Winter Car Prep Checklist

Winter is the hardest season on cars. Cold temperatures stress every system — tires, battery, fluids, wipers. An hour of prep in October can save you hours of trouble in January.

Tires — The #1 Priority

Tread Depth

  • 6/32" minimum for all-season tires in winter
  • 8/32" is much better for snow traction
  • Below 6/32", consider winter tires instead

Winter Tires

If you regularly see temps below 45°F, install winter tires. See our Winter Tire Guide.

Pressure

  • Check monthly — cold weather drops PSI ~1 per 10°F
  • Set to door jamb spec when tires are cold
  • In winter, expect to add 3–5 PSI versus summer

Spare Tire

Check pressure on your spare too. It loses air just like the others — and you don't want to find out it's flat on the side of the road.

Fluids

Antifreeze

  • Should be a 50/50 mix for most climates
  • Check with a hydrometer — should protect down to -34°F
  • Top off with the correct coolant type for your car (don't mix colors)

Windshield Washer Fluid

  • Switch to winter blend — summer fluid freezes
  • Winter blend protects down to -20°F or lower
  • Keep an extra jug in the trunk

Oil

  • Use the weight your manual recommends for cold weather
  • 0W-20 and 5W-30 flow better in cold than 10W-30
  • Consider a fresh oil change before winter

Brake Fluid

Check the level and condition. Old brake fluid absorbs water and can freeze in extreme cold.

Battery

  • Test it. Cold weather reduces battery capacity by 30–50%.
  • Replace if 3+ years old — batteries fail suddenly in cold.
  • Clean terminals. Corrosion prevents proper charging.
  • Check charging system. A weak alternator won't keep the battery topped off.

Wipers and Visibility

  • Replace worn blades. Don't wait for them to fail in a snowstorm.
  • Consider winter blades — they resist ice buildup.
  • Check defroster. Front and rear defrosters should work.
  • Stock an ice scraper and snow brush. Keep them IN the car, not the trunk.

Emergency Kit

Keep this in the car all winter:

  • Jumper cables or a jump-starter pack
  • Flashlight with fresh batteries
  • Blanket and warm clothing (gloves, hat, boots)
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • First aid kit
  • Non-perishable snacks and water
  • Phone charger and power bank
  • Sand, kitty litter, or traction mats
  • Small shovel (folding is fine)
  • Reflective triangle or flares
  • Hand warmers

Exterior Prep

  • Wash and wax before the first snow — protects from road salt.
  • Check undercarriage — a coating of wax or oil helps resist salt damage.
  • Test all lights — headlights, brake lights, turn signals.
  • Check tire chains if you use them (and know the legal requirements).

Driving Prep

  • Practice winter driving in an empty parking lot — accelerate, brake, turn on snow.
  • Know how to handle skids — see our Winter Driving Guide.
  • Plan routes — stick to main roads when possible.
  • Leave early — rush leads to accidents.

Monthly Winter Checks

  • Tire pressure
  • Washer fluid level
  • Wiper function
  • Battery (after cold snaps)
  • Lights

One Last Thing

If you need winter tires, now is the time to buy. Stock runs out fast in November, and prices go up. Call us at 301-556-3973.

Need Tires?

Call us for the best prices in Silver Spring

📞 301-556-3973