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How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Check your tires and consider a winter switch

    Once temperatures drop below around 45Β°F (7Β°C), regular tire rubber stiffens and loses grip, so if you drive somewhere that sees a lot of snow, it's worth switching to winter (snow) tires or an all-season option, or at least inspecting your current tires ahead of time.

  2. Check your battery ahead of time

    Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside a battery, temporarily reducing its performance, so checking voltage and charge before winter hits can help prevent a sudden no-start situation.

  3. Switch to winter-grade fluids

    Filling up with a freeze-resistant washer fluid and the right ratio of antifreeze ahead of time lets you drive with confidence even during a deep freeze.

  4. Pack an emergency kit

    Keeping snow chains, an ice scraper or de-icing spray, and jumper cables in your trunk means you won't be caught off guard by a sudden snowstorm or icy morning.

  5. Warm up and clear frost before driving

    Rather than pulling out right after starting the car, give it a brief warm-up and fully clear the frost or ice from your windows first for better visibility.

  6. Recheck your tire pressure

    Tire pressure naturally drops as temperatures fall, so it's a good idea to check it a bit more often during winter.

Getting Ahead of Winter Pays Off in Safety

Cold weather reduces both battery performance and tire grip at the same time, so it's efficient to check several items together before the real cold sets in. It's especially helpful to pack an emergency kit ahead of the first snow or a sudden freeze.

Check Your Rainy-Season Car Care While You're At It

Once you've covered winter prep, it's worth also looking into car care for the rainy season. Together, they help you stay on top of seasonal maintenance year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have all-season tires, do I still need to switch to winter ones?

All-season tires offer less grip than dedicated winter tires but can still handle moderate conditions reasonably well. If you're in an area with frequent snow, switching to winter tires is the safer choice.

How long should I warm up the car before driving?

Modern cars generally don't need a long idle. A short warm-up while you clear the frost off the windows is usually enough.