7+ Simple Winter Car Care Tips to Keep You Safe on the Road

That’s why we recommend seven simple winter car care tips to keep you and your vehicle safe on the road.

Check Your Headlights

This simple tip can be a lifesaver. The sun sets earlier in the day during winter. That means your commute home will likely be at dusk, making driving more difficult.

Make sure your headlights are in excellent condition, providing the brightest light possible. If they are yellow or foggy, consider either a restoration kit or having them replaced.

Car Battery Performance

As you can imagine, it’s more difficult for a car battery to perform in cold weather than during warmer months. Our service department recommends having your battery tested to make sure it’s in good working order.

A battery that was so-so during the summer can you leave you stranded in the winter. Get your battery checked or, if necessary, buy a new one.

Gasoline and Washer Fluid Levels

During colder weather, it’s important to keep both your gas tank and your washer fluid levels as full as possible.

A full tank of gas may prevent water accumulating inside your fuel pump causing it to freeze. And, if you get stuck somewhere, a full tank will allow you to run your engine longer, keeping you warm until help arrives.

As for your windshield washer reservoir, there’s more road debris from foul weather. This can mean more window washing so you can see where you’re going.

You want to keep your reservoir as full as possible simply as a proactive measure to keeping you safe on the road.

Tire Pressure

Because tire pressure can drop when temperatures drop--as much as one pound per square inch with every 10-degree air drop--it’s important to keep track of your tire pressure.

Low tire pressure can cause your vehicle to handle unpredictably. What’s more, under inflated tires cause premature wear, even tread separation.

Take a couple of minutes and add some air at a local gas station.

Winter Tires

If you live in an area where the temperature drops regularly below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, invest in winter tires!

Winter tires provide improved traction because they are more capable of staying flexible in colder temperatures with or without snow on the ground.

Keep your antifreeze mixture a ratio of 50/50, antifreeze to water ratio. This will keep the coolant from freezing in temperatures well below zero.

Also check to make sure your antifreeze isn’t low and that there are no leaks in your car’s engine components.

You want to make sure your climate control system is in good working order, for obvious reasons. You need the heat in your vehicle, and you want your defroster to de-ice your windshield for good visual acuity.

If you find you’re having trouble with either of these units, it’s time to get them checked!

These seven tips are crucial for safe winter driving, but there are a few more you should know about.

Cold temperatures are hard on your battery, reducing its cranking power. At zero degrees, your battery has about half the power it has when temperatures soar to 80.

Check to see if the fluid is low, and if so, add distilled water. If your battery is more than five years old and is showing signs of weakness, it’s time to replace it.

Contrary to what you might think, windshield wipers need replacing more often than you think. Even top performing wipers start to lose their effectiveness in about six months.

If you start seeing streaks or missed expanses of glass, it’s time to replace them. A good rule of thumb is to replace blades twice a year.

Engine Oil

Cold weather is tough on your engine. Since motor oil thickens with plunging temperatures, that makes it harder for the engine to turn over.

That’s why you want to use multi-viscosity motor oil that’s labeled with a “W,” meaning for winter use. Typical oil formulas for winter use are 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. These oils offer good flow in cold temperatures and can be used all year round.

Check the radiator and heater hoses for leaks, cracks, or contamination from grease and oil. Hoses should not feel brittle when you squeeze them. They should feel firm but pliable.

These simple but important winter car care tips can make all the difference while driving in wintery conditions.

If bad weather is forecast, take a few minutes and check your vehicle beforehand. Stay safe on the road!