Winter has arrived, and mother nature is bringing in cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Hazardous road conditions unique to the winter months require planning or "winterizing" your vehicle for the safety of all road users. You and your vehicle must be ready for safe winter driving; following the recommendations below; you can ensure your vehicle will handle the coming winter road conditions.

### Have Your Car Serviced For Winter

While this may seem an obvious idea, many of the winterization recommendations require the work of a trained mechanic. 

__When taking your vehicle to be serviced for winter, double-check that these items are on the mechanic's list to service:__

__Battery:__
Checking your vehicle's battery life before the winter months can save you the hassle of replacing a bad battery in the dead of winter. As the temperature drops, so does your car's battery power. If your battery was experiencing any issues before the cold weather, the risk of your battery losing power increases.

__Cooling System:__
A quick review of your owner's manual will inform you of the recommended winter antifreeze ratio for your vehicle's cooling system. A proper balance of coolant-to-water must be obtained to prevent corrosion and potential freezing of essential vehicle systems such as your vehicle's radiator.

__Brakes:__
Ensuring your brakes are always at their best is important, even more so in winter months. Changing brake pads or rotors may be necessary for your vehicle's winter operational safety and should be inspected before winter weather reaches you.

__Belts, Hoses, Spark Plugs, Wires, Air Filters, and Cables:__
Like your vehicle's brakes, the belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, air filters, and cables should be inspected before the winter season. The cold weather does not cause excess strain on these vehicle parts, but inspecting them before winter could keep you out of the cold.

__Oil Change:__
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), cold weather thickens engine oil, making it difficult for your engine to start. Winterizing your vehicle includes changing out your vehicle's usual oil with a lighter-weight oil.

__Top off Fluids:__
Ensure your automotive service technician checks your vehicle's fluid levels and adds as needed. The windshield wiper fluid is one of the most critical fluid levels to constantly monitor in winter due to a large amount of snow sludge that gets kicked onto your windshield. If you add wiper fluid, purchase the formula designed for low temperatures.

__Tread Depth:__
If your vehicle's tire tread is not deep enough, it will not adequately grip the road in wet or icy conditions. Without proper tread, your vehicle could become harder to control and suffer from extended braking times and distances. If your tire tread is low, winter could be a great time to get a new set of tires.

__Buy A Set of Winter Tires:__
No matter the type of vehicle you drive, your vehicle's tires are the only thing connecting you firmly on the road. Your vehicle's drivetrain and brakes can only operate as well as the grip provided by your tires. Buying a set of dedicated winter tires could be beneficial depending on the weather in your home state. 

Winter tires offer the best in cold weather traction, generating better grip through softer, non-hardening rubber compounds. Winter tires are the safest option for consumers in states with intense winters or those who regularly visit places after a snowstorm.

For consumers looking to visit the snow instead of living in it, an all-season tire will provide better traction than a street tire and not be as costly or delicate as a snow tire. All-season tires are a good choice for the vast majority of consumers.

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#### Adjust Tire Pressure
Not only does the grip pattern and type of rubber your tire is made of help generate grip in winter weather conditions, but so does your tire pressure. According to KBB, every ten-degree drop in outside temperature could result in a one-pound loss in air pressure in your tires.

The ideal tire pressure for the temperature can be found in your vehicle's door jam, trunk lid, or owner's manual. Constant tire pressure adjustments are standard in winter, depending on your home state.

#### Install Winter Windshield Wipers
Your vehicle's wiper blades are bound to be used more in winter months than other times throughout the year and should be inspected before the snow starts to fall. Snow, ice, and road salt can build up on the windshield as you drive, making operating a vehicle with worn-out wiper blades unsafe.

Winter wiper blades offer higher-quality rubber that prevents ice from collecting on the blades. Winter wiper blades are typically heavier than regular wiper blades, putting more strain on the wiper motor. 

Removing winter wiper blades after the winter months is essential after the winter months to give the wiper motor a break. Most auto parts stores will remove and install new wiper blades for free upon customer request, making it much easier to have your vehicle winter ready.

