When the polar vortex hits, weak batteries die, wipers smear, and “all-season” tires suddenly feel like hockey pucks. Knock out these nine quick checks before temperatures dip and you’ll drive into winter with confidence.
1. Load-test the battery
Cold cranking amps (CCA) drop about 35 % when temps plunge to 32 °F (0 °C). Most auto-parts stores will test battery health for free. If it’s more than four years old or borderline, replace now—tow-truck calls cost more than a new battery.
2. Top off antifreeze & winter washer fluid
Use a $5 hydrometer to ensure a 50/50 coolant mix (down to -34 °F). Swap your summer windshield fluid for a winter blend rated at least -20 °F to avoid frozen nozzles.
3. Check tire tread & pressures
At 45 °F and below, rubber stiffens. If you live in a snow-belt state, consider dedicated winter tires— the 40 % shorter stopping distance on ice is worth it. Whatever tire you run, inflate to the door-jam PSI plus 2: every 10 °F drop loses about 1 PSI.
4. Install beam-style winter wiper blades
Beam blades stay flexible below freezing and have no exposed hinges to ice up. Replace if they chatter or leave streaks.
5. Clean and aim headlights
Grimy lenses cut light output by up to 70 %. Use a plastic polish kit (<$15) and verify low-beam aim on a flat wall to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
6. Verify oil viscosity meets winter spec
Modern multi-grades (5W-30, 0W-20) flow fine in sub-zero temps, but if your last change used a thicker 10W-30, swap now—cold starts will thank you.
7. Treat door & trunk seals
Spray a silicone-based lube on weather-stripping and wipe dry. It repels water, preventing frozen-shut doors after a sleet storm.
8. Stock a cold-weather emergency kit
- Jumper cables or lithium jump pack
- Fleece blanket or sleeping bag
- Ice scraper & folding shovel
- High-visibility vest & LED flare
- Granola bars + bottled water
9. Wax now, rinse often
A fresh coat of synthetic wax shields paint from road salt. Through winter, hit a touch-free wash every two weeks—focus on underbody and wheel wells.
Quick hack: keep a cheap yoga mat in your trunk—it doubles as a comfy kneeling pad if you need to chain tires or crawl under a bumper in slush.