How to Prepare Your Car for Winter: 10 Steps Before the First Freeze, by Lifey Guy on YouTube. 6 min 36 s.
- Video length
- 6 min 36 s
- Time to do it
- 1 hour
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Test the battery before the cold sets in. A weak battery loses strength fast at freezing temperatures, so have it load tested at a parts store or garage if it is more than three years old.
Check tire pressure with a gauge and compare it to the sticker on the driver's door jamb. Pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10 F drop, so recheck monthly.
Do the quarter test on your tread. Insert a quarter into a groove with Washington's head down. If you can see the top of his head, the tire is worn and needs replacing.
Consider winter tires if you drive in snow and ice. Look for the three peak mountain snowflake symbol and fit all four as a matching set.
Replace worn wiper blades and fill the washer reservoir with winter fluid rated for below freezing. Summer fluid can freeze on the glass.
Check the antifreeze with a tester. A 50/50 mix protects to about -34 F. Top up with the correct premixed coolant for your car.
Switch on every light and walk around the car. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards and license plate bulbs, and replace any dead ones.
Pack a winter emergency kit: blanket, gloves, hat, flashlight, phone charger, snacks, water, ice scraper, small shovel, jumper cables and a first aid kit.
Keep your gas tank at least half full all winter. It prevents fuel line freeze and gives you range if you get stuck.
Wash the salt off the body and undercarriage regularly and apply wax before winter. Clear all snow from the roof, hood, windows and lights, and dig out the tailpipe before starting the engine.
Tips and common mistakes
Never let air out of your tires for snow grip. Lower pressure reduces traction and handling.
Do not pour hot water on an icy windshield. The glass can crack. Use a scraper and defroster instead.
All wheel drive helps you go but does not help you stop. Winter tires still matter on an AWD car.
A blocked tailpipe can push carbon monoxide into the cabin, so clear snow from it before you start the engine.
Questions
How often should I check tire pressure in winter?
Check it at least once a month and after any big temperature drop. Pressure falls about 1 PSI per 10 F, so a cold snap can leave your tires low.
Do I really need winter tires if I have all wheel drive?
Yes, if you drive on snow and ice. AWD helps with acceleration but winter tires shorten stopping distance and improve grip.
What should go in a winter car emergency kit?
A blanket, warm clothes, gloves, flashlight, phone charger, snacks, water, ice scraper, small shovel, jumper cables and a first aid kit cover the basics.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