#### Inspect Front and Rear-Window Defrosters
One of a driver's best defenses against driving in winter is fully-functioning window defrosters. Not being able to see clearly out of your front windshield or rear window creates unsafe driving conditions for all road users. 

It is so hazardous that many states have laws that regulate clearing the condensation and debris from all your windows before operating the vehicle. When getting your vehicle winterized, ensure you or your automotive mechanic checks that your front and rear-widow defrosters are in working order.

### AWD VS 4WD
There is a long-standing debate among vehicle enthusiasts about which drivetrain system is best for winter driving. Both drivetrain systems generate improved snow traction over a two-wheel drive system. Still, they are also more costly upfront and in maintenance costs. 

For a complete, detailed look at the differences between AWD and 4WD, [be sure to check out our guide here](https://www.autolist.com/guides/awd-vs-4wd-differences).

If you are still determining the type of drivetrain your vehicle is outfitted with, your owner's manual will provide you with your vehicle's drivetrain type and maintenance schedules.

The owner's manual will also provide information on how your vehicle's all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) system operates and how to engage these controls if necessary. Significant differences between vehicles include whether your vehicle needs to be in Park or Neutral before engaging 4WD. Most AWD-equipped vehicles are all-time AWD, meaning there is no input from the driver when and where traction is needed.

For the best winter driving ability, an AWD or 4WD vehicle with locking differentials provides the most advantage. A locking differential equally divides the power produced by the engine and sends it to wheels on the same axle, helping propel the vehicle forward.

### Winter Driving Tips

The best winter vehicles only operate as well as their driver. 

__Before winter conditions arrive in your state, know the tips and tricks for winter driving safety:__

- Drive slowly and cautiously
- Increase your following distance from the vehicle in front of you
- Do not crowd a snow plow
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Do not "gas it" up a hill or stop while traveling up a hill

### Pack A Winter Safety Kit

When traveling any distance in winter, it is wise to carry a winter safety kit in your vehicle. Weather can be unpredictable, and you want to be ready for anything. 

__The list below is a great place to start when packing your winter safety kit:__

__A Pack of matches:__ It can be used for warmth and to signal rescuers at night.

__First Aid Kit:__ In case of any minor cuts or injuries sustained when getting stuck or attempting to dig yourself out.

__Flares:__ Are a great way to signal rescuers of your location from outside the vehicle without using your vehicle's electronic power.

__Flashlight (extra batteries):__ A flashlight is only a good item if you also carry extra batteries. A flashlight can assist in signaling rescuers and ensuring you have a source of light throughout the night if your vehicle dies.

__Ice Scraper:__ An ice scraper is a foundational piece of a winter safety kit. While customarily used before driving your vehicle in winter, the ice scraper can also come in handy if your vehicle gets stuck in the snow and needs to be rescued. 

A build-up of ice over time on your vehicle's glass can weaken any light signal you are attempting to provide to rescuers. Removing ice manually with an ice scraper could help conserve fuel and increase your chances of being found sooner.

__Water, non-perishable food:__ While we all hope for a quick rescue, depending on the storm you find yourself stuck in; you could wait for some time before rescuers can get to your vehicle. Packing water and non-perishable food into your winter safety kit ensure enough nourishment until you are rescued.

__Warm clothing:__ When driving in winter, you should always wear warm clothing due to the possibility of getting stuck en route to your location. Vehicle accidents occur more often in winter months than in others, and you could be required to get out of your vehicle at any point. 

Outside of your driving clothes, you should also carry an extra jacket, blanket, and any other cold-weather clothing you can leave in your vehicle for the winter.

__Jumper Cables:__ No matter how prepared you are for the winter months, a pair of jumper cables is essential for all winter and road safety kits.

__Bag of sand or kitty litter:__ This piece of the tool kit may seem strange to consumers unfamiliar with winter conditions. Still, sand or kitty litter can be placed under your vehicle's tires to generate grip. When a vehicle becomes stuck in the snow, the first area to become slick and lose grip is directly under your tires. 

