10/15/2026
PSA...
Winter Maintenance Checklist
• Battery & Charging: Test your battery strength and clean terminals, as cold weather drastically reduces starting power.
• Coolant & Antifreeze: Test your cooling system with a 50/50 or 70/30 antifreeze-water mix to prevent engine freezing and overheating.
• Tires & Pressure: Inspect tread depth, inflate cold tires to door-frame specifications, and install dedicated winter or snow tires if you live in heavy-snow areas. Remember that tire pressure drops as the temp drops.
• Visibility & Wipers: Replace old or streaking wiper blades and fill the reservoir with a winter-rated, non-freezing washer fluid.
• Belts & Hoses: Inspect serpentine belts and hoses for brittleness or cracks, which worsen in cold weather.
• Heater & Defroster: Confirm that the front and rear window defrosters, heater, and air conditioning (which dries the air to prevent fogging) function properly.
• Fuel Level: Keep your gas tank at least half full to stop condensation and freezing in the fuel lines.
Winter Emergency Kit
Pack vital emergency supplies before heading out in cold weather:
• Ice scraper and snow shovel
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Bag of sand, salt, or non-clumping cat litter for tire traction
• Warm blankets, gloves, hats, and extra clothes
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
• First-aid kit and a charged phone power bank
