As winter approaches, taking advantage of warmer weather and safer road conditions to prepare your vehicle can go a long way toward making sure you’re ready for ski trips and winter driving. Many parts of the country can get an early taste of winter with a surprise snowfall, icy roads, or a sudden storm that catches unprepared drivers off guard.
With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, there’s no reason to wait for the first major storm to find out whether your vehicle is ready. A little preparation now can help you spend less time worrying about your car and more time getting to the mountains safely when the snow starts flying.
Here is our guide to getting your car ready for winter driving conditions.
Start with Tires
Invest in snow-rated tires. While winter tires can be a more expensive upgrade, they are one of the best things you can do to improve your vehicle’s grip, braking, and handling on snowy and icy roads. If you regularly drive to the mountains, dedicated snow tires or studded tires are the best option for winter conditions, although studded tires are restricted in some states and provinces during certain parts of the year, so check your local laws before installing them.
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Ideally, you have snow-rated tires with a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on them. If dedicated winter tires aren’t an option, make sure your all-season or all-terrain tires have plenty of tread remaining and keep a properly sized set of tire chains in your vehicle for storms and roads where traction devices are required.
Finally, make sure your tire pressure is correct, as cold weather can lower tire pressure. Check pressure against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended PSI, not the maximum PSI printed on the tire.
Stock your Car
When accidents, emergencies, and getting stuck occur, you’ll be thankful to have the supplies necessary to keep you on your way. Here is a list of items you should have in your car. Some of these items should be in your car year-round. It may also be wise to always have at least half a tank of gas when heading out into winter weather.
- Snow shovel
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables and tire inflator
- Traction pads (sand or kitty litter works too)
- Food and water
- Blankets
- Extra clothes (coats, jackets, shirts, gloves, etc.)
- First aid kit
- A small tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, duct tape, zip ties)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Hand warmers
- Tow strap
- Portable power bank for your phone
Have Your Car Inspected
Think of a pre-winter vehicle inspection as a physical for your car. Have a mechanic check for common problems such as fluid leaks, worn belts and hoses, and other issues that could become bigger problems once temperatures drop. Your battery deserves particular attention because cold weather can reduce its performance, while a properly functioning cooling system and heater are essential for keeping the engine and passengers comfortable on frigid drives.
- Related: Driving On Snow, For Dummies
It is also a good time to check your brakes, tire pressure, windshield wipers, and washer fluid, replacing anything that is worn or running low. Taking care of these small issues before the first major storm can help prevent an inconvenient or potentially dangerous breakdown when you are headed to the mountain.
Winter also means more driving in darkness, along with snow, fog, and reduced visibility. Make sure headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, and reverse lights are all working and clean off snow and road grime when necessary.
Winter driving comes with challenges that you simply don’t encounter during the warmer months, but a little preparation can make a big difference. Taking the time to equip your vehicle, inspect the important systems, and stock up on emergency supplies before the first storm can help you handle whatever the road throws your way. For skiers and snowboarders, that preparation means greater peace of mind and fewer excuses to stay home when the forecast turns snowy. A winter weather advisory should be exciting, not make you nervous. Because getting your car ready for winter isn’t just about making the commute safer, it’s about making sure you’re ready to chase the best snow of the season.
