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Good Sam
“Winter car maintenance helps you prepare for the unexpected. Essential winter car maintenance includes inspecting and replacing tires, checking your battery, fluid and antifreeze levels, oil and filter changes, and having a stocked a emergency kit.”
As temperatures start to drop, most drivers in colder parts of the U.S. begin layering up, prepping their homes, and maybe even tossing a snow brush into the trunk. But what many overlook, often until it’s too late, is that winter impacts our vehicles just as hard as it hits us. And without the right preparation, even the most reliable car can turn into a roadside liability.
Cold weather throws a long list of challenges at your car: your battery loses power, tires lose pressure, oil thickens, wipers stiffen, and road salt begins its slow corrosion dance. Start ignoring those warning signs and it won’t just be an inconvenient morning where your car won’t start. It could lead to being stranded miles from home, expensive repairs, or worse, unsafe driving conditions that put everyone at risk.
Winter car maintenance shouldn’t just be seen as a seasonal chore. Whether you’re commuting daily, heading up to the mountains for a ski weekend, or just want to avoid being “that person” with the hood up in a snowstorm, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to winterize your vehicle properly.
Let’s look at the key systems you need to check, what gear to keep in your car, and the myths you can finally stop believing. Because winter’s already enough of a challenge, and your vehicle shouldn’t add to it.
Winter doesn’t wait. A sudden temperature drop or first freeze can arrive overnight, catching unprepared drivers off guard. That’s why it’s smart to knock out key maintenance tasks early in the season before the cold sets in for good. The following areas deserve your attention not just because they’re common failure points but because they’re all connected to safe, smooth winter driving.
Your tires are your only point of contact with the road. In winter, that contact becomes everything.
Nothing kills a winter morning like a dead battery. Unfortunately, batteries are more vulnerable in cold because chemical reactions slow down in freezing temperatures.
Cold thickens your oil and it affects nearly every other fluid in your vehicle.
Oil is your engine’s lifeblood, but it thickens in cold weather, making it harder to circulate on startup.
Visibility is non-negotiable in winter. Between snow, road grime, and early sunsets, your wipers work overtime.
Even with the best maintenance, winter driving can surprise you. Black ice, blizzards, or mechanical failures happen. What matters is how prepared you are when they do.
Think of it as your vehicle’s version of a survival bag. Keep these basics in your trunk:
This kit isn’t just for you. It could help a stranger too. Don’t skip it.
Winter breakdowns can quickly become dangerous if you’re stranded in sub-zero temperatures or remote locations. Being ready isn’t just about having the right gear in your trunk; it’s about knowing how to respond calmly and safely when things go wrong.
For added peace and precaution, explore Good Sam’s Roadside Assistance options designed for winter response.
Not everything passed down at the gas pump is true. Let’s clear up a few common myths that could do more harm than good.
Want to keep winter maintenance simple? Here’s a quick-reference checklist:
Print this and keep it in your glove box, or set calendar reminders so you’re never caught off guard. Even with perfect maintenance, roadside events still happen - Good Sam can help you get back on the road quickly with a plan that meets your needs.
Winter car maintenance is about protecting your vehicle, your budget, and, most importantly, your safety. The earlier you prepare, the better your chances of making it through the season without surprise repairs or emergency calls from the roadside.
If you’re not comfortable handling some of these tasks yourself, consider scheduling a professional inspection. Compare Good Sam’s auto plans to find coverage that keeps you moving through the worst of winter.
Stay warm knowing that Good Sam offers 24/7 dispatch and coverage for cold-weather breakdowns, no matter where the road takes you.
A: You should switch to winter tires when average daytime temps drop below 45°F. Rubber hardens in the cold, so switching too late affects grip.
A: Yes, cold weather can permanently damage your battery. Extreme cold reduces cranking power and can lead to deep discharge or freezing, especially in older or weak batteries.
A: You need to change your antifreeze every 2–5 years, depending on the type. Check your owner’s manual, and don’t mix types unless the label says it’s compatible.