Winter car maintenance checklist: How to prep for snow and ice – USA Today

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter: An Expert's Guide from Your Motor Care

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures plummet, winter weather isn't just a concern for your comfort; it poses significant challenges for your vehicle. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and road salt can take a severe toll, increasing the risk of breakdowns and accidents. At Your Motor Care, we believe that proper preparation isn't just a recommendation – it's an essential investment in your safety, your vehicle's longevity, and your peace of mind. Drawing insights from sources like USA Today, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you thoroughly prep your car for the harsh realities of winter.

Why Winter Car Maintenance is Crucial

The 'why' is simple: extreme cold affects every system in your car, from the elasticity of your tires to the viscosity of your oil and the capacity of your battery. Neglecting these areas can lead to:

• Reduced traction and control on icy roads.
• Increased likelihood of a dead battery, leaving you stranded.
• Potential for fluids to freeze, causing costly damage.
• Decreased visibility due to worn wipers or ineffective defrosters.
• Premature wear and tear on components exposed to salt and slush.

By following this checklist, you're not just preventing problems; you're ensuring your car operates reliably and safely when you need it most. Let's dive into the specifics.

1. Tires: The Foundation of Your Grip

Your tires are the single point of contact between your car and the road. In winter, this contact becomes even more critical.

Tire Type: Winter vs. All-Season

The most significant decision you'll make for winter driving is often about your tires.

• Why: All-season tires are a compromise. While they perform adequately in light snow, their rubber compounds stiffen in temperatures below 45°F (7°C), significantly reducing grip. Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are made from specialized rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold temperatures and feature aggressive tread patterns with sipes (tiny slits) designed to bite into snow and ice, expelling slush and water. This provides superior traction, braking, and handling in true winter conditions.
• How: If you live in an area with consistently cold temperatures and significant snowfall, investing in a dedicated set of winter tires mounted on separate rims is highly recommended. Many studies, including those by major tire manufacturers, show that winter tires can reduce stopping distances on snow and ice by up to 25% compared to all-season tires. For more in-depth information on winter tire technology, we often refer our customers to resources like Michelin's guide on winter vs. all-season tires. If you opt for all-season, ensure they are in excellent condition.

Tread Depth and Condition

• Why: Adequate tread depth is crucial for evacuating snow and slush, preventing hydroplaning, and maintaining traction. Legal minimum tread depth is 2/32nds of an inch, but for winter driving, we recommend at least 4/32nds of an inch. Anything less severely compromises grip. Also, check for any signs of damage, bulges, or cracks in the sidewalls.
• How: Use a tread depth gauge or the "penny test." Insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread is too shallow. We can perform a professional inspection to ensure your tires are safe.

Tire Pressure

• Why: Tire pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit decrease in temperature. Underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency, wear unevenly, and, most importantly, compromise handling and stability. Overinflation can also lead to reduced traction and a harsher ride.
• How: Check your tire pressure weekly with a reliable gauge, ideally when the tires are cold (before driving). Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb for the recommended PSI. Don't rely solely on your TPMS light, as it only illuminates when pressure is significantly low.

Tools for Tire Checks:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Tread depth gauge (or a penny)

2. Battery: Your Cold-Weather Lifeline

Cold weather is the nemesis of car batteries. A battery that might perform fine in warmer months can fail dramatically when temperatures drop.

Battery Test and Inspection

• Why: The chemical reactions inside a battery slow down significantly in cold temperatures, reducing its cranking power. Simultaneously, your engine needs more power to start because the oil is thicker. A weak battery will struggle to meet this increased demand. Corrosion on terminals can also impede current flow.
• How: At Your Motor Care, we use specialized equipment to perform a load test on your battery. This assesses its ability to hold a charge and deliver current under stress, simulating a cold start. We'll also inspect terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary. If your battery is more than three to five years old, even if it tests "okay," it might be wise to consider replacement as a preventative measure.

Tools for Battery Care (for professional use or careful DIY):

• Battery terminal brush
• Battery post cleaner
• Dielectric grease (to prevent future corrosion)
• Multimeter (for voltage check, but a load test is superior)

3. Fluids: The Lifeblood of Your Vehicle

All your vehicle's fluids play a crucial role, and their properties change drastically in the cold.

Engine Oil

• Why: In cold weather, engine oil thickens, making it harder for the engine to start and circulate lubricant effectively. Using the correct viscosity oil for winter (e.g., 5W-30 instead of 10W-30) can make a significant difference in starting performance and engine wear.
• How: Check your oil level and clarity using the dipstick. If it's dark or gritty, it's time for an oil change. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended winter oil viscosity for your climate.

Coolant/Antifreeze

• Why: This is critical. Your coolant prevents your engine from overheating in summer and, more importantly, from freezing solid in winter. A proper 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water protects against freezing down to -34°F (-37°C) and also prevents corrosion.
• How: We can test the coolant's freezing point with a hydrometer. If the concentration is off, we'll adjust it or recommend a flush and refill. Never use plain water in your cooling system, especially in winter.

