Winter Vehicle Preparation Checklist for Cold Weather

Here in Wisconsin, driving in winter weather is a given. Before cold weather hits, we give all the vehicles some TLC. For those who aren’t as familiar with winter conditions, I put together this winter vehicle preparation checklist.

Full disclosure – I have my sons tackle winter car preps now that they’re older. My husband and I checked things when they were younger.

Winter Vehicle Preparation Checklist

Ideally, you want to get this done before the winter season hits. If you miss that window, make sure everything is in working order before any long distance cold weather travel.

Take Care of any Necessary Repairs 

Get repairs done before you find yourself stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Don’t be the guy driving around ignoring the warning lights lit up on their dash.

Check Your Battery

Cold weather can strain your car’s battery, making it harder to start.

• What to do: Look for corrosion on the terminals (white or greenish powder). If you see any, clean it with a baking soda solution and a toothbrush.
• Pro tip: Many auto parts stores offer free battery testing. If your battery is older than 3–5 years, consider replacing it.

See “Car Won’t Start in the Cold” for troubleshooting cold weather starts, and tips to keep your battery power topped off.

Inspect Your Tires

Good tires are crucial for traction on icy or snowy roads. Worn tires increase stopping distance and decrease control.

• Check the tread depth: Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
• Consider snow tires: If you live in an area with heavy snow or ice, winter tires offer superior grip.
• Check tire pressure: Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check it monthly and inflate to the recommended PSI. (You can find the recommended PSI in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door.)
• Rotate your best tires to the front (for front wheel drive). If you use winter chains, make sure they are ready as well.
• Check that your spare tire is in good condition.

Test Your Wiper Blades and Windshield Washer Fluid

Visibility is key in winter storms.

• Wipers: If they’re streaking or squeaking, replace them. Winter wipers are stronger and resist freezing.
• Washer fluid: Use fluid labeled for winter use (it won’t freeze). Make sure your washer fluid is full, and keep an extra jug in your trunk for long trips.

The winter fluid really makes a difference, so it’s worth the slightly higher cost. We used to travel to my mom’s place on the other side of the state in winter during the holidays, before she passed away. I lost track of how many times we traveled in snow and ice.

Refill or Replace Your Coolant (Antifreeze)

Coolant keeps your engine from freezing and overheating.

• Check levels: Open the hood and locate the coolant reservoir (it’s usually a clear plastic tank). The fluid should be between the “min” and “max” lines.
• Pro tip: Ensure a 50/50 mix of coolant and water. Many stores sell pre-mixed antifreeze for convenience.

Keep Your Oil Fresh

In winter, your engine oil thickens, making it harder for your car to start.

Check your owner’s manual: It might recommend switching to a thinner oil (e.g., 5W-30 instead of 10W-30) for cold weather.

Test Your Heater and Defroster

A functional heater keeps you warm, while a good defroster ensures clear windows. Test it now: Turn it on and make sure it’s blowing hot air. If not, get it checked.

Our old van is over 20 years old, and the control busted so it can’t go to Defrost Only. We avoid using it when the temperatures drop too low, because the windows tend to fog. (Repairs are cost prohibitive given the age of the vehicle and dash setup. Our mechanic said he’d need to take the whole dash off.)

Prepare a Winter Car Emergency Kit

Even if your car is winter-ready, emergencies happen.

• For a Basic Kit, include:
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Jumper cables
  • Blanket
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
  • Small shovel and sand(for traction if you get stuck)

See our Winter Car Kit Checklist for more details and an extended kit list for longer trips.

Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full

A fuller tank helps prevent fuel line freeze-ups and ensures you won’t run out of gas in a traffic jam or storm. Grandpa Neverman was a stickler about always keeping the gas tank above half full, and we do the same. If you get stranded, you want heat. Also, traveling may take much longer than anticipated because of road conditions or detours.

Inspect Your Lights

With shorter days and bad weather, you’ll rely on your lights more.

• What to check: Ensure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are working. Replace any burned-out bulbs.

Get a Professional Inspection (Optional)

If you’re not comfortable checking things yourself, take your car to a mechanic for a winter readiness inspection. Many shops offer affordable packages for this.

Bonus Tips for Winter Driving

Warm up wisely: Modern cars don’t need long warm-ups. One to two minutes is enough. Do not warm up your vehicle in a closed garage, or you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check out weather conditions in the area where you intend to travel. Between the news, the internet and cell phones, it’s much easier to know if you’re getting bad weather than years ago.

Get a cellphone, even if it’s only an emergency use smartphone. Consider keeping a USB car charger or emergency radio/cell phone charger for your phone in your winter car kit. If your battery is dead, you can’t call a tow truck. A spare could be critical if you lose your charger cable.

Drive cautiously: Leave extra space between you and other cars, and brake gently to avoid skidding.

With these simple steps, your car will be ready to tackle the winter months, keeping you safe and stress-free on the road.

Do you have any tips to add? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.

This article is by Laurie Neverman. She has a BS in Math/Physics and MS in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in renewable energy. Laurie and her family live in a “concrete bunker” (ICF home) with a permaculture food forest and three types of solar. They “walk the talk” of preparedness by living a more self-reliant lifestyle.