Cold weather can be tough on cars. When temperatures drop below freezing, batteries can die, tires lose pressure, and fuel lines can freeze. Not only does this create safety issues, but it can leave you stranded in the cold.
Don’t let this happen to you. Preparing your car for winter prevents most of the problems caused by freezing temps. These quick tips will help you get your vehicle winter-ready.
How Freezing Temperatures Affect Cars
When the thermometer drops below freezing, all vehicles tend to have some performance problems. However, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids might have more noticeable issues. Freezing temps make EV batteries charge slower and reduce their battery range. Hybrids will still operate relatively efficiently, but you might notice lower fuel economy, meaning you’ll need to make more trips to the pump.
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, don't put off winter maintenance. Otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll reduce the lifespan of your car and end up needing costly repairs.
Winter Car Maintenance Tips
Keeping your car running smoothly in the winter starts with understanding exactly how freezing temperatures can wreak havoc and taking steps to prevent them.
Prevent Low Tire Pressure
Every time the air temperature drops by 10 degrees, your tires’ air pressure decreases by about 1 psi (pound per square inch). Cars with low tire pressure lose grip and traction, making it harder to steer and brake. This is even more dangerous when driving in winter conditions, like snow, ice, and slush. Check your tire pressure at least once a week during the winter and add air as needed.
A built-in tire pressure monitoring system can help you stay on top of your tire pressure. However, it only goes off after air pressure falls below a certain threshold, so it’s still a good idea to check the pressure manually.
Depending on where you live, you might benefit from winter tires, which give you better traction on snow and ice. If you decide to keep your all-season tires, check that they have sufficient tread depth.
Dodge a Dead Battery
While the cold weather technically doesn't drain your battery, it slows down its chemical reactions, reducing its power by as much as half. To prevent this, test your battery before winter to see if you need a new one. In areas that see extreme winter temperatures, try out a battery or engine block warmer. Always carry jumper cables or a battery jumper pack with you in the winter.
The lithium-ion batteries in EVs may suffer even more in freezing temperatures. Some EVs lose as much as 40% of their range at a temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When the mercury starts to drop, warm up your battery using your car’s preconditioning feature. This can help optimize the car’s cold-weather performance. Also, keep it plugged in whenever possible, as this helps maintain battery pressure.
Avoid Frozen Fuel Lines
Gas in your car won't freeze, but the moisture that gets in your gas tank and gas lines can. If any of this moisture freezes, the ice can cause a blockage that prevents the engine from getting fuel. Keep your gas tank at least half full in the winter to limit potentially freezing moisture. Using fuel-line antifreeze can also help keep fuel lines from freezing.
Don’t Let Fluids Thicken or Freeze
All of the fluids in your car can freeze or thicken if they are not properly rated for the correct temperature. Engine oil and transmission fluid can thicken, causing performance issues or engine malfunction. Use a winter-grade synthetic oil to avoid this. Also, check your coolant levels to make sure the antifreeze levels are high enough.
Also, use cold-weather windshield washer fluid. This prevents freezing and can keep ice from building up on your windshield. And never use water in place of washer fluid — it will freeze and damage the system.
Don’t Damage Your Wiper Blades
Ice and snow on your windshield can cause micro-tears on your wiper blades. Always defrost your windows and use an ice scraper to clear as much ice and snow as possible before turning your wipers on. If you can, invest in winter-rated wiper blades specifically designed to handle ice and snow. A high-quality ice scraper (or even better, one with heat) will help clear frost and ice without scratching the windshield.
Stop Salt Damage
While salt isn't used on the roads in all parts of the country, those states that use it see increased vehicle corrosion. The salt reacts with the metal on any parts of the car it touches, causing it to eventually corrode. The most vulnerable parts of the car are the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brake and fuel lines.
You can help prevent this by regularly washing your car during the winter. Consider applying protective wax or ceramic coating before winter starts to add an extra layer of defense.
Tools and Apps for Winter Safety
Keeping your car running in top shape during the colder months requires a bit of effort, but thanks to technology, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Try using these helpful tools:
Tire pressure monitoring apps to alert you when PSI drops.
Weather tracking apps to help you plan safer routes.
Battery management tools to help EV owners monitor charge levels and precondition the battery.
Aceable’s online defensive driving course can also help sharpen your skills, keeping you safer on the roads no matter what types of conditions the winter weather throws your way.
Updated 02/10/2025