As winter draws near and the days grow shorter, now is a perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the months ahead if you live in a state with cold weather. While freezing conditions and early darkness are natural elements of winter, taking proactive steps can ensure safer driving throughout the season. With the right precautions, you can navigate winter commutes with confidence and the knowledge that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Check out our top 12 tips for winter car maintenance and safety:
  1. Test the battery.
    We’ve been there before. You’re running late to work and still have to defrost your windows … only to find your battery is dead! Low temperatures already put a strain on batteries, and the older the battery, the more likely the weather will prevent your car from starting up. Testing your battery can determine whether your car needs a replacement before winter hits in full force.
  2. Keep spare ice scrapers in the car.
    Relying on window defrosters to clear leftover snow and ice before driving may be convenient. But it’s also valuable to keep an ice scraper or two in your trunk for emergency situations. It’s helpful to remove all the piled up snow on your car – not just what’s on your windows – to prevent sending ice projectiles on other cars while driving on your morning commute.
  3. Get an oil change.
    Cold temperatures thicken oil, causing it to flow slowly and put stress on your engine. Changing your oil to a winter-safe version with low viscosity helps your car run smoothly in the colder months and prevents unnecessary damage.
  4. Change your tires.
    While it’s not necessary for every vehicle, changing summer or all-season tires to winter tires is a worthwhile consideration before you hit the snowy roads. The pliable rubber on winter tires makes them more reliable for harsh weather driving, compared to regular tires that harden in low temperatures, which cause vehicles to slide on snow.
  5. Drive with extra caution.
    Speaking of sliding – it’s imperative to be cautious while driving, but even more so during winter. Just because you multitask when driving during the rest of the year, doesn’t mean you can do it in winter. Put down distractions, stick to familiar routes, and let your loved ones know when you make it to your destination!
  6. Pack a winter survival kit.
    Hopefully you never have to use it, but in case your car gets stuck, storing a survival kit in your car may make a difference. Keep extra blankets, food, water bottles, a first aid kit, flashlights, and basic car maintenance supplies – like jumper cables – in your car in case you have to hunker down while you wait for a tow.
  7. Check your brakes.
    Cold temperatures, rust, and corrosive salt can wreak havoc on your brakes, especially if they’re already worn down or old. Checking (and replacing them, if needed) before winter will keep you and others safer on the roads.
  8. Replace windshield wipers.
    It’s easy to miss when preparing your vehicle for winter, but replacing windshield wipers is a painless way to improve visibility for snowy drives.
  9. Clean your headlights.
    Car wax, soap, or more natural methods are simple ways to clean your car’s headlights, preventing yellowing or clouding that dulls beams and makes it harder to see while driving at night.
  10. Keep your gas tank half-full.
    Making sure your gas tank never gets too low prevents condensation from freezing in the empty space of the tank, causing blockages in fuel lines. And it eliminates frantic stops at the gas station when you’re rushing to that morning meeting.
  11. Check your tire pressure.
    Even if you don’t live in wintry climates, checking tire pressure is important for safe driving. Low tire pressure can cause decreased fuel economy, poor traction and control while driving, and lead to a blowout.
  12. Be prepared for anything.
    The weather is hard to predict, and even if you’ve never dealt with icy drives before you may be hit with an unexpected snowstorm. To minimize panic and taking days off work to avoid driving, be sure to prepare your car for the season and stay informed on all safe driving advice.
With preparation and proper maintenance, you can protect yourself and others while driving in the cold winter months – saving headaches, unnecessary costs, and most importantly, lives. Give yourself – and your boss – assurance of reliable transportation this winter.
Looking for a new winter commute? Drive on over to our Careers site to browse open opportunities.