Brake Fluid

• Why: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. Water in the brake lines can freeze, leading to brake failure, or boil, reducing braking performance. While it doesn't typically freeze at common winter temperatures, old, contaminated fluid can also corrode brake components.
• How: Check the reservoir level and look for discoloration. If it's dark and cloudy, it may be time for a brake fluid flush.

Windshield Wiper Fluid

• Why: Regular wiper fluid can freeze in the reservoir or on your windshield, making it impossible to clear slush and ice.
• How: Drain and refill your reservoir with winter-specific washer fluid, which contains de-icing agents and has a much lower freezing point. Keep an extra jug in your trunk.

Tools for Fluid Checks:

• Funnel
• Clean rags
• Owner's manual
• Coolant hydrometer (for DIY, but professional check is recommended)
• Winter-specific washer fluid

4. Wipers and Visibility: See Clearly, Drive Safely

Clear visibility is non-negotiable in winter's challenging conditions.

Wiper Blades

• Why: Worn, cracked, or hardened wiper blades won't effectively clear snow, ice, or slush, leaving streaks and compromising your view. Winter blades, often beam-style or covered, are designed to resist ice buildup and maintain flexibility in the cold.
• How: Inspect your wiper blades for cracks, tears, or stiff rubber. If they leave streaks or chatter, replace them immediately. We recommend installing new, high-quality winter-specific blades before the first snowfall.

Defrosters and Climate Control

• Why: Your front and rear defrosters are vital for keeping your windows clear of fog and ice. A malfunctioning defroster can lead to dangerous visibility issues.
• How: Test both defrosters to ensure they heat up quickly and clear your windows efficiently. Make sure your vehicle's cabin air filter is clean; a clogged filter can reduce airflow and defroster effectiveness.

Tools for Visibility:

• New wiper blades
• Glass cleaner and microfibre cloth

5. Brakes: Essential for Stopping Power

Your braking system is crucial year-round, but especially on slippery surfaces.

Brake System Inspection

• Why: Worn brake pads or rotors, or issues with your ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), will dramatically increase stopping distances and reduce control on slick roads.
• How: We recommend a comprehensive brake inspection, checking pads, rotors, calipers, and brake lines for wear or damage. Ensure your ABS warning light isn't on, which would indicate a fault in the system.

6. Lighting: Be Seen, See What's Ahead

With shorter daylight hours and often poor weather, properly functioning lights are paramount.

All Lights Operational

• Why: You need to see and be seen. Dim or burnt-out bulbs reduce your ability to navigate safely and make your vehicle less visible to other drivers, particularly in snowstorms or fog.
• How: Check all exterior lights: headlights (high and low beams), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights, and parking lights. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. Clean your headlight and taillight lenses of any oxidation or grime, as this significantly reduces light output.

7. Emergency Kit: Prepare for the Unexpected

Even with the best preparation, winter driving can be unpredictable. Being stranded in freezing temperatures without essential supplies can be dangerous.

What to Include

• Why: A well-stocked emergency kit can turn a roadside inconvenience into a manageable situation. It provides warmth, communication, and basic tools to get you through an unexpected breakdown or delay.
• How: Preparing for the unexpected is key, and we at Your Motor Care always recommend having a comprehensive emergency roadside kit in your vehicle, especially during winter. Your kit should include:
  • Jumper cables
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Warm blankets or a sleeping bag
  • Non-perishable food and bottled water
  • Bag of sand, cat litter, or traction mats (for tire grip)
  • Small shovel
  • Flares or reflective triangles
  • Battery bank for charging your phone
  • Gloves, hat, and extra warm clothing

8. Undercarriage Protection: Combatting Corrosion

Road salt and de-icing chemicals are highly corrosive and can wreak havoc on your vehicle's undercarriage.

Rust Prevention

• Why: Road salt accelerates rust formation on your vehicle's frame, brake lines, exhaust system, and other metal components, compromising structural integrity and leading to costly repairs.
• How: Regularly wash your car, paying special attention to the undercarriage, especially after driving on salted roads. Many car washes offer undercarriage sprays. Consider applying a rust-proofing treatment before winter sets in.

9. Driving Habits: Adapt to the Conditions

Even with a perfectly prepped car, your driving habits must change with the weather.

Slow Down and Increase Following Distance

• Why: Ice and snow drastically reduce traction and increase stopping distances. What takes 50 feet to stop on dry pavement might take 150 feet or more on ice.
• How: Reduce your speed significantly and quadruple your following distance from other vehicles. Anticipate stops and turns well in advance.

Gentle Inputs

• Why: Abrupt acceleration, harsh braking, or sudden steering inputs can easily cause a loss of traction on slippery surfaces.
• How: Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Brake gently, anticipating the need to stop. Make steering corrections smoothly and gradually. If your car has ABS or traction control, learn how they feel when activated – they're there to help but aren't a substitute for careful driving.

Conclusion: Your Motor Care is Here to Help