5 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter 2025

Winter 2025 is right around the corner, and if you live somewhere with snow, ice, or freezing rain (hello, Colorado), now’s the time to make sure your vehicle is ready. Cold weather can take a toll on your battery, fluids, and windshield wipers — and small steps now can prevent major headaches once the temperature drops.

Here are five simple things you can do to keep your car running safely and smoothly all season long.

1. Test Your Battery Before It’s Freezing

Cold weather dramatically reduces battery performance. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested at a local shop before the first hard freeze. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and tighten loose connections.

Pro tip: park in a garage or use a battery blanket during extreme cold spells to extend its life.

2. Top Off and Replace Essential Fluids

Winter demands a different mix of fluids than summer:

• Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid rated for sub-zero temps.

• Check engine coolant levels and ensure the antifreeze ratio is correct.

• Replace oil if you’re due soon — fresh oil flows better in cold starts.

These small changes make cold-weather starts easier and help protect your engine.

3. Inspect and Replace Your Wiper Blades

Visibility is everything in winter driving. If your blades streak, skip, or chatter, replace them before the first storm. If you're not sure what type of blades your vehicles uses, try our Find My Wipers tool—it's a easy as year, make, model.

If your blades are over 6-12 months old or have hardened rubber, it might be time for new ones.

4. Test Your Heater and Defroster

Run your heater and defroster early to make sure both work properly. A weak defroster can fog or freeze your windshield faster than you can clear it — a dangerous combo during a snowstorm.

If the airflow seems weak, clean your cabin air filter or have your system inspected.

5. Check Your Tires

Your tires are your only contact point with the road — and they make a huge difference in winter safety.

• Check tread depth.

• Make sure tire pressure matches your owner’s manual — cold air reduces PSI.

• If your area regularly sees snow or ice, consider switching to winter tires.

Good traction means better braking, better handling, and less stress in icy conditions. Some states may also recommend or require tire chains as well, so be sure to check with your state's Department of Transportation as well.

It's also helpful to familiarize yourself with your vehicle's drivetrain. Makes like Subaru are often AWD, while Ford F-150 and other truck models are often 4WD. Understanding the drivetrain of your vehicle can help you handle conditions like ice and snow with more confidence.

Bonus: Clean and Protect Your Windshield

Before winter sets in:

• Clean the inside and outside of your windshield with glass cleaner.
  

• Keep an ice scraper and microfiber cloth handy in your glove box.

A clean, protected windshield keeps your wipers working better and improves visibility.

Final Thoughts

Winter car prep isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns — it’s about staying safe and confident behind the wheel. A few minutes of maintenance now can save you hours of frustration later. For more information, you can also check out the winter preparedness checklist from the National Weather Service.

If your wipers are due for replacement, check our Find My Wipers tool to get the right fit in seconds.