There's more to preparing a car for winter than slapping on some winter tires and throwing a snowbrush in the trunk. Cold weather impacts everything from fluid performance to battery function, so it’s critical to give your engine some extra TLC during the chilly months.
Exactly how much winterizing your vehicle requires depends on your local conditions and what your ride calls for—but this checklist can help you cover the basics. From engine care to general maintenance, these tips and product recs will keep you driving through the worst winter throws your way.
Fluid Maintenance
Switching to a thinner viscosity oil is one of the golden rules of winter vehicle care. Oil thickens in the cold, reducing flow and increasing engine wear during cold starts. While most modern engines use ultra-thin synthetic oils that handle this well, older vehicles may need a winter-grade swap. Always check your owner’s manual to ensure you're using the right oil.
Coolant is another critical fluid to address during winter car maintenance—specifically, coolant with antifreeze. This is because if coolant freezes inside the engine, it expands and can cause serious damage. Before temperatures drop, use a tester to confirm your coolant has antifreeze and replace it if needed.
Speaking of fluids that you don’t want to freeze—windshield washer fluid should also be kept in check. While not critical to operating systems, it’s important for visibility. Regular washer fluid can freeze in extreme cold, leaving you with an icy, obstructed windshield when you need a clear view most. Be sure to use a winter-ready blend to avoid that problem before it starts.
Special Care for Diesels
Diesel engines are notorious for struggling in cold weather, often requiring extra precautions. The main culprit? Diesel fuel’s tendency to gel in low temperatures. Diesel contains paraffin wax, which thickens as it gets colder. In extreme cases, it can solidify, preventing the engine from running altogether.
A simple fix is to use winter diesel additives, which mix with the fuel to prevent gelling. However, whether you need them depends on your local fuel supply—many stations switch to winter-grade diesel during the season, which is already treated. It’s also crucial to check your fuel filters before winter hits. If they’re clogged or past their service life, no amount of additive will keep your engine running.
Block heaters are another common tool for diesel owners. Since diesel oil thickens in the cold, these devices help warm it up so it circulates properly before the engine reaches operating temperature.
What About Gasoline Engines?
Gasoline doesn’t struggle to perform correctly when temperatures drop. This means, gas-powered car owners don’t have to worry as much as diesel owners do. However, if there’s water in the gas tank, it can freeze up and create problems of its own. Melting ice and snow trickling into the tank isn’t going to add to this problem, but the hygroscopic properties of modern ethanol fuel can. Luckily, there are fuel treatments like HEET, which can be added to the fuel tank to eliminate any water that may be present. They do work and are worth using for the added peace of mind.
Battery Care
Many slow-crank and no-start engine issues in the winter are directly linked to poor battery health. All batteries will struggle with colder conditions, but older and weaker ones are especially vulnerable. It’s wise to make sure that your battery is in good shape before winter rolls in. Testers are available, but your local parts store can also help you with this.
If your current battery is weak, you should replace it. You might also consider upgrading to a battery that is better suited to extreme cold if your situation calls for it. Other measures you can take are:
- Ensuring battery terminals are clean and offering good contact
- Traveling with jumper cables, or better yet, a handheld jump starter
- Parking in a garage or sheltered area when possible to reduce cold exposure
Hoses and Belts
Belts and hoses generally handle cold weather well—as long as they’re in good shape, that is. However, if they’re already aging, the cold can make them brittle and more prone to cracking. If yours are nearing the end of their service life, replacing them before winter is a smart move. It’s also a good idea to check these components periodically throughout the season. A sudden belt or hose failure is never convenient, but dealing with one in freezing, dark conditions makes it even worse.
Winter Driving Best Practices
Now that you’ve got your car winter-ready, there are a few more cold weather driving tips to keep in mind so winter doesn’t catch you off guard:
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Keep your tire pressure in check:
Tire pressure will drop alongside ambient temperature, so you’ll want to make sure yours are at the right level of inflation for the best performance. -
Don't let your fuel level drop below a quarter of a tank:
Low fuel can let water accumulate in the lines, causing blockages. -
Watch out for black ice:
It’s not often visible, but always slippery. Travel with care when temperatures are below freezing, especially if it was warm enough for snow to melt. -
Try to keep idle time at a minimum:
Excessive idling can lead to excessive carbon buildup. -
Get a roadside emergency services membership:
No matter how prepared you think you are, things still go wrong. Roadside services can be a lifesaver when you're in a bind.
Shop Parts Via for Your Winter Car Maintenance Needs
When it comes to winter car maintenance, engine care, and prepping for cold weather driving, Parts Via has you covered. From essential fluids and battery care products to winter tires and more, we offer everything you need to keep your car running smoothly all season long.
Don’t forget—when you shop with us, you can enjoy our free, fast ship-to-store option at checkout. Simply have your purchases sent directly to one of our 2,000+ authorized network dealers for easy pickup and get your car ready for the cold in no time.
Browse our selection today and be prepared for winter.