Winterizing Your Vehicle: Where to Start
1. Tires: Your First Line of Defense
If there’s one thing you don’t want to ignore before winter, it’s your tires.
What to check:
- Tread depth: Use a tread depth gauge or the classic penny test. Adequate tread helps maintain traction on snow and ice.
- Wear patterns: Uneven wear may indicate alignment or suspension issues.
- Matching tires: Modern vehicles are highly sensitive to tire size, brand, and tread differences.
Today’s vehicles rely on advanced systems like traction control, stability control, and wheel speed sensors. If tire sizes or tread depths don’t match, your vehicle’s systems can become confused—sometimes triggering warning lights or unpredictable handling.
Winter tires vs. all-season tires:
- Winter tires perform best in cold and snow.
- They can be used year-round but will wear faster in warm weather.
- Vehicles with sport packages (low-profile, wide tires) often benefit most from dedicated winter tires.
When in doubt, consult a reputable shop and consider getting a second opinion for major tire decisions.
2. Battery: Cold Weather’s Silent Victim
Cold temperatures slow down chemical reactions—including the ones inside your battery.
Key guidelines:
- Most batteries last about five years (though this varies).
- Have your battery tested before extreme cold sets in.
- Electronic testers compensate for temperature, but technician expertise matters.
If your battery is near the five-year mark, testing it proactively could prevent a winter breakdown. And remember—being stranded in July is inconvenient. Being stranded in January can be dangerous.
3. Wiper Blades & Washer Fluid
Snow and salt reduce visibility quickly.
Check for:
- Torn or cracked wiper blades
- Streaking or poor windshield cleaning
- Proper winter-grade washer fluid
Washer fluid today already contains alcohol to prevent freezing. Some drivers add isopropyl alcohol-based products to increase freeze resistance—but be aware that higher concentrations can be harder on wiper blades.
4. Brakes: Pay Attention to Pedal Feel
Winter road salt can accelerate rust, particularly on brake components.
Watch for:
- Pulsating brake pedal
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Low or soft pedal feel
- Reduced fuel economy (a sign brakes may be sticking)
Brakes don’t require special “winter” treatment, but they do need proper inspection and maintenance. If something feels different, have it checked.
5. Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full
This simple habit can make a major difference.
Reasons to maintain at least a half tank:
- Reduces moisture buildup inside the tank
- Ensures you have fuel (and heat) if stranded
- Helps in case your vehicle is stuck at an angle in a ditch
If you slide off the road during bad weather, having fuel for heat can be critical while waiting for assistance.
6. Build a Winter Emergency Kit
In Wisconsin, preparation is everything.
Make sure you have:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Blanket
- Tow strap (if you’re comfortable using one safely)
- “Bucket of unstuck” (rock salt, gravel or traction material)
A small candle can even provide heat in emergency situations—though safety should always come first.
7. Car Washes & Salt: Myth vs. Reality
Road salt is unavoidable. While underbody washes may help somewhat, they’re not a magic solution.
Important considerations:
- Avoid car washes when temperatures are below freezing.
- Frozen doors, seals and handles can cause damage.
- Many car washes close in extreme cold for a reason.
If you do wash your vehicle in winter, ensure it has time to dry—especially if you don’t have a heated garage.
Learn to Keep Vehicles Running—Even in Wisconsin Winters
Across the board, the biggest takeaway from Lakeshore’s automotive instructors is simple—stick to preventative maintenance.
Students in the Automotive Maintenance Technician program at Lakeshore College learn these fundamentals from day one. They gain hands-on experience diagnosing real-world issues, understanding modern vehicle technology and helping customers make informed decisions.
If you’re interested in turning your passion for vehicles into a career, explore the Automotive Maintenance Technician program and start building the skills that keep Wisconsin moving all year long.
