How to Prepare Your Car for Winter
Before winter, inspect tire pressure, tread and type; test the 12-volt battery and charging system; verify brakes, lights, wipers, defroster, coolant and freeze-rated washer fluid; repair leaks or warnings; and pack a weather-appropriate emergency kit. Use your owner's manual for vehicle-specific requirements.
What to check and why
Tires and spare
Set cold pressure from the door label; inspect tread, age and damage; confirm the spare and tools are usable. Why: Tires are the vehicle's only contact with the road, and cold weather lowers pressure.
Battery and charging
Test a questionable 12-volt battery and inspect its hold-down and connections. Why: Cold reduces available battery performance while starting can demand more energy.
Visibility
Check every exterior light, replace ineffective wipers, fill freeze-rated washer fluid and test the heater and defroster. Why: Short days, spray, snow and fog make seeing and being seen essential.
Fluids, brakes and exhaust
Follow the service schedule; check coolant protection, leaks, brake condition and the exhaust system professionally when needed. Why: Winter loads these systems when a roadside failure is especially hazardous.
Emergency supplies
Carry a phone charger, flashlight, warm layers, blanket, scraper, traction aid, warning devices, water and nonperishable food suited to your trip. Why: A delay or breakdown can become an exposure emergency before help arrives.
When to get professional help
- Any warning light is active
- Tires are worn, damaged or unsuitable for expected conditions
- Battery performance is uncertain
- Brakes, steering, heater, defroster or exhaust show a fault
If conditions become unsafe
For a winter storm warning, the safest plan may be to stay off the road. If stranded, contact emergency help, stay with the vehicle when appropriate, make it visible, conserve phone power and keep the exhaust outlet clear before running the engine.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check before winter?
Prioritize tires, battery, brakes, lights, wipers, washer fluid, coolant, heater, defroster, leaks and emergency supplies.
Do I need winter tires?
That depends on climate, road treatment, travel needs and your vehicle. In frequent snow and ice, winter tires can provide more appropriate cold-weather traction than tires designed mainly for warmer conditions.
What belongs in a winter car emergency kit?
Ready.gov recommends items including jumper cables, reflective warnings, an ice scraper, phone charger, blanket, map and sand or cat litter for traction. Add water, food, warm clothing and personal necessities for your trip.