5 steps to winterize your car
With winter in full swing across the United States, it's time for car-owners to start thinking about getting their vehicle ready to withstand cold and snowy weather.
By
Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather senior editor
Updated Jan 3, 2024 10:48 AM EST
Car covered in snow on a winter day. (Guasor/iStock/Thinkstock)
iStock/Thinkstock
Winter can take a toll on your vehicle in many ways -- and experts say you don't want to be caught off guard or stranded in the season's harshest conditions due to a lack of proper maintenance.
Ed Gliss, a test driver and technical expert for Michelin, said the best time for car owners to begin preparing vehicles for cold weather is in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
"Temperatures are dropping; you're starting to get a little bit of frost overnight. That's a good reminder to start winterizing your vehicle," he told AccuWeather.
Read below for five ways to make sure your car is ready to withstand cold and wintry weather for a safe driving experience this season.
Gliss said it's important to check your tire pressure once a month, especially during the winter, since a tire's pressure can drop as the temperatures plummet.
"An under-inflated tire underperforms and does not wear good for the consumer," he said.
Tire pressure is measured by pounds per square inch (PSI). If uncertain about what level of PSI your tire should be, the proper inflation level can typically be found inside the driver's door jam.
In addition, there are specific styles of tires that can help navigate wintry weather better than others. A good rule of thumb is to at least have an all-season tire when driving in conditions below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For those living in regions where temperatures may routinely approach zero, Gliss said it's wise to look into winter tires, which are built for superior traction and handling on snowy or icy roads.
Battery capacity decreases significantly in cold weather, so it is important to have a mechanic examine your battery to ensure it's at peak performance, according to Michelin.
"It becomes increasingly important to have a well-performing battery in those cooler temperatures. It's just harder on the cells and it robs their battery capacity," Gliss said.
Booster cables (jarih/iStock/Thinkstock)
iStock/Thinkstock
Experts also recommend parking your vehicle in a garage to protect the battery from frigid air.
Having jumper cables handy is important, not only if your car breaks down amid winter's extremes, but also in case you come across another motorist in need of a jumpstart.
"If you have cracks or chips [on the windshield], they are likely to worsen in extreme cold temperatures. So I recommend getting those repaired or looked at by an expert," Gliss said.
Gliss also recommended replacing wiper blades to ensure they can handle the various elements and keep the windshield clear. In addition, he said it is essential to use a washer fluid that's rated for subfreezing temperatures.
John O'Neill puts on new windshield wiper blades as snow continues to fall in Pollock Pines, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Finally, ensure your defrosters are in proper working order to help maintain visibility.
Michelin states that a fresh coat of wax before the snow starts falling can help protect a car against damage from salt and dirt on the roads.
Road salt, while an important factor in combating icy roads, can cause extensive damage to vehicles over time because of its corrosive nature.
Turtle Wax recommends using its product on the lower parts of the vehicle, including behind the wheels, quarter panels and front grille as ice, snow and salt tend to build up and stay in these areas the longest.
It's vital to have fully functioning headlights and brake lights when dealing with thick winter fog or heavy snow.
"It's going to help your own visibility while driving, but also make sure other drivers are able to see you," Gliss said.
A lone pair of headlights from the vehicle of a sole motorist barely cuts through a snowstorm Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Check to make sure your headlight covers don't have a haze or look discolored, Gliss said. This can negatively affect the brightness of your headlights.
Plastic headlight lens repair kits can be found at various retailers if you choose not to have them serviced by a professional.
For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
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5 steps to winterize your car
With winter in full swing across the United States, it's time for car-owners to start thinking about getting their vehicle ready to withstand cold and snowy weather.
By Kevin Byrne, AccuWeather senior editor
Updated Jan 3, 2024 10:48 AM EST
Car covered in snow on a winter day. (Guasor/iStock/Thinkstock)
Winter can take a toll on your vehicle in many ways -- and experts say you don't want to be caught off guard or stranded in the season's harshest conditions due to a lack of proper maintenance.
Ed Gliss, a test driver and technical expert for Michelin, said the best time for car owners to begin preparing vehicles for cold weather is in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.
"Temperatures are dropping; you're starting to get a little bit of frost overnight. That's a good reminder to start winterizing your vehicle," he told AccuWeather.
Read below for five ways to make sure your car is ready to withstand cold and wintry weather for a safe driving experience this season.
Monitor tire pressure
Gliss said it's important to check your tire pressure once a month, especially during the winter, since a tire's pressure can drop as the temperatures plummet.
"An under-inflated tire underperforms and does not wear good for the consumer," he said.
Tire pressure is measured by pounds per square inch (PSI). If uncertain about what level of PSI your tire should be, the proper inflation level can typically be found inside the driver's door jam.
In addition, there are specific styles of tires that can help navigate wintry weather better than others. A good rule of thumb is to at least have an all-season tire when driving in conditions below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For those living in regions where temperatures may routinely approach zero, Gliss said it's wise to look into winter tires, which are built for superior traction and handling on snowy or icy roads.
Test your battery
Battery capacity decreases significantly in cold weather, so it is important to have a mechanic examine your battery to ensure it's at peak performance, according to Michelin.
"It becomes increasingly important to have a well-performing battery in those cooler temperatures. It's just harder on the cells and it robs their battery capacity," Gliss said.
Booster cables (jarih/iStock/Thinkstock)
Experts also recommend parking your vehicle in a garage to protect the battery from frigid air.
Having jumper cables handy is important, not only if your car breaks down amid winter's extremes, but also in case you come across another motorist in need of a jumpstart.
Survey your windshield and wiper blades
"If you have cracks or chips [on the windshield], they are likely to worsen in extreme cold temperatures. So I recommend getting those repaired or looked at by an expert," Gliss said.
Gliss also recommended replacing wiper blades to ensure they can handle the various elements and keep the windshield clear. In addition, he said it is essential to use a washer fluid that's rated for subfreezing temperatures.
John O'Neill puts on new windshield wiper blades as snow continues to fall in Pollock Pines, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Finally, ensure your defrosters are in proper working order to help maintain visibility.
Add a coat of wax to your car
Michelin states that a fresh coat of wax before the snow starts falling can help protect a car against damage from salt and dirt on the roads.
Road salt, while an important factor in combating icy roads, can cause extensive damage to vehicles over time because of its corrosive nature.
Turtle Wax recommends using its product on the lower parts of the vehicle, including behind the wheels, quarter panels and front grille as ice, snow and salt tend to build up and stay in these areas the longest.
Inspect headlights and brake lights
It's vital to have fully functioning headlights and brake lights when dealing with thick winter fog or heavy snow.
"It's going to help your own visibility while driving, but also make sure other drivers are able to see you," Gliss said.
A lone pair of headlights from the vehicle of a sole motorist barely cuts through a snowstorm Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Check to make sure your headlight covers don't have a haze or look discolored, Gliss said. This can negatively affect the brightness of your headlights.
Plastic headlight lens repair kits can be found at various retailers if you choose not to have them serviced by a professional.
For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
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