The more you attempt to get yourself unstuck, the slicker the snow gets under your tires. Adding a texture such as sand or kitty litter gives your tires the grip they lack to get yourself unstuck.

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__Car tool kit:__ Your vehicle should always carry a simple tool kit in case of any roadside emergency. Tools can be used to fix simple vehicle issues so you can get yourself back on the road instead of waiting or paying for roadside assistance.

__Cell phone and Charger:__ Like many other winter safety items, your cell phone is only a great resource if charged. Leaving a charger in your vehicle or in your winter safety kit is the best way to ensure your phone can be the lifeline it was meant to be.

__Antifreeze:__ Extra antifreeze is always wise to have on hand in winter months, even more so if you find yourself stranded and awaiting rescue. An untellable amount of issues could arise when getting stuck in the snow. Having extra antifreeze ensures you are as prepared as possible.

__Tire chains:__ Depending on your vehicle's drivetrain, tire chains could be the only way you can gain enough traction to get yourself unstuck or drive in deeper snow. On the opposite hand, however, some vehicle manufacturers, such as Subaru, tell owners never to use tire chains due to their advanced AWD system. 

Before buying tire chains or installing them on your vehicle, check your owner's manual for your vehicle's needs.

__Door lubrication:__ Changing temperatures, ice build-up, and wind can make your vehicle's doors or door locks freeze shut. Including a can of door lubrication in your winter safety kit ensures that you are not locked out of your vehicle after trying to dig yourself out.

Keeping your gas tank full is another crucial factor for winter driving, as it helps prevent the gas lines in your vehicle from freezing. A full gas tank could also be your primary source of warmth in an emergency.

### Winter Emergency Preparedness

Even with all the winter preparation, you could have, winter emergencies still happen. As a driver, you must understand what to do before getting into an emergency. 

__If your vehicle gets stuck while driving in a winter storm:__

__Do not leave your vehicle__
In severe winter weather, your vehicle provides much-needed shelter from the elements. If you leave your vehicle, the blowing snow could cause you to lose sight of your vehicle and become lost. Your vehicle is also more accessible for rescuers to locate in a storm than a single person, making it essential to remain in your vehicle.

__Do not run your car for long periods__
Your vehicle's heating system is your best source of continued warmth, but you must conserve fuel. Running your vehicle's engine and the heating system until the chill has left the vehicle is recommended for preserving your fuel.

__Be Visible__
A brightly colored cloth or flag should be included in your emergency kit to tie to your antenna. The bright color in a snowstorm allows rescuers to find you more easily. 

If you get your vehicle stuck at night, turning on the dome light can help announce your position to rescuers without using too much electrical power.

__Do not overexert yourself__
When you first get stuck, most drivers' first instinct is to dig themselves out of their situation. Prepared drivers will have a bag of sand or kitty litter for added traction, which could add to their unwillingness to stop before physically exerting themselves. 

You should always listen to your body and stop if you become too tired because you do not know how long you will have to wait to be rescued.

__Clear your vehicle's exhaust pipe__
Whether you are stuck in the snow and waiting for rescue or need that little extra traction to get you out of the snow, make sure there is no build-up of snow, ice, or mud in your exhaust pipe. A clogged exhaust pipe could lead to deadly carbon monoxide gas leaking into the cabin while the vehicle runs.

When traveling long-distance during winter, be prepared. Have your vehicle inspected and winterized by a certified mechanic. Check the weather along your route before leaving for your trip. If bad weather is expected during your planned travel, delay leaving until the bad weather has passed.

A major responsibility that all drivers should assume before leaving on a long road trip in winter is keeping constant communication with someone not on the trip with them. Notifying a friend, family member, or even co-worker of your travel plans, route, and resting points could be essential to your survival in a winter emergency.

Get ready for winter on any budget with a range of tips for winterizing your car. Find out what kind of vehicles and tires perform best in bad weather.

Best Ways to Winterize Your Car

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