Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on Living on the Cheap.
It’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the challenges of the colder months.
Winter car maintenance is not just about preventing breakdowns; it’s an essential step in safeguarding your investment while saving money in the long run.
From checking tire pressure and battery health to ensuring the right levels of antifreeze, these maintenance tasks can make a world of difference. But who says they have to break the bank?
With cost-effective strategies, you can keep your car running smoothly all season long without straining your wallet.
If you don’t know how to get your car ready for plummeting temperatures and icy roads, follow this checklist of quick and easy car maintenance tips for fall and winter.
Some things you can do yourself, while others require a mechanic. All will save you money down the road.
1. Get a tune-up
If you’re due for a tune-up, schedule it for the fall. Cold winter weather magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling.
Check your owner’s manual for the tune-up schedule and follow it.
2. Change the fluids
Six fluids should be changed before the chilly winter temperatures come. These include brake system fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid, and suspension differential fluid.
Sediment and other impurities can find their way into brake fluid, so a routine change is a smart idea.
Some manufacturers don’t suggest a transmission fluid change until the car has logged 100,000 miles. But ask your mechanic if a change might be a good idea considering the age and wear of your car.
Use cold weather washer fluid in the winter and keep the reservoir full. Keep a bottle in the trunk; it will come in handy when grimy snow or road salt smears your windshield.
As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years, advises the nonprofit Car Care Council.
3. Change your oil and oil filters
Okay, we know oil is another fluid, but it deserves its own category.
Regular oil changes prevent overheating and buildup of grime. Changing the oil also helps with fuel efficiency and reduces the possibility of engine failure.
It’s especially important to plan for a pre-winter oil change because oil gets thick and lazy in winter temperatures. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
Want to keep your oil warm in wintry climates? Consider purchasing an electric blanket for your car’s oil system.
Don’t think you can ignore oil changes if you only drive in town. Those starts and stops can be tougher on the engine than highway road trips.
Also, be diligent about changing the oil filter at recommended intervals.
4. Check your brakes
Brakes are your car’s most important safety system (after you, the driver). Before ice and snow put your brakes to the test, make sure to get your brakes and brake fluid checked.
Replace brake pads if necessary, so you’ll be able to stop on a dime, even on slippery winter roads.
Tell your mechanic to check the emergency brake as well. Even if your brake pads are good, the cables or mechanical elements can seize or break, especially if they are unused.
5. Check and clean your car battery
Cold weather is hard on batteries. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance each fall.
It’s especially important because so many computerized safety systems run off battery power.
You can use a tester to determine if you have a weak battery. If you aren’t comfortable doing this, go to an auto retailer like AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts. They will test your battery for free.
In addition, you’ll want to clean your car battery. Check for residue on the battery posts and use a wire brush to remove it. Wipe down the battery case to get rid of grease and grime.
6. Make sure your heater and defroster still work
Winter car care shouldn’t start the day temperatures plunge below freezing and you discover your heater isn’t doing its job.
Check the heater and defroster in the fall, before you need them, to determine if they are working properly. If they’re not, get them fixed ASAP.
Check the heated seats, too, if you are lucky enough to have them. If you’re not, check out this 12-volt travel throw that plugs into the cigarette lighter to keep passengers toasty on cold car rides.
7. Replace windshield wiper blades
As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months. If yours have been leaving patches on your windshield, replace them now before the cold weather stiffens the rubber even more.
If you are in a climate where you use snow tires, consider using winter wiper blades, as well.
It’s also a good idea to check the rubber seals around your car’s doors and windows. If necessary, use a silicone treatment specially made for vehicles to reinvigorate them.
De-ice your windshield the same way the airlines do: Mix 2/3 rubbing alcohol and 1/3 water then spray it from a spray bottle. Works like a charm.
To prevent ice from forming on your wiper blades, use a rag to help soak the blades with rubbing alcohol.
8. Test your headlights
Shorter days in winter lead to more driving in the dark. Check that your car’s exterior and interior lights and headlights work and are properly aimed.
If headlights seem to be less powerful than they used to be, clean them. Use only a special cleaner that won’t scratch the finish, such as the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit.
9. Prep your tires for winter
To prepare your car wheels for winter, plan to rotate tires in the fall, for more even wear and a more comfortable ride. Or, switch to winter tires, which offer more traction and will kick snow away from the track.
In winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly. Always check tire pressure in the driveway, since driving as little as a mile to the supermarket can affect the reading.
And don’t forget to test the spare, too, especially if you’ve been lucky and haven’t needed it for a while.
10. Check the exhaust system
Check your car for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
A detector made for vehicles will alert you to problems.
11. Keep your gas tank full
When winter comes, keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to reduce the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
Plus, you never know when a sudden snow squall will stretch your commute to hours on the road. You’ll be thankful not to have to worry about running out of gas as you try to get home safely.
12. Put together a winter emergency kit
Many drivers have been surprised by a sudden storm or stranded for a few hours in a vehicle that slid off the icy roads into a secluded area.
For these unexpected situations, put together an emergency kit to store in your car.
You’ll want to include an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables or a jump starter that works on a variety of devices.
Other items to carry are a flashlight, flares, blanket, extra warm clothes (including gloves and hat), candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and medications.
Another must have for winter driving? A fully charged cell phone. Though you can’t leave it in your car, try never to leave home without one.
A well-prepared winter emergency car kit is essential for ensuring safety and convenience when facing the unpredictable conditions of winter driving. Here’s a comprehensive list of items to include:
- First aid kit: Accidents can happen, and having a first aid kit ensures you’re equipped to handle minor injuries until professional help is available.
- Blankets: In case you’re stranded in cold weather, blankets provide crucial warmth and comfort while waiting for assistance.
- Flashlight and extra batteries: Essential for visibility and signaling in the dark, especially during power failures or if you need to inspect your vehicle at night.
- Non-perishable snacks and water: Staying nourished and hydrated is vital if you’re stuck for an extended period. Pack energy bars, nuts, and bottled water.
- Ice scraper and snow brush: Quickly clear ice and snow from your windshield and windows to maintain visibility and safety.
- Jumper cables: Cold weather can weaken car batteries. Jumper cables are essential for giving your battery a boost or helping others in need.
- Portable phone charger: Keeping your phone charged is crucial for contacting emergency services or loved ones if you encounter trouble.
- Reflective triangle or flares: These items alert other drivers to your presence if you’re stopped on the side of the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Multi-tool: A versatile tool can assist with a variety of small repairs or adjustments that might be needed in an emergency.
- Warm clothing: Extra layers, hats, and gloves are vital for maintaining body heat if you need to leave your vehicle.
- Shovel: A compact shovel can help you dig out of snow if your car gets stuck.
- Sand or cat litter: Providing traction under tires, sand or cat litter can help you get moving if you’re stuck on ice.
By stocking your car with these essentials, you ensure that you’re prepared to face winter’s challenges with safety and peace of mind.
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