How to Winterize a Car: 5 Steps to Follow
Winter conditions can be hard on your vehicle. While defensive driving is crucial for keeping you and your car safe in snowy and icy conditions (and at all times of year), there are steps you can take to help better prepare your vehicle for winter. Here are our top 5 suggestions for how to winterize your car.
1. Take your car to get serviced
Entrusting a mechanic with a comprehensive inspection ensures that your vehicle is in optimal condition. Mechanics will assess the following:
● Battery: Cold temperatures can cause the battery to work harder as chemical reactions slow down and more demands are placed on the electrical system, causing the battery to deplete more rapidly. During a professional service visit, mechanics will evaluate the battery's state of charge and ensure it's primed for winter use. Note: EV batteries also work harder in cold conditions, and cold weather can reduce your EV’s typical range. Read our article on EV maintenance considerations for more information.
● Brakes: Mechanics will assess the brake pads, rotors, drums and fluid levels. Ensuring that the brakes are in top condition is vital for maintaining proper braking performance in nearly any weather, including icy or snow-covered roads.
● Coolant system: The coolant system prevents the engine from freezing in cold temperatures — thus the term “antifreeze.” Mechanics will inspect the radiator and hoses for any leaks and ensure the coolant is at the appropriate level. They may recommend a specific type of antifreeze that works best for your vehicle, use and climates.
● Oil and fluid levels: Oil is the lifeblood of a gas-powered vehicle. In cold temperatures, oil becomes thicker. Having the correct oil will help the engine function properly for longer and start a little easier. Mechanics will check the oil's viscosity and may suggest switching to winter-weight oil, which flows better in cold conditions. Besides oil, they will also examine other fluid levels, like the transmission, brake fluid, power steering and washer fluid, ensuring they are at optimal levels and free of contaminants.
● Belts and hoses: Belts and hoses can become brittle, especially in cold conditions. A thorough inspection will identify any signs of wear, cracks, or potential breakage.
● Light bulbs: While many cars will alert the driver if a bulb is out, a quick walkaround will ensure they are all working for the darkest time of year.
2. Change your tires to winter tires
Winter tires are specifically designed with specific treads and compounds for superior traction on snowy or icy roads. Combining winter tires with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system offers optimal grip, ensuring your vehicle accelerates confidently on slippery surfaces. That’s because AWD, as opposed to 4WD, automatically distributes torque to all wheels, maximizing forward traction for better control on slick roads.
The enhanced stability and reduced stopping distances provided by winter tires can be lifesaving, making winter tires more than worth the investment for those regularly facing winter's challenges. (While you’re addressing tires, check the spare if your car has one.)
3. Change your wipers / install winter wipers
Wipers help provide visibility in less-than-ideal driving conditions, so you’ll want to make sure your wipers are in good shape before the temperature drops. While standard wipers can be replaced for improved efficiency, specialized winter wipers (sometimes called “beam blades”) are designed with protective rubber shells to combat snow and ice buildup. Heated wipers, equipped with elements to melt away ice and snow, are a more advanced option.
4. Purchase extra washer fluid for the season
Having ample washer fluid can be a lifesaver when roads splash muck and salt onto your windshield. Plus, you’ll be using more of it. Opt for a winter-specific product formulated with methyl alcohol for a lower freezing temperature so that it won’t freeze upon contact with the cold windshield or within the reservoir itself.
5. Prepare an emergency winter kit
Crafting an emergency winter kit for your vehicle ensures you have essential tools and resources at your fingertips should you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Equip your car with:
● Jumper cables
● Tire care kit (pressure gauge, compact inflator, chains if they are required on your route)
● Ice scraper & brush
● Flashlight (or backup phone battery)
● First-aid kit
● Road flares
● Blankets
● Gloves
● Extra warm clothing
● Pack of matches
● Non-perishable food & water
● Sand or kitty litter for traction
● Shovel
● Extra antifreeze
● Silicone spray, door-lock lubricant, or door antifreeze
While it may seem like a hefty kit, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. For easy packing, keep everything in the same duffle bag in the trunk of your car, then store it in your garage or designated storage space once the winter season is over.
Keep your car running smoothly midwinter
Even after going through the above checklist, your vehicle will still need to be maintained throughout the entire winter season.
1. Regularly check tire pressure
The air in your tires becomes cold and dense in the winter, which lowers the pressure. This means you may have to pump air into your tires more frequently than usual, particularly when the weather fluctuates. Otherwise, you risk losing traction and handling capabilities.
2. Keep the gas tank relatively full
An almost-empty gas tank in cold weather increases the risk of condensation forming inside. This moisture can freeze, blocking fuel lines and causing starting problems. Keeping the tank at least half full minimizes these risks.
3. Protect your car’s exterior and prevent frozen doors
Frozen locks and doors are a common winter nuisance. Preventive measures, such as applying silicone spray or door-lock lubricant, can stop them from freezing in the first place. If faced with a frozen lock, lock antifreeze products are invaluable.
Beyond the doors, safeguarding your vehicle's exterior with quality wax or sealant acts as a protective barrier against the corrosive effects of road salts and abrasive snow.
4. Give your vehicle time to warm up
While modern engines have reduced the need for extensive warm-ups, it's still beneficial to let your vehicle run gently for a minutes or miles in colder temperatures, allowing lubricating fluids to warm up before hitting that on-ramp at full throttle.
5. Drive defensively and take precautions
Driving in winter demands a defensive driving approach. This means anticipating potential hazards, reducing your speed, and being prepared for unfavorable weather conditions. Familiarize yourself with techniques such as steering into skids (turning your wheel in the direction you want the front wheels to go), knowing what gear to drive in, navigating hills, and extending your following distance, given the longer stopping time on snowy or icy roads.
Make sure that you pay attention to the visual, auditory, and haptic alerts generated by your car’s stability control system (if your car has one), as these indicate your tires are approaching or have reached the limits of their grip.
Get Ready for Winter with Mazda
Winter brings its slew of challenges, but with some preparation, you can conquer them all. To start off your to-do list, winterize your car and schedule a service appointment with Mazda.
Or, if you’re ready for an upgrade or new vehicle, consider the Mazda CX-50. Its rugged and athletic build, paired with responsive and intelligent i-ACTIV AWD® technology makes it an excellent option for traversing winter roads.
But our commitment to all-season driving doesn’t stop with the CX-50. All Mazda CUV models come standard with AWD to enhance traction, stability, and confidence in unpredictable road conditions.
To explore your options, shop online or visit your local Mazda Dealer today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.