Checklist: How to winterize your car

When temperatures drop, it becomes the toughest time of the year for your car. Cold weather, snow, slippery roads, and poor visibility take a toll on people and machines alike. Perform a winter check in advance to ensure a safe and relaxing winter before the first ice appears on your windshield or your battery fails.

A checklist makes it easy to think of everything you need to do – step by step, without forgetting anything. In this article you’ll find a clear and practical overview to help you carry out your winter check quickly and effectively. Let’s get started — for a relaxed ride and a good feeling every time you start, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Recommendation for using the checklist

• To get an overview of the scope of the activities, I recommend that you go through the checklist in its entirety. You can skip items that don’t apply to you. Also, check to see if you have everything you need for the winter check or if you need to get something else.

• The checklist is numbered sequentially. If you are pressed for time and cannot complete the checklist all at once, write down the last number and continue later.

Checklist:
Winter car check

Sections of the checklist

Engine compartement
Exterior
Interior
Accessoires

1. Windshield washer system – Fill the windshield washer reservoir with antifreeze to prevent the water from freezing. Make sure the spray nozzles are not clogged.

2. Engine coolant – Check the coolant level in the reservoir and top up if necessary to prevent the engine from overheating. Ensure the coolant is suitable for low temperatures to prevent freezing.

3. Battery – Inspect the battery’s charge level and age to ensure it provides enough power to start the engine in cold weather.

4. Engine oil – Check the engine oil level using the dipstick and add oil if needed to ensure proper engine lubrication.

5. Windshield – Clean the windshield and repair any damage in the field of vision to maintain clear visibility.

6. Windshield wiper blades – Check the wiper blades for wear. Replace them if they leave streaks or make squeaking or chattering noises.

7. Door locks – Test all door locks for proper function. Use lock de-icer to prevent freezing in cold weather.

8. Front lights – Check the operation of the daytime running lights, parking lights, high and low beams, turn signals (including side indicators, e.g., on mirrors), hazard lights, and fog lights.

9. Rear light – Verify the brake lights, reverse lights, turn signals, hazard lights, rear fog lights, and license plate illumination are all working.

10. Tires – Switch to winter tires. Before installation, check the tread depth and age, and after mounting, ensure the tire pressure is correct.

11. Car wash – Regular car washes in winter remove road salt that can damage your car’s paint and metal. Clean the underbody and consider applying wax to protect the paint.

12. Door and trunk seals – Treat the door and trunk seals with special care products to prevent freezing in winter.

13. Windows – Clean the windows inside for clear visibility. Use anti-fog products to reduce condensation on the glass.

14. Lighting – Check the interior and trunk lighting.

15. Heating/air conditioning – Test the heating and air conditioning systems to ensure they work optimally. They not only provide warmth but also help clear foggy windows.

16. Seat heater – Test the seat heating function.

17. Car floor mats – Replace summer carpet floor mats with rubber winter mats, as they better trap moisture and dirt and are easier to clean.

18. Snow chains – Snow chains may be required in extreme winter conditions. Ensure they fit your tire size and practice installing them.

19. Tow rope – A tow rope can be helpful in emergencies to move a stranded vehicle.

20. Jumper cable – Jumper cables are essential if the battery fails. Make sure you know how to use them correctly to jump-start another vehicle or your own.

21. Hand brush – A hand brush is useful for removing snow and ice from windows and the car roof before driving.

22. Snow shovel – A small snow shovel is handy for clearing snow around the car or digging out of a snowy parking spot.

23. Window cleaning sponge or window cleaning cloth – Use a sponge or cloth to clean foggy or dirty windows inside the car.

24. Door lock de-icer – Door lock de-icer quickly and effectively restores frozen locks to working order. Keep it accessible, ideally outside the vehicle.

25. Ice scraper or windshield de-icer – Use an ice scraper or de-icer spray to clear ice from the windshield for clear visibility before driving.

26. Windshield cover – A windshield cover prevents ice buildup, saving time and effort in the morning. It’s easy to install and remove.

27. Gloves – A pair of warm gloves will protect your hands while performing winter tasks like installing snow chains or scraping ice.

28. Warm blanket – A warm blanket keeps you comfortable in case of a breakdown or prolonged wait in cold weather.

29. Flashlight with spare batteries – A flashlight is essential during the darker months for emergencies, such as changing a tire or inspecting the car.

30. Mobile phone charger – A mobile phone charger ensures you can stay connected and call for help in an emergency.

31. Savety vest – A safety vest improves visibility in traffic during a breakdown or accident. Store it in an easily accessible place.

32. Warning triangle – A warning triangle increases your visibility and safety by alerting other drivers to your car during a breakdown or accident.

33. First aid kit – Ensure the first aid kit is complete and undamaged to provide assistance in case of an accident. Check the expiration dates and replace any missing items regularly.

You’ve now gone through all the steps for your your winter car check. If you found this checklist helpful, please come back to ChecklistFan.com – here you will find even more practical checklists to make your everyday life easier.

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Note on the checklist: All information is provided to the best of my knowledge. However, I assume no liability and make no claim to completeness or accuracy. This checklist was translated from my German website ChecklistFan.de. Please note that it describes conditions and requirements specific to Germany, that may differ from those in your local area or country. You may need to make adjustments to reflect your local conditions or regulations. Some of the resources I used to create the checklist include: American Automobile Association, Advance Auto Parts, Pellman’s Auto, Shift Into Winter, BMW, Met Office, RAC. If you have any suggestions for improving the checklist, you can leave a comment or write to me: reiko@checklistfan.com.