Getting your car ready for winter
By Tagwell Auto · Last updated October 9, 2026
The short answer: test the battery, check the tires, replace tired wiper blades, top up winter washer fluid and put a small kit in the trunk. Do it in the fall, before the first cold morning.
The checklist
| Check | What to do |
|---|---|
| Battery | Have it tested, free at most parts stores. Cold cuts a battery's power, and a weak one fails on the first freezing morning. Most last 3 to 5 years |
| Tires | Check tread and pressure. Pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F the temperature falls |
| Winter tires | If it stays below about 45°F where you live, winter tires grip far better than all-seasons. Swap all four |
| Wiper blades | Replace them if they streak or chatter. Winter blades shed ice better |
| Washer fluid | Fill with fluid rated for freezing temperatures. Summer fluid freezes in the lines |
| Coolant | Have the freeze protection tested. Never open a hot radiator cap |
| Lights | Walk around with everything on. Days are short and you need to be seen |
| Heater and defroster | Check they work before you need them |
| Door seals and locks | A wipe of silicone on the seals stops doors freezing shut |
A kit for the trunk
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Jumper cables or a jump pack
- A blanket, gloves and a hat
- A flashlight
- A small shovel, and sand or cat litter for traction
- A phone charger
- Water and a snack
Habits that help
- Keep the tank at least half full. It adds weight, and you can run the heater if you're stuck
- Clear all the snow off the car, including the roof and the lights
- Rinse the underside after salted roads, when it's above freezing
Electric cars
Range drops in the cold. Warm the cabin while the car is still plugged in, and plan for shorter legs between charges.
General guidance. Typical intervals, and your owner's manual wins. If a red warning light is on or the car drives differently, stop safely and get help.
Related: Miles and maintenance in Tagwell Auto
Track this automatically in Tagwell Auto
Tagwell Auto adds seasonal jobs in the right season: the winter tire swap in the fall, an undercarriage rinse where roads are salted. With weather alerts on, it warns you before a freeze.
Questions
When should I put winter tires on?
When temperatures stay below about 45°F (7°C). Winter rubber grips better in the cold, even on dry roads.
Why does my tire pressure light come on in the cold?
Air shrinks as it cools. Pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F. Set the pressures to the door placard when the tires are cold.
How do I know if my battery will last the winter?
Have it tested in the fall. Most parts stores do it free. Batteries usually last 3 to 5 years.