It's no secret that winter is hard on vehicles. From sluggish starts to poor traction, our cars take a beating as cold temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns roll in for the season. Yet, year after year, we all watch in horror as the same mistakes are made over and over again—drivers squinting through icy windshields, hitting the road with low or worn-down tires, or neglecting basic maintenance that could prevent costly breakdowns.
Thankfully, protecting your car from the cold doesn’t need to be a hassle (even if you live in a part of the country where winters are exceptionally harsh). With a little preparation and some smart accessories, you can keep your ride in top shape all season long. That’s where Parts Via comes in—we’ve put together a list of 9 essential steps to help you get your vehicle winter-ready and protect it from the cold.
Keep Your Tires in Check
Your tires are your first line of defense against winter roads, so it’s important to make sure they’re up to the task. If you live in an area with snow and ice, consider switching to winter tires, which are designed to handle slick conditions and perform better in freezing temperatures. (Not sure if you need them? Check out our guide, Do I Really Need Winter Tires?).
Maintaining those tires is just as important. Regularly check their tread depth to ensure optimal grip and monitor tire pressures throughout the season, as cold weather can cause pressure to drop, potentially affecting performance and causing uneven wear.
Winterize Your Fluids
Cold weather can take a toll on car fluids, so make sure yours are ready for winter. Start with an oil change to keep your engine running smoothly in lower temperatures, and check your antifreeze levels to protect your engine from freezing. Don’t forget your windshield washer fluid—swap it out for a winter formula that won’t freeze when temperatures drop.
Finally, since you’re probably not going to want to deal with maintenance mid-winter, now’s the time to check off any other service items on your list. Preparing now means fewer headaches later when the weather turns brutal.
Park in a Warm, Climate Controlled Garage
Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a warm, climate-controlled garage. Not only does it shield your car from snow and moisture, but it also helps prevent windows and doors from frosting over—a definite win on those chilly mornings. Even if the garage isn’t heated, the slightly warmer and more stable environment can make a big difference in protecting your car from winter’s wear and tear.
Use a Car Cover
If you don’t have a garage, using an outdoor car cover is a great alternative. It provides a barrier that keeps snow and ice off your vehicle, making cleanup easier and helping to prevent damage to your paint. For a simpler option, you can use a windshield cover, which offers minimal protection but ensures you’ll have a clean windshield no matter the weather.
Get a Remote Start
A remote start might seem like a luxury, but it offers more than just extra comfort—it can actually help protect your car. Starting your vehicle and letting it run for a few minutes will bring temperatures up, get fluids flowing, and save some wear and tear. In winter, this becomes even more important. Letting the car warm up also helps heat up surfaces like windows and mirrors, making cleanup easier and reducing the risk of damage while clearing off ice and snow.
Inspect and Replace Your Battery
Cold winter temperatures can be brutal on car batteries, especially older ones that are already showing signs of wear. If your battery is due for replacement, the chill of winter could be the final straw, leaving you stranded when you least expect it. To avoid this, have your battery tested before the season begins to ensure it’s in good condition and ready for the colder months. If it’s not up to par, replace it before it becomes a problem. It’s also a smart move to keep a portable jump starter in your car—just in case you or someone else needs a quick boost in the middle of winter.
Use Fuel System Dryer
During the winter, snow, ice, and melting water can seep into your fuel system, causing major issues if left unchecked. To tackle the problem, use a fuel treatment like HEET, which helps remove moisture from your tank. Simply add a bottle to your fuel tank during the winter months to stop moisture from freezing and blocking your fuel lines, ensuring your car runs smoothly throughout the season.
Invest in a Block Heater
Diesel engines have a particularly hard time with winter because the fuel tends to gel up in really cold climates or in areas that don’t have winter-ready fuel. Aside from adding your own diesel anti-gel, you should also run a block heater. This keeps the engine warm when it’s parked, reducing hard-start issues and the wear and tear that come with it.
Grab a Winter Grille Cover
A winter grille cover can also be a great investment for extremely cold areas. It’s a simple cover that blocks air flow to the engine bay. This can stop extreme cooling of the engine and radiator, which will help keep operating temperatures up. In turn, this reduces excess wear on the engine during the winter.
Protect Your Car From the Cold With Parts Via
Parts Via is ready to winterize your ride, no matter what part of the country you’re in. We’ve got an inventory stacked with leading brands in tires, fluids, covers, and other winter accessories, and can ship those items right to your door or to the installer of your choice. That means that no matter what your situation is, we have the means to make sure you’re safe, warm, and ready for anything. Check out our free ship-to-store option at checkout for additional savings!