Car Care Checklist for Winter Driving

Those who live in areas with cold and snowy winters are usually in the habit of preparing their wardrobes for the cold winter weather. Cars demand winter preparation as well to ensure that they are ready to handle the demands of cold temperatures and snowy conditions. It's best to prepare ahead of time, getting your car serviced and making sure that you're prepared for any unplanned situations that can occur. Some maintenance tasks are best left to a certified technician, while others are easy to do yourself.

Winter Car Care Checklist

Battery and Charging System: A trained technician should check the battery and charging system of a vehicle to ensure that the battery is strong enough to start the engine even in the coldest temperatures. The Average Life of Car Batteries: Seven Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life
Battery Cables and Terminals: Check terminals and battery cables to ensure that they are secure and free of corrosion. How to Replace Battery Terminals
Drive Belts: Check belts for cracking and fraying, replacing any worn belts. Everything You Need to Know About Belt Maintenance and Repair
Engine Hoses: Check cooling system hoses for cracks, leaks, and loose clamps. Replace any hoses that are spongy or brittle. Ultimate Guide to Car Radiator Hoses, Heater Hoses, and Coolant Hoses
Tire Type and Tread: Snow tires will provide a vehicle with the best traction in areas with heavy snow. In places where moderate snow falls, use all-season tires. Check all tires to ensure that they have adequate tread depth. How Do I Check Tire Tread Depth?
Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure frequently during the winter to ensure that it's at the proper level for your vehicle. Prepare Your Tires for Winter Weather
Air Filter: Inspect the air filter to ensure that it's clean. If you can see through the air filter when you hold it up to a 60-watt light bulb, it's clean enough. Tips for Cleaning Your Car Air Filter
Coolant Levels: When the engine is cold, check the coolant levels. Add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water if the coolant level is low. Car Talk Service Advice: Coolant
Lights: Check the headlights, taillights, flashers, turn signals, brake lights, and backup lights, and replace any bulbs that are burnt out. Your Car Won't Handle the Rest of the Winter Without These Eight Fixes
Wiper Blades: Make sure that the windshield wiper blades clear the windshield completely, and replace wipers that miss spots or leave streaks on the glass. Help Your Wipers Survive Winter
Washer Fluid: Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a solution that has antifreeze components. The Best Windshield Washer Fluid Hack
Brakes: Have a certified technician inspect the brakes. Four Ways to Ensure That Your Brakes Are Ready for Winter
Transmission, Brake, and Power Steering Fluids: Check fluid levels to ensure that everything is topped off. Quick Tips for Checking Vehicle Fluids

Emergency Road Kit

Compile an emergency road kit of essentials, and place the kit in your trunk. Periodically, check the contents of your kit to ensure that everything is fresh and in working order.

Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter: Winter Driving Supply Checklist
Snow shovel: Prepare an Emergency Kit for Winter Driving
Snow brush/ice scraper
Flashlight and extra batteries: Winter Weather Safety Kit
Window washing solvent: Emergency Kit for the Car
Roll of paper towels
Jumper cables: Before You Go, Don't Forget to Pack Your Winter Car Emergency Kit
Outerwear (coats, gloves, hats, boots)
Extra clothing: Survival Kit for Winter Driving
Blankets and sleeping bags: Emergency Gear for the Car
Drinking water: Winter Storm Survival
Non-perishable food and snacks
First-aid kit: Driving in Difficult Conditions
Cell phone and car charger: Car Survival and Emergency Kit

Additional Car Safety Information

Tips for Driving Safely: Part of winter driving safety is keeping your car maintained and ready to drive.
Safe Winter Driving: Make sure your battery, windshield wipers, and tires are in good condition before you drive in the winter.
Winter Driving Preparedness: Top off antifreeze and wiper fluid levels before you drive your car in the winter.
Winter Driving: Snowplow drivers are often trained to provide assistance to motorists.
Winter Car Checklist: Don't rely on your car's electrical system to provide you with light if you're stranded in your vehicle.
Winter Vehicle Safety Tips: Change your oil and check your battery before winter so your car is ready for winter driving.
Preparing for a Winter Storm: Avoid traveling during inclement winter weather, if possible.
Winter Safety Tips: Always clear all snow and ice from a vehicle before driving to ensure that you can see and be seen.
Winter Driving Tips: Check for any active recalls on your vehicle before winter sets in.
Winter Driving Safety Tips: Allow extra time for driving during winter so you can drive more slowly to suit the weather conditions.
Ice and Snow: Remove it Before You Go: Drive with your headlights on when you are traveling in the snow.
Winter Driving: A Guide for Your Safety: Know the differences between storm watches and warnings so you can plan your travel.
Winter Driving Tips: Stopping takes extra distance in the snow and ice, so drive well below posted speed limits and leave extra space in front of your vehicle.
Safe Winter Driving Tips: Don't drive during the worst parts of winter storms, and try to drive during daylight hours only.
Winter Driving Safety: Keep your gas tank full when driving during the winter.
Winter Driving Safety Tips: If you start to skid on the ice or snow, steer your vehicle into the skid without hitting the brakes.
Winter Driving Guide: Stay on main routes during the winter, and always take your time to get to your destination.