check antifreeze protection level using a coolant hydrometer or refractometer
- Check fluid level in reservoir add more if necessary
Engine oil: Check level, and change if necessary
Brake fluid: Visually inspect
Power steering fluid - Check level, and fill if necessary
Wiper fluid - use a de-icer in the winter to keep it from freezing & to help it dissolve the snow and ice faster.
Rotors and Pads
- Check wear and replace if necessary
Belts and hoses
- Inspect hoses for leaks, deterioration and loose clamps
- Inspect belts for wear such as fraying, cracks or missing teeth.
Heater and Defroster
- Ensure both systems and vents are working properly, make any necessary repairs prior to winter.
Wiper Blades
- Replace any that miss spots, leave streaks or are otherwise worn out
- Replace with heavier duty winter wiper blades in area with heavier snowfall or ice build up
Lubricate
This might seem like overkill, but if you’ve ever been frozen out of your car, you’ll find it’s worth the few extra minutes. There are lots of lubricant options, white lithium grease, graphite, dry teflon or silicone and you could probably get away with just one spray for all, these are just my suggestions for each.
- Door hinges - soak the latch with white lithium grease, open and close a few times to ensure it’s fully coated.
- Door locks - spray locks with dry Teflon spray lube ( PTFE) or Graphite lube, stick key in and wiggle around to fully lubricate inside of lock.
- Window tracks and weather stripping - spray silicone directly onto a clean rag, then wipe the silicone lube onto your door and trunk weatherstripping and window tracks.
Basic Tool Kit
- Sockets and screwdriver set
- Duct tape
- Cutters / pliers
- Jack and lug wrench
- Jump box / cables
- Wrenches
Winter Car Survival Kit
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- Lighter/ matches
- Flashlight
- Phone charger
- Blankets/ warm clothes / hand warmers
- Tow rope
- Folding snow shovel
- Window brush/ scraper
- Small first aid kit - band aids, Ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, over-the-counter pain medicine, scissors
See below to download the PDF of this list to print/have on your phone as you prepare for winter.