Winter storms can create dangerous driving conditions in just a few hours. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures really put your vehicle to the test, from the tires all the way to the battery.
Getting your car ready before winter hits can lower the chances of breakdowns and accidents, and it might keep you from getting stranded in nasty weather.
Meteorologists with experience know storms often roll in with barely any warning. Once they arrive, you’ve lost your window to make important changes.
If you want to be prepared, you’ll need to check the vital systems, guard against cold damage, and make sure your car can handle poor visibility, slick roads, and extreme cold.
This isn’t about quick fixes. You’ll want to inspect and maintain your tires, protect your battery, top off all the important fluids, and make sure your safety systems actually work.
You should also keep the right emergency supplies in your car and know how to handle common winter hazards. Confidence goes a long way when the weather turns rough.
Inspect and Maintain Your Tires
When you take care of your tires, you help your car grip icy roads, stop more quickly, and handle better in winter. Regular checks and basic maintenance can prevent traction loss and uneven wear that can make driving dangerous.
Check Tread Depth and Tire Pressure
Good tread depth lets your tires push snow and slush away, so they can grip the road. Aim for at least 4/32 inch of tread for safe winter driving.
You can measure tread depth with a gauge or, honestly, just use a U.S. quarter as a quick check.
Tire pressure drops as it gets colder. Every 10°F drop in temperature lowers your tire pressure by about 1 PSI.
Underinflated tires flex more, which means less traction and more wear. Overinflated tires don’t grip as well on slick roads.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month, especially before a long drive. You’ll find the right PSI in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
Always check pressure when the tires are cold for the best reading.
Install Winter Tires for Enhanced Traction
Winter tires use softer rubber that stays flexible when it’s freezing out. That flexibility helps your car grip snow, ice, and wet pavement.
Winter tire treads have deeper grooves and more little slits (called sipes) to bite into snow and spit out slush.
You should put winter tires on all four wheels for balanced handling. Mixing winter and all-season tires just makes things unpredictable.
Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the tire’s sidewall to know you’ve got the real thing.
If you live somewhere that gets a ton of snow or has steep roads, consider tire chains too. Just make sure they fit and follow the instructions so you don’t wreck your tires.
Inspect for Tire Damage or Wear
Cold weather can make any existing tire damage worse. Cuts, bulges, or cords poking out all mean your tire is at risk of failing.
Sidewall cracks can pop up if your tires are old or have seen wild temperature swings.
Give each tire a good look and even a feel. If you notice uneven wear, you might have alignment or suspension problems that need fixing before winter.
If you find damage, it’s usually safer to replace the tire than to try patching it in winter. A solid tire gives you the best shot at staying safe on ice or packed snow.
Test and Protect Your Car Battery
Cold weather slows down your battery’s chemical reactions, so it can’t start your engine as easily. If your battery is weak or dead, freezing temperatures might even ruin it for good.
Assess Battery Health and Charge
A healthy battery is key for starting your car when it’s freezing. If your battery is older than three years, get it tested before winter storms show up.
You can use a multimeter at home or just visit an auto parts store. A fully charged battery should read about 12.6 volts when the engine’s off.
If the reading is under 12.4 volts, your battery might be weak or only partially charged.
Cold cranking amps (CCA) matter too. This number tells you how well your battery can start the engine in the cold. If the CCA is too low, replace the battery before the weather gets rough.
If you don’t drive much in winter, a trickle charger or battery maintainer can keep your battery full.
Clean and Secure Battery Connections
Corrosion on your battery terminals can slow down the flow of electricity. That makes it even harder to start your car when it’s cold.
To clean the terminals:
- Turn off your engine and put on gloves.
- Disconnect the negative cable first, then the positive.
- Use a wire brush and a baking soda and water mix to scrub away corrosion.
- Rinse with clean water and dry everything.
After cleaning, tighten the cables so they don’t wiggle. Loose connections can look like a weak battery, even if the battery’s fine.
A little petroleum jelly or terminal protectant can help keep corrosion from coming back.
Carry Jumper Cables for Emergencies
Even if you do everything right, batteries can still fail suddenly in extreme cold. Keep a good set of jumper cables in your car just in case.
Pick cables that are at least 10–12 feet long and use thick wire for better power flow. Store them somewhere you can reach easily, like the trunk.
If you’re not sure how to jump-start a car safely, review the steps. Hooking things up wrong can fry your electrical system or even hurt you.
A compact lithium-ion jump starter is a solid backup if there’s no other car around.
Check and Refill Essential Fluids
Cold weather makes a lot of your car’s fluids less effective. They can get thicker, freeze, or just stop protecting your car the way they should.
Checking and topping off fluids helps your car run safely when it’s cold.
Top Off Coolant and Antifreeze
Coolant (or antifreeze) keeps your engine from overheating or freezing. When it’s below freezing, the right mix stops ice from forming and wrecking your cooling system.
