SNOW’S COMING: PREPARE NOW

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (November 13, 2024) – Winter is right around the corner, bringing cold temps, snow and ice, and unpredictable driving to Minnesota roads. Minnesotans are no stranger to winter driving, and it’s essential to make sure your car is winterized and ready for the season.

“While we’re still enjoying a milder fall here, Minnesotans are tackling all the chores – fall cleanup, putting up holiday lights, and unpacking winter clothing. Adding vehicle winterization to this list is an important step to make sure you’re prepared for winter driving and the hazards that come with it”, said Brynna Knapp, spokesperson for AAA.

Here is a car maintenance checklist for getting your car ready for the cold.

Get your battery tested

On winter’s coldest mornings, you’ll need your car’s battery to be fully charged and in good condition to start the engine. Your vehicle relies on electricity from the battery to start. Colder temperatures significantly reduce the rate of chemical reactions within your battery which, in turn, reduces its efficacy in starting and powering your vehicle.

AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can test and replace weak batteries. If you do encounter a battery problem at home or on the road, AAA Members can request a visit from roadside assistance for AAA Mobile Battery Service—a technician will test your battery and replace it onsite, if necessary.

Examine antifreeze levels

Antifreeze is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, or propylene glycol. Antifreeze is essential for keeping your vehicle’s engine functioning properly no matter the season. Without it, your engine could overheat in the summer or seize up in the winter. As winter approaches, check the coolant in the overflow tank when the engine is cold and turned off. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and distilled water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability.

Add repellent to your windshield

By adding hydrophobic repellent like Rain-X to your windshield, scraping ice-covered windshields and windows will be easier than you think. Be sure that your windshield is clean and dry when starting the application process. If properly applied, scraping off the ice will be much easier this winter. Lastly, ensure your windshield wiper fluid is rated for freezing temperatures so you can safely navigate on Minnesota roads.

Check or change your tires

Check the inflation pressure of all four tires and the spare more frequently in winter. This is especially important if you reside in a state like Minnesota that regularly deals with snowy and icy roads. Snow and ice make roads slick and difficult for tires to gain traction. It is important to be ready for the season whether that means inspecting your current tires or changing to winter ready tires.

Can I drive this winter with low tire pressure or tread?

If your low tire pressure warning light came on, fill up your tires to the level recommended by your manufacturer, you can find this information in your owner’s manual or on your door jamb. This is the recommended level specifically for cold weather, so you’ll want to fill up before heading out and after your car has been sitting for a while. If you can’t fill your tires at home, stop to fill them up before your commute. This light comes on specifically to warn you that you might not have enough pressure for the road conditions, so don’t ignore it.

If, once filled, your tires fail the quarter test for tread, it’s time for new tires. Avoid driving, especially in wintry conditions, until you have them.

Check your headlights

With darker days and snowy weather limiting visibility, having clear, functional headlights is essential for your safety and the safety of others. Cloudy headlights reduce your ability to see and be seen at night, especially in snow and fog. To ensure that they are ready for the winter, consider purchasing a headlight restoration kit. They allow you to restore your headlight housing and remove dirt, debris, and grime so that you can achieve the best visibility.

In addition to cleaning your headlights, it is important to make sure they are functioning properly. Prior to winter, you should consider the following: Do both the high beams and low beams work and operate at full brightness? Headlights tend to dim 20% each year over a five-year period. If your headlights are toward the end of their lifespan, it may be time to consider a replacement.

Let a professional look at your brakes

Car brakes don’t always give a warning when they’re worn low or experiencing other problems, and you don’t want to discover there’s an issue with them on an icy road. Have them checked before winter arrives and monitor for symptoms throughout the winter as well.

Prepare a winter-weather emergency car safety items

With winter approaching, it is important to be prepared for emergencies with items in a car emergency kit. Snow could leave you stranded on the side of a road; your car could fail to start, or you could experience an accident because of icy roads.

Keep an emergency kit equipped for winter weather handy. The safety items should include:

• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Ice scraper with brush
• Jumper cables
• Gloves, hats and blankets—enough for everyone who may ride in your car
• First-aid kit
• Snow shovel
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Window washer solvent
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Drinking water – fill halfway to prevent from freezing
• Non-perishable snacks (energy or granola bars)
• Extra clothes
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
• Mobile phone preprogrammed with important numbers, including family and AAA for roadside assistance, plus a car charger compatible with that phone

Take care when driving this winter

Careful driving remains a top priority every time you get into your car this winter. “No matter how well prepared you and your car are for winter, snow and ice will always pose significant risks. Once the snow starts to fly, budget extra time, take it slow, and keep an eye on traffic conditions in front of you. You’re not invincible and watch out for the driver who thinks that they are”, said Knapp.