Cold Weather Checklist: Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

Cold weather is on the way and with it comes special challenges to your car. While the weather is still mild, now is an ideal time to prepare for winter. 

Our handy checklist features what details to check before the first cold blast of the season.

How to Winterize a Car: Interior Inspection

1. Heater and Defroster Functionality

Turn the heater on to high and open all vents to verify that the cabin is heating. Activate front and rear defrosters to ensure that warm air is blowing. If blowing cold air, the problem could point to low coolant, a malfunctioning heater core, or a broken thermostat.

2. Vacuum Thoroughly

Use your best car detailing vacuum to reach tight spots in the car, like seat seams, armrests, and door handles. Start with compressed air to loosen debris in hard-to-reach areas. Remove and vacuum the floor mats separately. A clean, dry paintbrush works well for cleaning dust from air vents.

3. Floor Mat Choice

Consider installing winter mats to protect the car’s carpeting from mud, snow, and salt. Rubber mats are particularly good at containing moisture. Use your car detailing vacuum and blower to keep them clean all season long.        

4. Dashboard and Instrument Panel

Verify that all warning lights are functioning, especially for the battery, engine temperature, and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

5. Miscellany

Test the seat warmers to ensure they function properly for comfort during cold weather. Verify that all power windows roll up and down smoothly to avoid issues when clearing snow or ice. Additionally, check all interior lights, including dome and footwell lights, to ensure visibility during dark winter drives.

Exterior Inspection

1. Tire Tread Depth and Pressure  

For most climates, three-season radial tires may suffice for winter driving, but in harsher conditions, winter tires are essential and should be installed on all four wheels. Regularly check your tire tread, maintain proper inflation as per your owner’s manual, and ensure proper alignments to maximize tire life and safety.

2. Battery Condition and Charge  

After a hot summer, your car’s battery might be weakened, as heat can degrade battery performance, making it vulnerable to failure in cooler weather. Use a multimeter to check the battery's voltage. If it reads below 12.2 volts, it's time to replace it.

3. Antifreeze Levels and Coolant Mixture  

Check your owner’s manual for the recommended antifreeze type. For winter, a 70:30 antifreeze-to-water mixture provides optimal protection against extreme cold. Ensure that the coolant level reaches the fill line in the reservoir.

4. Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid  

Replace windshield wipers every six months to ensure a clear view. Refill the washer fluid with a freeze-resistant solution and remove any debris from the windshield base.

5. Engine Oil Level and Viscosity  

Follow your owner’s manual for recommended oil change intervals and the appropriate oil grade for winter. Always replace the oil filter during oil changes.

6. Brake System  

Inspect brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hoses for wear. A visual check may not be sufficient, so consider a professional brake inspection to ensure safe performance.

7. Lights and Signals  

With assistance, check all exterior lights, including high and low beams, daytime running lights, turn signals, taillights, brake lights, hazard lights, and fog lights.

8. Emergency Kit  

Equip your car with a basic emergency kit containing a flashlight, ice scraper, flares, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, duct tape, gloves, and a phone charger. For longer trips or remote areas, add winter gear, blankets, water, non-perishable food, tire chains, sand, and a shovel.

9. Belts and Hoses  

Inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear, such as cracking, splitting, bulging, or leaking. Replace any that show signs of damage.

Make your Vehicle Winter Ready

This cold weather checklist will have your vehicle ready for winter, supplying you with peace of mind. Start preparing your car now for winter to get ahead of the cold weather.

 Invest in the right tools, such as a car detailing vacuum and blower from MetroVac to keep your vehicle winter-ready all season long.