Winter Car Care Tips: Preparing Your Vehicle for Cold Weather

Taking care of your car this upcoming winter season is essential to make sure your vehicle runs smoothly and safely during the cold months. Harsh winter conditions take a toll on your car, affecting its performance and longevity. 

To help you navigate the winter season with ease, keep reading below for our top 7 winter car care tips.

Need car care essentials to keep your vehicle safe on the road this winter? You can find everything you need at your local NAPA auto parts store.

1. Check Your Tires

Ensuring your tires are properly inflated and the tread isn’t worn is one of the best ways to stay safe on the road this winter. Check your vehicle’s manual and make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

Cold weather can make your tire pressure drop, so be sure to regularly check your tires throughout the winter season.

2. Top Off Fluids

Check the levels of your engine’s coolant to ensure it contains the right level of antifreeze to prevent it from freezing. It’s also a good time to check and top off the other fluids in your car, including transmission fluid, oil, and windshield washer fluid.

Bonus Tip: Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid to keep it from freezing on your windshield as you use it this season.

3. Replace Wiper Blades

Visibility is essential year-round but becomes even more important during the winter months full of snow and ice. Now is the best time to replace your wiper blades if they’re streaking or not clearing your windshield effectively.

4. Check Your Battery

Cold weather takes a toll on your car’s battery, so having it tested at the beginning of the season is a great way to make sure it can handle lower temperatures.

If your battery is old or showing signs of weakness or corrosion, consider replacing it so you don’t risk being stranded in the cold.

5. Have Your Brakes Checked

Winter driving conditions are more slick and dangerous. Make sure your vehicle’s brakes are in proper working order so you don’t risk slipping on ice or spinning out on slick, cold roads.

6. Keep Locks From Freezing Over

Water can get into your vehicle’s locks and freeze when the weather turns. The best way to prevent this is to use a door-lock lubricant or silicone spray.

It’s also a great idea to keep an antifreeze product like a Lock De-Icer in your vehicle.

7. Add An Emergency Kit

Every car should have an emergency kit in the trunk or backseat. It’s particularly important in the winter when more motorists are stranded by bad weather.

We recommend you keep the following items in your car’s emergency kit this winter:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Road Flares
• Ice scraper
• First aid kit
• Local state maps (in case you can’t access GPS or Google Maps)
• Extra cell phone charger
• Non-perishable food (like granola bars)
• Jumper cables
• Water (in bottles or a large gallon jug)
• Warm clothes (extra jacket, hat, socks, and gloves)
• Warm blankets

Your Local NAPA Auto Parts Store Is Here To Help

Remember, winter car care isn’t just about keeping your vehicle in good condition, it’s about making sure you stay safe on the road.

With careful maintenance and preparation, you can navigate winter roads confidently, knowing that your vehicle is ready to take on whatever the season brings.

Need help stocking your emergency kit or picking up replacement wiper blades, lock de-icer, antifreeze, or more?

You can always trust your local NAPA Auto Parts Store to have what you need, no matter the season.