What does it mean to winterize a car?
When you winterize a car, you ensure it will continue to run smoothly and safely through the winter months. It also helps prevent other damage to your vehicle caused by harsh winter conditions.
To winterize a car also means ensuring you and your family are safe if stranded during a winter storm. Therefore, it’s essential to keep warm clothing or blankets in the car or trunk. It’s also a good idea to have de-icing chemicals in the vehicle to help remove built-up ice.
Is it important to winterize a vehicle?
Cold temperatures during harsh winter months can cause problems for your vehicle; these problems include some of the following:
- Cracks in windshields and windows
- Leaks in fuel lines
- Rusting of body panels
- Severely damaged engine components
- Poor gas mileage
Not all cars need winter protection, but it’s a good idea if you live in areas like Alaska, North Dakota, Maine, or Minnesota, where the freezing temperatures get below -20.
When should you winterize your vehicle?
We recommend performing this service annually to ensure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming winter weather. In addition, you may want to schedule an appointment with your local service center or dealership to have your car winterized before the first big storm hits.
Checklist to help winterize a car
The steps involved to winterize a car depends on the type of vehicle you own. The process for an electric or hybrid vehicle will be slightly different from traditional gas-powered vehicles. Below is a checklist to help you get started.
1. Check the oil
Make sure the oil level is topped off, and if possible, switch to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil heats up faster, which helps coat and protect engine parts better. To learn more, check out our article on how often to change the oil.
2. Check the battery
You may have a strong battery, but it can take a beating during the summer heat and lose voltage entering the colder months. A dead battery is never fun, so you should fully charge it to ensure it’s ready for colder temperatures.
Use a voltage meter to check the battery power, or take it to your local auto parts store and have them check it. Most auto part stores can check the level and trickle-charge the battery if it’s low. Also, pick up a battery cleaning tool to brush off any buildup on battery posts.
3. Check the windshield wiper blades
Windshield wipers are essential for all seasons and need inspection regularly. Temperature changes cause blades to become stiff and crack, preventing them from functioning correctly. It’s best to install winter wiper blades to provide safe winter driving during cold winter months.
4. Check the wiper fluid reservoir
If there isn’t enough wiper fluid, the windshield won’t clear properly. Therefore, you should fill wiper fluid reservoirs at least halfway so they’re not empty when winter arrives. It’s also vital to ensure the wiper fluid is rated for highly frigid temperatures to prevent it from freezing in the middle of winter.
5. Check the engine coolant
If needed, add more antifreeze to the system. The engine needs coolant for the summer and antifreeze for the winter to prevent overheating. Therefore, it’s crucial to select the best antifreeze mixture for your weather. If you’re unsure which is best for the state you live in, check with a local auto parts store.
6. Check the tire tread depth
Make sure your spare tire has plenty of air and tread. A flat tire is stressful, and not having a good spare will only add to that stress. You probably won’t need to buy dedicated winter tires if you have all-season tires. However, to drive safely on icy roads, it’s a good idea to replace worn tires and use snow chains if possible.
7. Check the windshield
It’s essential to fix any cracks or chips in the front windshield. Turning on the defrost in winter weather can cause these small cracks to spread across the entire windshield since you’re heating the inside of the glass while the outside remains cold. The heat can produce condensation between the layers of glass which pressurizes the damage causing it to grow.
We have professional mobile technicians available to handle any auto glass repair needs on your vehicle. In addition, if the damage is too significant for repair, we provide affordable windshield replacement services to your home or office.
8. Check fuel lines and injectors
Cold winter temperatures can cause fuel lines to freeze and break, causing expensive repairs. Replace any fuel lines that appear brittle or worn out. To prevent them from freezing, keep your vehicle in a heated garage if possible and wait for 5 to 10 minutes for the engine to warm up before driving. This way, the fuel injection system warms up and functions correctly.
9. Check brake fluid levels
Make sure the brake fluid level is full and that you have the correct grade. Low brake fluid will affect braking performance and may even cause the brakes to fail.
10. Check the thermostat
The thermostat controls the temperature of the radiator and helps regulate engine heat. The thermostat opens when the car gets cold, allowing hot water into the engine. In colder climates, this prevents the engine from overheating. The motor could overheat and cause additional engine problems if the thermostat fails.
11. Check the tire pressure
Tires are essential to keeping your vehicle running safely. Properly inflated tires will provide sufficient traction. Tires should be checked and adjusted before the first days of winter hit.
Other Questions People Asked
- How much does it cost to winterize a car? The price depends on the amount of winterizing needed. On average, the cost to winterize a car is between $50-$100, depending on what work is required. Replacing additional items and topping fluids can cause the price to be a little higher, but it shouldn’t be more than $250.
- What can I put on my car windows to keep them from freezing? Window film is a great way to provide an extra layer of protection against frost buildup on the glass. Window film can be found at most hardware stores and comes in rolls, making it easy to apply.
- How do I protect my automobile from rust in the winter? If there’s snow, there’s moisture which can lead to rust issues. Rust prevention products such as waxes and polishes can help slow down rusting caused by moisture. Applying a fresh coat of wax for the winter protects for up to 3 months. If you have rust on the body of your vehicle, it’s crucial to remove it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Rust is like cancer and spreads quickly. Check out our article on how to remove car rust to learn more.
- What type of emergency kit should I keep in the car? As mentioned earlier in this article, make sure to keep blankets and other warm clothing in the car during cold weather. It’s also a great idea to keep an ice scraper, flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit in the car. Go here to learn more about emergency car kits.
- Do I need to take my car to a dealership to winterize it? No, most repair shops can handle this for you. It’s also easy to perform most of the winterizing on your own.
- Do I need an engine block heater? These items are only required when the ambient temperature drops below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not necessary for ordinary operating temperatures.
- Will winterizing my car protect against road salt? Not really. Salt will still get inside the car’s body through cracks or holes in the paint. The best thing to do is wash off any salt that may be on the car’s exterior with soap and water.
In conclusion, winterizing your vehicle is crucial because it helps prevent damage to the car and keeps you safe while driving. I hope the checklist above and additional questions and answers helped answer all of your concerns about winterizing a car.
