Winter vehicle prep: Is your car ready for cold weather?

Winter vehicle prep: Is your car ready for cold weather?

Winter weather looks different across the country, but every driver can take precautions. Before temperatures drop or holiday travel begins, follow these tips to prepare your vehicle for winter before you hit the road.

Check your vehicle before cold weather arrives

Cold temperatures can reveal problems with your battery, tires, fluids and brakes. Scheduling a seasonal inspection now can help you address small issues before they interrupt a winter drive. Ask a trusted service professional to check these essentials:

• Tires: Check the tread and tire pressure, including the spare. If you regularly drive in snow or ice, ask whether winter tires are right for your conditions.
• Battery: Have the battery and charging system tested so you can address signs of weakness before temperatures drop.
• Fluids: Check the oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid, and follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual.
• Brakes: Schedule an inspection if you notice unusual sounds, pulling, vibration or changes in braking performance.
• A little preparation can help your car run more smoothly during winter and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs. 

Maximize safety with a full tank of gas

A fuller gas tank helps prevent condensation and reduces the risk of your fuel line freezing in especially cold conditions. Plus, should you encounter delays, traffic jams or even a roadside emergency, you’ll have the fuel you need to stay warm and on the move.

Pro tip: For diesel vehicles, follow the manufacturer’s cold-weather recommendations and ask a qualified professional whether a seasonal fuel treatment is appropriate.

Pack a winter car emergency kit

Even experienced drivers can encounter changing road conditions, delays or an unexpected breakdown. Pack a winter emergency kit now so useful supplies are within reach when you need them. Consider including:

• Blankets, gloves and hats to keep warm.
• Jumper cables or a portable car battery charger.
• A flashlight with extra batteries.
• Nonclumping cat litter, sand or traction mats in case your car gets stuck.
• Bottled water and high-calorie, nonperishable snacks.
• A portable shovel and ice scraper.
• A cellphone charger or fully charged portable power bank.

How roadside assistance apps can help

Your smartphone can help you quickly access roadside assistance and other useful services during winter travel. Whether you need a tow, directions to the nearest gas station or even help identifying the closest auto repair shop, roadside assistance apps can be powerful allies. Many options connect directly to GPS, so help can find you even if you’re not sure of your exact location.

Before hitting the road, make sure to download and try one of these apps, and save a direct call number for your vehicle’s roadside assistance provider. That way, you’ll have quick access to support no matter what winter conditions may arise. If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar®, your vehicle’s mobile app may let you request roadside assistance, lock or unlock the doors and remotely start the vehicle. Features vary by vehicle and plan.

TIP: Before your trip, check whether roadside assistance or towing is included with your insurance, vehicle coverage or another membership.

Taking the time to complete these cold-weather basics can take a little stress out of holiday travel. If these suggestions don’t put a bow on your winter prep, check out more tips for winterizing your car.

By Kelly Schaefer Hill, GM Financial

Soccer mom, corgi enthusiast, virtual learning teacher’s assistant, Kelly Schaefer Hill wears a lot of hats, but one thing she can’t stay away from is data and fun facts. When she’s not writing a post to answer your questions, she’s hanging with her family.