Hey folks, Steve here. I’ve been working on cars for over 20 years, and if there’s one season that really puts vehicles (and drivers) to the test, it’s winter. Between freezing temperatures, icy roads, and salty slush eating away at your car, the cold months are tough on every part of your ride.
The good news? Getting ready for winter doesn’t have to be complicated—or expensive. With a simple winter car maintenance checklist, you can keep your car running smooth, avoid costly breakdowns, and stay safe on the road. I’ve seen far too many people skip these basics and end up stranded, waiting for a tow truck in sub-zero weather. Trust me, it’s not how you want to spend your evening.
Let’s go over 5 easy (and cheap) steps you can take today.
Nothing kills a battery faster than freezing temps. Cold weather slows the chemical reaction inside your battery, meaning it delivers less power when you need it most—like starting your car first thing on a frosty morning.
A quick test: turn on your headlights before starting the engine. If they dim noticeably, your battery may be weak. Look under the hood for corrosion around the terminals too. That white, crusty stuff acts like insulation, making it even harder for power to flow.
I had a customer named Lisa come in last January. She was stuck in the grocery store parking lot because her battery died overnight in single-digit temps. A $140 new battery fixed it, but the tow and the hassle could’ve been avoided if she had it checked earlier.
👉 Most auto parts stores will test your battery for free, and a decent multimeter costs around $20 if you want to check it yourself.
Your tires are your only contact with the road—and in winter, that contact is more important than ever.
Here’s a quick way to test tread depth: stick a penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn and it’s time for new tires.
Also, check your tire pressure. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tire loses about 1 PSI. Underinflated tires don’t grip as well and wear out faster. Keep a tire gauge handy and top off air regularly.
I remember a guy who slid right into our shop’s parking lot one icy morning. His tires were completely bald—he admitted he’d been “pushing it another season.” That little gamble ended with a fender bender on black ice.
👉 If you live in a snowy region, consider switching to winter tires. For most Americans, a good set of all-seasons with proper tread and inflation will do the trick.
Fluids are like the lifeblood of your car, and winter can thicken, freeze, or deplete them faster.
One winter, a customer named Tom ignored his coolant level. He thought the low-light was “no big deal.” His engine froze solid on a -5° morning, cracking the radiator. That little oversight turned into a $600 repair.
👉 Checking fluids at home takes less than 10 minutes and costs under $20 if you need to top off.
Sure, heat keeps you comfortable, but your defroster is what keeps your windshield clear and safe. Driving blind with fogged-up windows is no joke.
Last December, a customer came in saying, “Steve, my heater blows, but the air’s lukewarm.” Turns out the blower motor was weak, and the defroster barely worked. Imagine discovering that in the middle of a snowstorm.
👉 Run your heater and defroster before winter hits to make sure they’re working properly. If they aren’t, get them checked early—before you really need them.
Even with the best winter car maintenance checklist, accidents and breakdowns can still happen. That’s why I always recommend an emergency kit. You don’t need to go crazy, but here’s what I suggest:
All of that can cost less than $50 if you shop smart. And it could make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous situation if you’re stuck on the side of the road.
I’ll never forget one young couple who slid into a snowbank on a rural road. It took a tow truck almost 3 hours to get to them. Luckily, they had a blanket and snacks, but without it, that could’ve been a much scarier situation.
This one gets overlooked a lot. Road salt and de-icing chemicals are brutal on your car’s paint and undercarriage. A $10–15 wash (with undercarriage spray) and a quick wax can save you hundreds in rust repairs later.
I always tell customers: treat it like a raincoat for your car. Keep the salt off, and your vehicle will thank you in the spring.
Winter driving is no joke. Every year, I see drivers who skip basic prep and end up with dead batteries, blown radiators, or wrecks caused by worn-out tires. A little attention now saves a lot of headache later.
Think about it this way: for under $100, you can cover almost everything on this checklist. That’s cheaper than a single tow truck ride, let alone a big repair bill.
If you’ve been putting off your winter prep, now’s the time to act. At Kingdom Autocare, we’ll run through the full winter car maintenance checklist for you—battery test, tires, fluids, heater, defroster, and more—so you can hit the road with confidence.
👉 Book your appointment today, and let’s make sure your car is ready to tackle the cold months ahead. Stay safe, stay warm, and keep driving strong! 🚗❄️
