If you live somewhere that gets real winters — not just chilly mornings but ice, slush, and snow piled up on the curb — you already know how rough it can be on your car. But here’s the thing: it’s not the cold itself that causes most problems. It’s the little things that sneak up on you — the small details we forget about until we’re stranded in the cold, waiting for a tow truck that’s “on its way” for two hours.
Everyone knows about checking tires and topping off fluids. But if you want your car to handle winter like a champ (and not drain your wallet), here are some real-world tips most people skip — but shouldn’t.
1. Don’t Just Check Tire Tread — Check Tire Age
Most drivers think if their tires still have tread, they’re fine. Not always. Rubber hardens over time, and old tires lose their flexibility — which means less grip when temperatures drop.
Look for a four-digit code on the sidewall (something like “2819”). That means the tire was made in the 28th week of 2019. If yours are more than six years old, it’s time to replace them — even if they “look good.” A new set of mid-range tires is cheaper than an accident deductible.
Bonus tip: before a snowstorm, bump your tire pressure up 2 PSI above the recommended level. Cold air will drop it overnight, and this helps keep your tires at their proper pressure once it’s freezing.
2. Use Dielectric Grease on Battery Terminals
Cleaning corrosion helps — but if you really want to protect your battery connection, pick up a small tube of dielectric grease (a few dollars at any auto parts store).
After cleaning your terminals, put a light coat on before reconnecting the cables. It keeps moisture and road salt from corroding the contacts again. This trick can easily add a year or two to your battery’s life — and prevent those random “clicks” on frosty mornings.
3. Treat Your Door Seals and Locks Before They Freeze
Ever yanked on a frozen car door until it finally opened — only to rip the rubber seal or the handle? You can prevent that.
Buy a small bottle of silicone spray or rubber conditioner and wipe it along the door and trunk seals. It keeps them soft and stops them from freezing shut overnight.
If you park outside, also spray a bit of graphite lubricant into your door locks before the cold sets in. Once water gets in and freezes, you’ll be fighting with your key or fob every morning.
4. Don’t Skip Your Cabin Air Filter
It’s not just for allergies — your cabin air filter controls airflow for heat and defrost. When it’s clogged, your windows take forever to clear, and your heater feels weak.
Most people forget this filter even exists. It’s usually behind the glove box, takes five minutes to replace, and costs under $20. In winter, that’s the difference between clear windows and wiping fog off with your sleeve.
5. Wash and Wax — Even When It’s Cold
It sounds weird, but washing your car in the winter is one of the smartest things you can do — especially if you live where roads are salted. Salt eats away at your undercarriage and causes rust that spreads quietly for years.
Hit a touchless car wash on mild days, and choose one with an undercarriage rinse. A quick coat of spray wax afterward helps road grime slide off easier next time.
Pro tip: WD-40 sprayed lightly on metal parts under your car (like suspension bolts) can create a temporary barrier against salt corrosion. Just don’t spray it near brakes or exhaust.
6. Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full
This isn’t an old wives’ tale — it’s practical. Moisture can build up in your gas tank and fuel lines, which can freeze in really cold weather. Keeping it half full (or more) helps prevent that.
Plus, if you ever get stuck in traffic during a snowstorm or need to idle for heat, you’ll be glad you’ve got the extra fuel.
7. Carry a “Winter Saver” Box — Not Just a Blanket
Forget the fancy roadside kits that come with a glow stick and a whistle. Build your own with things that actually help:
- A small shovel or collapsible snow spade
- A pair of work gloves (not knit ones — they’ll freeze solid)
- A cheap USB battery pack for your phone
- A flashlight (LED, with spare batteries)
- A few granola bars or protein snacks
- A compact air compressor or tire inflator (plugs into your car’s 12V outlet)
- A plastic scraper and small broom
- A roll of duct tape (you’d be surprised how handy it is in the cold)
All of that fits in a plastic bin and costs less than a family dinner out.
Bonus Tip: Keep a Small Bill Folded in Your Owner’s Manual
Sounds old-school, but in bad weather, cards and phones don’t always work — or you might end up needing cash for a tow, a coffee, or a good Samaritan who helps pull you out of a ditch.
A $20 or two tucked in the glove box can save the day.