As winter approaches, preparing your car is crucial to ensure safe, reliable driving even in harsh conditions. Here, we’ll explore key winter prep tips, including antifreeze choices, battery checks, tire maintenance, and must-have items for your emergency kit. Let’s dive into how a few small preparations can make a big difference this winter.
Antifreeze: What You Need to Know
Antifreeze is essential for keeping your car’s engine from freezing in cold weather, but traditional ethylene glycol antifreeze is highly toxic. Fortunately, there are alternatives for those looking to reduce their environmental impact. Plant-based antifreeze is not yet widely available, but bio-based propylene glycol is a safer, more eco-friendly option on the market today. These products are still effective and significantly less harmful to pets, wildlife, and humans.
While it might seem tempting to mix up a DIY solution, homemade antifreeze is often unreliable and can even damage your car. It’s best to stick with a commercially tested product that provides the right level of freezing protection and compatibility with your vehicle.
Battery Health: Simple Checks for Winter Reliability
Cold temperatures strain your car’s battery, reducing its power output just when you need it most. Here’s how you can test your battery to ensure it’s ready for winter:
Quick Headlight Test: With the car off, turn on the headlights. If they stay bright, your battery is likely in good shape. If they dim or flicker, the battery may need attention.
Multimeter Check: For a more precise test, use a multimeter. A healthy battery should read about 12.6 volts or higher. If it’s below 12.4 volts, consider recharging or replacing the battery.
Most batteries last 3–5 years, so if yours is approaching that age, a proactive replacement could save you from a cold-weather breakdown.
Tire Maintenance and Choosing Winter Tires
Tires are your car’s connection to the road, and they’re even more critical in winter. Here’s how to decide if you need winter tires:
Check Tread Depth and Pressure: Tires with worn tread or low pressure can’t grip as well, especially on snowy or icy roads. Check your tread depth and maintain the correct tire pressure, as it drops with colder temperatures.
Decide on Winter Tires: Winter tires are ideal if you regularly face snow, ice, or freezing temperatures. They’re made with special rubber that stays flexible in cold weather and provides superior grip. If you’re in an area with mild winters or well-cleared roads, all-season tires may be sufficient. However, for rural or mountainous areas, winter tires are well worth the investment.
Emergency Kit: Be Ready for Anything
An emergency kit is a must-have for any vehicle, regardless of the season. Make sure your kit includes essentials to help you stay safe if you’re stranded or delayed. Here are some basic items every winter car kit should include:
Flashlight or Headlamp: Visibility is key, especially in winter’s long nights and low-light conditions. A headlamp frees up your hands, but a good flashlight works too.
Utility Gloves: Cold, wet hands can make a tough situation even harder. Keep a durable pair of gloves in your kit for changing a tire or clearing snow.
Cell Phone Charger: A dead phone is the last thing you want in an emergency. Pack an extra portable battery charger to keep your phone alive.
Other Essentials: Basic first-aid supplies, a blanket, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, flares or warning triangles, and an ice scraper are all smart additions.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your car for winter is about more than just convenience—it’s about safety. From choosing the right antifreeze and tires to checking your battery and packing an emergency kit, these simple steps can give you peace of mind and help you avoid being stranded in the cold.
Stay safe, stay warm, and drive confidently this winter!