How To Winterize Your Car

November 15, 2018

The forecast has had the word snow pop up in it this week.  And here we are!  The first snowfall of our season!  I guess with it being mid November we are pretty much going to get just about any type of weather these days.  Now is a good time to make sure your car is ready for the winter.

How To Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Interior

I cleaned out the back of the car and removed all of the summer softball gear (chairs, gloves and balls).  I added another blanket to the back just in case the car should break down and we don’t have much heat.

I also added the following into a bag in the back of the car:

  • Winter shovel
  • Ice scraper
  • Flashlight
  • Fares
  • Snacks and water bottles
  • I keep a first aid kit in my car all year round
  • I also have a jumper kit in my car all year round.

Winterizing Your Car

Exterior

Although my car is loaded with sensors for the tires, Diesel fluid, etc. I still like to scroll through the screens to make sure everything is checking out properly.  You also want to check the following items on your car to make sure it is winter ready:

  • Replace Windshield Washer Fluid with Winter Windshield Washer Fluid
  • Change your wiper blades
  • Check your anti-freeze.  You don’t want your coolant in the radiator to freeze.
  • Check your tire pressure.  Cold weather causes air pressure in your tires to drop.
  • Change your tires.  If you use all-season tires and live in a snowy area you should consider snow tires.  They have tread patterns designed to grip the snow and ice.
  • Check the battery.  Remove any corrosion and test the battery to determine if it is charged enough or needs to be replaced.
  • Change the oil.  The colder the weather, the thicker the oil gets.  Change your oil to a thinner viscosity to help the car start better in colder temps.
  • Check your four-wheel drive.  My car has 4-wheel drive.  I had the fun of using it up at the farm over the summer when the mud was so thick.  I also used that time to learn how to put the car into 4-wheel drive and how the car responds while in that gear.
  • Keep the gas tank full.

How to Winterize Your CarHopefully you didn’t get stuck in traffic and this first significant snowfall and are home snuggled up or you are outside playing with your kids!  Make sure you get ahead of this season and get your car prepared for the winter season.