How to Winterize Your Car

In winter, you want your car to be reliable and safe. Focus on checking and preparing the following areas for winter weather.

• Tires

  Change your summer tires for winter-rated snow tires. Snow tires have a more secure grip on the road, so your chances of slipping are less. Check your snow tires for excessive wear and replace them with new ones if necessary.

• Wiper Blades

  Winter wiper blades are designed to hold up to snow and ice that would tear apart regular wipers.

• Brakes

  Check your brakes before winter begins. Replace any worn or broken hardware or pads.

• Coolant and Antifreeze

  Make sure your cooling system has no leaks. Also, have your radiator’s antifreeze tested to ensure you have the right strength for winter.

• Windshield

  Inspect and repair any chips or cracks as these can expand and get worse with cold weather. Clean off your windshield as well. Anything stuck on there could freeze and cause problems if the windshield ices over. Keep an ice scraper in your car.

• Battery

  Check over your battery for corrosion and leaks. If your battery is a few years old, have it examined to ensure it has enough cold cranking amps to get your vehicle started in cold weather.

• HVAC

  Test your heating system to make sure warm, comfortable air is freely flowing through the vents. Change your cabin filter if you haven’t done so recently.

• Washer Fluid

  Don’t use regular washer fluid in the winter. Winter washer fluid has antifreeze, so it won’t freeze into a big chunk of ice in the reservoir.

• Roadside Safety Kit

  A roadside safety kit is a must any time of the year. Stock your kit with safety triangles, flashlights, and common tools. You can also add comfort items like blankets and non-perishable snacks.