Sleigh Your Ride: Tips for Winterproofing Your Car Like a Pro
Winter weather can be tough on vehicles, but with the right preparation, you can winterproof your ride and keep it running smoothly and safely all season long. From checking your battery to upgrading your tires, these expert tips from our DIY and car guy, Chip Wade will help you stay ready to tackle whatever winter throws your way.
Check Your Battery Health
A reliable battery is essential when winterproofing your car. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, so start with a quick health check. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, consider replacing it before freezing temperatures arrive. Products like PulseTech’s battery care tools can extend battery life and help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Clean off any corrosion on the terminals and consider a battery insulation kit if you live in a particularly frigid area. A strong battery will ensure your car starts reliably, even on the chilliest days.
Upgrade to Winter Wipers
Clear visibility is a must for safe winter driving. Switch to winter wiper blades designed to handle ice and snow without clogging or freezing. Pair them with a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that won’t freeze and effectively clears frost. This upgrade is a small but crucial step in winterproofing your ride.
Switch to Winter Tires
Winter tires are essential for improving traction on icy and snowy roads, thanks to their deeper treads and special rubber compounds that stay flexible in low temperatures. Yokohama Tire’s winter options are designed to give you excellent control and stability, even in harsh conditions.
If winter tires aren’t an option, make sure your all-season tires have sufficient tread depth—at least 4/32 inches—to maintain grip.
Keep Your Fluids Topped Up
Winterproof your car by using cold-weather-friendly fluids. Engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid can thicken in low temperatures, reducing their effectiveness. Winter-grade alternatives ensure your car runs smoothly.
Don’t overlook antifreeze/coolant levels—a 50/50 mix of coolant and water is typically ideal, but always double-check your owner’s manual.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Winter conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s smart to have an emergency kit on hand. Consider an all-inclusive kit like the 4Patriots Patriot Power All-in-One Emergency Car Kit, which includes essentials like a blanket, gloves, flashlight, and more.
Add a few winter-specific items: a small shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter (for traction if you get stuck), and an extra phone charger.
Protect Your Paint and Undercarriage
Snow, salt, and slush wreak havoc on your car’s exterior. Wash and wax your car before the first snow to create a protective barrier
Consider adding an undercarriage treatment to prevent rust. If that’s not an option, make regular trips to the car wash during winter to rinse off salt and grime.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, affecting traction and fuel efficiency. Make it a habit to check your pressure regularly during the winter. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and ensure your car maintains good traction on slick roads.
A portable tire inflator, like this easy-to-use model, can help you keep tire pressure at optimal levels no matter where you are.
Check Your Defroster and Heater
A clear windshield is essential for safe winter driving. Make sure your defroster is functioning correctly to prevent fogged-up windows.
Test your heater as well to ensure it’s ready for those frosty mornings. If either of these systems is lagging, it’s best to have a professional inspect and repair them.
Lubricate Locks and Door Seals
Frozen locks and doors are a winter hassle. To prevent this, apply a lubricant like graphite powder or silicone spray to your door locks.
Door seals can also freeze and stick. Rub a bit of silicone-based lubricant or even cooking spray on the seals to keep them pliable and frost-resistant.
Use a Car Cover or Park in a Garage
If possible, keep your car in a garage or use a car cover to shield it from snow, ice, and harsh winds. A cover protects from frost build-up and reduces the amount of time you’ll need to scrape and de-ice in the morning.
If you have to park outside, try to park facing east. The morning sun can help melt off frost and ice, making your morning routine a bit easier.
Final Thoughts: Stay Proactive
Winterproofing your car takes a bit of effort, but it pays off with smoother, safer drives all winter long. Follow these tips to protect your ride and enjoy worry-free winter travels. And if you’re looking for tips to winterproof your home, check out Chip’s Top Ten Home Hacks to Get your Home Winter-Ready here.
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*Housekeeping Note: The products featured above are compensated placements and this post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through one of our links at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we have personally used and while some of the pics and stats may come from the manufacturer, all of the tips and opinions are our own.
