The first frosty morning always seems to arrive before you're ready. A few minutes of prep now means no scraping the windshield with a credit card, no digging for gloves, and a car that's ready for whatever the season brings. Here's how to get your car ready for winter.
Free printable: download the Winter Car Checklist (PDF) and keep a copy in the glove box.
1. Put a proper snow brush and ice scraper in the car
A real scraper clears a windshield far faster than a card or your sleeve, and a brush gets snow off the roof and hood without scratching. Our extendable snow brush and ice scraper reaches across the windshield and roof, the scraper detaches for frosty mornings, and the foam grip is easier on cold hands.
A common tip: avoid pouring hot water on a frozen windshield. The sudden temperature change can crack the glass. Use the defroster and a scraper instead.
2. Clear the whole car, not just a peephole
Before you drive, clear snow and ice from every window, the mirrors, the lights, the hood and the roof. Snow left on the roof can slide onto the windshield when you brake or blow onto the car behind you, and some states require drivers to clear it. Let the defroster clear the windshield fully before setting off.
3. Pack a winter car kit
Commonly recommended items include a warm blanket, gloves and a hat, a flashlight with spare batteries, a phone charging cable, water and non-perishable snacks, a small shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, and a first-aid kit. To keep it tidy and easy to reach, store it in a seat back organizer or an insulated seat back organizer.
4. Do the quick maintenance checks
- Switch to a winter-rated washer fluid.
- Check tire tread and pressure. Pressure drops as temperatures fall.
- Replace worn wiper blades.
- Have the battery tested, since cold weather is hard on batteries.
- Many drivers keep the fuel tank at least half full through the winter.
5. Keep the slush contained
Winter means wet boots, salty slush and soggy wrappers. A hanging car trash can with a waterproof lining keeps rubbish off the floor, and if a dog rides with you, a dog car seat cover keeps snowy paws off the back seat.
6. Know where everything is
Gloves, sunglasses for winter glare, parking passes and registration should be easy to grab. A sun visor organizer keeps them overhead, so you're not digging through the glove box with frozen fingers.
More ideas: How to Organize Your Car: 9 Simple Fixes, or browse all car accessories.