5 Steps to Winterize Your Vehicle Like a Pro
For safer winter driving, follow the simple steps below
There’s nothing quite as magical as curling up to watch the first snowfall of the season—as long as you’re doing so from the warmth your living room, of course.
Navigating winter weather from behind the wheel of a car can be a decidedly less pleasant experience. But never fear! AAA’s team of ASE-certified mechanics are here with five essential tips to winterize your vehicle and tackle common winter driving challenges.
Expert tip 1: Address existing issues with a pre-season checkup
Worn tires, mysterious engine noise, and broken taillights are all issues that are easier to ignore in summertime. But cold weather has a way of turning such minor vehicle problems into major ones—and icy backroads are the last place you want to be when trouble strikes.
Before seasonal temps drop consistently below 50 degrees, take your vehicle in for a multi-point inspection from a trusted mechanic. They can help you address any existing concerns and equip your car with everything it needs for safer winter driving.
Expert tip 2: Make sure your car is outfitted with the right gear for winter
Whether you leave car care to the experts or prefer to get more hands-on, fall is a great time to swap out tires, batteries, wiper blades, fluids, and other components with versions that are specifically designed for driving in icy winter conditions. It also never hurts to stash a winter driving kit in the trunk—so ice scrapers, jumper cables, flashlights, and other winter driving essentials are easily within reach should you need them.
Remember: vehicles require more power to perform basic functions in winter, so your car will thank you for the extra boost!
Expert tip 3: Start the season with proper tire pressure and thread
Tire health is important to monitor year-round, but it’s especially critical in winter. That’s because standard tires lose about one pound of PSI (pressure per square inch) for every 10-degree drop in temperature. This causes tires to deteriorate more rapidly, resulting in decreased overall vehicle performance and safety.
Before winter weather sets in, use a gauge to confirm your tires are properly inflated and treaded, and continue to monitor these elements throughout the winter season. The experts at cars.com recommend 32-35 PSI for most standard tires, but you can find exact manufacturer recommendations in your owner’s manual or on the placard located inside the driver side door.
Expert tip 4: Replenish fluids early and often
Even short drives can produce a surprising amount of road salt and other buildup on car windshields and headlamps, which can seriously limit visibility in a heavy rain or snowfall. Topping off with a specially formulated wiper fluid will help keep your sight lines clear and grime-free as you traverse tricky roadways this winter. When you winterize your vehicle, think about fluids. The experts at AAA recommend keeping your gas tank at least half full through the colder winter months. In addition to limiting condensation that can cause gas lines to freeze, you’ll have peace of mind (and warmth!) you need in the event of an unexpected breakdown or fender bender.
Expert tip 5: Make a plan to check back in with your car at regular intervals
The expert tips outlined in this article will put you ahead of the driving game this winter, but monitoring your car’s health throughout the season will help you go the extra mile. Here are a few simple habits that will ensure safer winter driving:
- Visually check all four tires for signs of deflation before leaving your home or office.
- Take 30 extra seconds to squeegee the windshield whenever you stop for gas.
- Carry a pressure/tread gauge and extra wiper fluid in the trunk to refill as needed.
- Keep your AAA membership card, preferred mechanic contact info, and other important car maintenance documents in your glove box, phone, or other secure place.
The bonus tips on how to winterize your vehicle—and drive more safely all winter—are to slow down during wet, icy, or snowy condition, and avoid sudden stops and starts. Most of all, if the experts advise you to stay home, stay home and enjoy watching the snow fall!