With winter temperatures dropping and harsh weather conditions only likely to get worse over the next couple of months, now’s the perfect time to focus on protecting one of your biggest investments — your vehicle.
According to AAA, dead batteries and flat tires are a major cause of winter service calls, many of which could be prevented with proper maintenance.
Whether you’re facing snowy commutes or just dealing with cold morning starts, these five tips will help keep your car running smoothly all winter long:
- Give your battery extra attention: Cold weather can reduce battery capacity by up to 50%, making winter particularly tough on older batteries. Have your battery tested professionally if it’s more than three years old. Keep the terminals clean and corrosion-free and consider investing in a battery tender if your car sits unused for long periods. Pro tip: Keep jumper cables in your trunk, just in case — they might help someone else even if you don’t need them!
- Monitor tire pressure often: For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tires can lose about 1 PSI of pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce handling capability and fuel efficiency while increasing wear. Check your tire pressure at least monthly (preferably when the tires are cold), and don’t forget the spare! If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, consider investing in winter tires — they’re designed specifically for cold-weather performance. Bonus: your car insurance company might give you a discount if you use winter tires.
- Keep your fluids winter-ready: Winter demands different fluid maintenance than summer:
- Switch to winter-grade oil for easier cold starts
- Use winter windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures
- Check antifreeze levels and concentration
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing
- Protect your paint and undercarriage: Road salt and winter chemicals can wreak havoc on your car’s finish and undercarriage. Get a good wax coating before winter hits and make regular trips to the car wash — especially ones with undercarriage spray — throughout the season. Pay special attention to washing after snowstorms when roads have been heavily salted.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Don’t wait until you’re stranded to wish you had emergency supplies. Pack a winter car kit including:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Blanket and warm gloves
- Basic tools
- Sand, kitty litter or traction mats
- Phone charger and portable battery pack
Remember, preventive maintenance is almost always less expensive than emergency repairs. A little attention now can save you from costly breakdowns and ensure your vehicle maintains its value for years to come.
What are your go-to winter car care strategies? Have you learned any lessons the hard way? Share your experiences and tips with the Shop Talk community!
Did you know? The cost of neglect
According to automotive experts, regular maintenance can boost your car’s resale value by up to 20%. In today’s market, with the average new car price now over $48,000 (Kelley Blue Book, 2024), that could mean leaving thousands of dollars on the table when it’s time to sell or trade in.