Most cars do fine with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water. If you’re somewhere really cold, you might want a 60/40 or 70/30 mix for extra protection.
You can check your coolant with a tester or just ask during a service appointment.
Make sure the coolant is between the “MIN” and “MAX” lines on the overflow reservoir. If you need to add more, use the same type that’s already in there.
Never use plain water in winter. Water freezes at 32°F and can block coolant flow, which might crack your engine.
A good coolant system also helps your defroster clear the windshield.
Use Winter-Grade Windshield Washer Fluid
Regular washer fluid can freeze in the reservoir or even on your windshield if it’s cold enough. Winter-grade fluid is rated for -20°F or lower and has de-icers to help melt light ice.
Drain out any leftover summer fluid before you fill up. Mixing them can lower freeze protection.
Check your washer fluid often and keep it full. Winter roads mean you’ll use it a lot to clear off salt and slush.
It’s smart to keep a spare bottle in the trunk, especially on long drives or during storms. That way, you won’t get caught with a dirty windshield and no way to clean it.
Inspect Oil and Brake Fluid Levels
Cold weather thickens engine oil, so it’s harder for your car to start and get lubricated. Switching to a lower-viscosity oil (check your owner’s manual) can help with cold starts and prevent wear.
Brake fluid picks up moisture over time. If it gets too much water in it, the fluid can freeze and hurt your braking. Use a tester to check moisture—if it’s over 3%, it’s time for a flush.
Always check oil and brake fluid on level ground with a cool engine. Keeping these fluids in good shape means your car will start and stop reliably in winter storms.
Prepare Visibility and Safety Systems
You need clear visibility and working safety systems to avoid accidents when it’s snowy, icy, or raining. If you keep your wipers, defrosters, and lights in good shape, you’ll see (and be seen) even in the worst conditions.
Replace Wiper Blades for Winter
Winter wiper blades have stronger frames and rubber that doesn’t freeze up as easily. Regular blades can get stiff or leave streaks when it’s cold, which blocks your view.
Check your wipers for cracks, tears, or stiffness. If they’re missing spots or leaving streaks, swap them out.
Winter blades help keep snow and ice from building up on the wiper itself. Pair them with washer fluid made for cold weather.
Keep an ice scraper handy to clear off ice before you drive. Don’t use the wipers to get rid of heavy ice—you could burn out the motor or damage the blade.
Test Heater and Defroster
Your heater and defroster need to work together to keep your windshield and windows clear. If the defroster is weak, frost or fog can hang around and block your view.
Test both the front and rear defrosters before winter starts. The air should blow strong and get warm.
If you notice weak airflow, the cabin air filter might be clogged, or maybe the blower motor needs attention. Sometimes, coolant issues can mess with heating too.
Keep a small towel or anti-fog cloth in your car to wipe away moisture inside when you need to.
Inspect and Clean Exterior Lights
Snow, slush, and salt can quickly cover your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, making you less visible to others.
Check all your exterior lights for cracks, cloudy lenses, or burned-out bulbs. Replace any that are dim or not working.
Wipe lenses with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner to keep them bright. If it’s really nasty out, you might need to stop and clear the lights during your trip.
If your headlights fog up inside, you probably have a broken seal—ask a mechanic to take a look. Even in the daytime, working lights are a must for safe winter driving when it’s hard to see.
Stock a Comprehensive Emergency Kit
Winter can turn a simple breakdown into a dangerous situation fast. The right gear in your car can keep you warm, help you treat small injuries, and signal for help.
Include Flashlight and Extra Batteries
A flashlight is a must for seeing in the dark, especially during storms or at night. You can use it to find things in the car, check your tires, or get someone’s attention.
Pick a flashlight with a strong beam and a tough case. LED ones last longer on the same batteries.
Store extra batteries in a sealed bag to keep them dry. Cold drains batteries faster, so check them often and swap them out as needed.
A small headlamp is super handy for hands-free work if you need to fix something in the dark. Don’t just rely on your phone’s light—it’ll kill your phone battery fast, and you might need that for calls.
Pack Blankets and Warm Clothing
If you get stuck, staying warm is crucial. Wool blankets, fleece throws, or those shiny emergency blankets all help hold in body heat.
Everyone in the car should have warm clothing like hats, gloves, scarves, and extra socks. Your head, hands, and feet lose heat quickly in the cold.
Layering works better than just one big coat. For example:
- Base layer: moisture-wicking shirt and leggings
- Middle layer: fleece or wool sweater
- Outer layer: windproof and waterproof coat
Keep these items in a waterproof bag so they don’t get wet, since damp clothes can make you colder and raise your risk of hypothermia.
Add Shovel, First-Aid Kit, and Emergency Supplies
A compact snow shovel can help you dig out your tires or clear a path if you get stuck. Collapsible ones fit nicely in the trunk.
A first-aid kit should have bandages, antiseptic wipes, tape, and some pain relievers. If you take any meds, add those in labeled containers.
Other emergency supplies to throw in:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Jumper cables
- Tire repair kit or sealant
- Road flares or reflective triangles for visibility
These basics can help you handle small problems without waiting for roadside help, even if the weather gets ugly.
Prepare Food, Water, and Communication Tools
Non-perishable food keeps your energy up during long waits. Granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit work well, but skip anything that could freeze rock solid.
Water matters just as much. Tuck bottles in insulated sleeves or wrap them in blankets to help slow down freezing.
When it comes to communication, a fully charged power bank lets you use your phone to call for help. If cell service drops out, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio still brings in weather updates.
Jot down emergency contact numbers on paper, just in case you lose your phone or it breaks. These steps help you stay informed and connected until someone can reach you.
Prevent and Address Common Winter Hazards
Cold, ice, and snow can mess with your car, cut visibility, and make driving downright dangerous. Taking a few smart steps keeps your vehicle running and helps you dodge expensive repairs when the weather turns ugly.
Keep Gas Tank at Least Half Full
If you keep the gas tank at least half full, you lower the risk of fuel line freeze-up in cold weather. Moisture can gather in the fuel system, and freezing temps might turn it into ice, blocking the flow.
A fuller tank also means you can run the car longer if you get stuck in traffic or stranded during a storm. That way, you can keep the heater running for warmth without panicking about running out of gas.
Sometimes, gas stations close or lose power during big storms, especially in rural areas. Having extra fuel in the tank gives you a cushion if you can’t refuel right away. Try to top off the tank before a major storm hits.
Quick tip: When it’s really cold, fill up when you hit half a tank instead of waiting for the low-fuel light.
Protect Against Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a sneaky, colorless, odorless gas that can kill you. In winter, CO poisoning happens if snow blocks the exhaust pipe and you leave the engine running. Exhaust gases can sneak back into the car’s cabin.
After a heavy snowfall, check and clear the tailpipe before starting your car. This matters even more if you parked outside during a storm.
If you’re stranded, only run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes each hour to save fuel and cut down on CO buildup. Crack a window on the side away from the wind to help with ventilation.
Warning signs of CO exposure might include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
If you notice these symptoms, get fresh air right away and call for medical help.
Apply Sealant and Use Traction Materials
Winter storms bring ice that can damage your car’s surfaces and turn driveways or parking spots into skating rinks. Slap on a weather-resistant sealant to door seals and locks to keep them from freezing shut.
For traction on icy spots, stash some sand, cat litter, or ice melt in your vehicle. These help your tires grip if you’re stuck on ice or packed snow.
Sealant also shields exposed metal parts from road salt, which speeds up rust. It’s best to apply it before the weather gets nasty so it has time to set.
When you use traction aids, toss them under the drive wheels and clear away loose snow first. That way, the tires contact the grit better, and you’re more likely to get moving again.
Adopt Safe Winter Driving Practices
Drivers can cut winter risks by using techniques that fit the road and weather. Managing speed, leaving more room to stop, and handling ice or snow the right way can help prevent accidents and keep you safer out there.
Follow Winter Driving Tips
Safe winter driving starts before you even leave. Check weather forecasts and road reports so you can pick routes that avoid the worst spots.
Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof to see better and keep chunks from flying at other cars.
Pack an emergency kit with warm clothes, blankets, water, food, flashlight, and a small shovel—it really can make a difference if you get stranded.
Keep your headlights on during snow, sleet, or low-light hours to see and be seen.
Don’t use cruise control on slippery roads. It slows your reaction time and makes skidding more likely.
Adjust Speed and Following Distance
Match your speed to the road, not just the posted limit. Snow and ice mean your car needs more time and space to stop.
Try to leave at least 8–10 seconds between you and the car ahead. That extra space gives you time to brake gently instead of slamming on the brakes.
Slow down before curves and intersections to keep control. Hard braking or sharp turns on slick roads can make you lose traction.
When you approach a hill, build up speed gradually before climbing and try not to stop halfway up. Going down, shift to a lower gear to help control your speed without riding the brakes.
Respond to Icy Roads and Reduced Visibility
Black ice is incredibly dangerous because you can barely see it. I usually just assume shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses might be icy, even if everything else looks totally fine.
If your car starts to skid, try to steer gently in the direction you actually want to go and don’t slam on the brakes. That’s a tough habit to break, honestly.
Heavy snow or fog? Stick with low-beam headlights, not high beams, since that cuts down on glare and helps you see a bit better.
When you can barely see anything, slow down and use the roadside markers or lane lines to keep your bearings. If things get really bad, just pull over somewhere safe and wait it out.