How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter Driving

Winter weather in the New York area can change quickly. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, rain and road salt can all create additional challenges for drivers and their vehicles.

Whether you drive a luxury sedan, SUV, sports car, EV or hybrid, taking some time to prepare your vehicle before winter arrives can help you stay safer and more comfortable on the road—and may help identify maintenance needs before they become bigger problems.

Here are some important steps to get your vehicle ready for winter driving.

Check Your Tires

Your tires are your vehicle’s primary connection to the road, making their condition especially important when roads become wet, snowy or icy.

Before winter, check your tires for:

• Adequate tread depth
• Uneven wear
• Proper tire pressure
• Cracks, bulges or other visible damage
• Age and overall condition

Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop, so check your tire pressure as temperatures begin to fall. Always follow the tire-pressure specifications recommended for your specific vehicle.

Should You Use Winter Tires?

Winter tires may be appropriate for drivers who regularly encounter significant snow, ice and consistently cold temperatures.

Winter tires are specifically designed to remain flexible in colder conditions and provide traction characteristics suited to winter driving. All-season tires may be appropriate for many drivers, but the best choice depends on your vehicle, driving habits and the conditions you typically encounter.

Your dealership’s service team can help you determine which tire option is appropriate for your vehicle.

Have Your Battery Tested

Cold temperatures can be particularly demanding on a vehicle’s battery.

If your battery is several years old, consider having it tested before winter. Identifying a weak battery before the temperature drops can help prevent an unexpected no-start situation on a cold morning.

This is especially important for modern vehicles, which rely on sophisticated electrical systems for everything from starting and lighting to climate control, infotainment and advanced driver-assistance technology.

Check Your Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers

Visibility is critical during winter driving.

Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is filled with a winter-rated washer fluid designed for freezing temperatures. Plain water can freeze in the reservoir, lines or spray nozzles.

Also inspect your windshield wipers. If they leave streaks, skip across the windshield or don’t effectively clear rain and road spray, consider replacing them before winter.

Inspect Your Brakes

Winter conditions can make stopping more difficult, so your braking system should be in good condition before the season begins.

Have your brakes checked for:

• Brake pad wear
• Rotor condition
• Brake fluid condition
• Unusual noises
• Vibrations or changes in braking performance

Remember that even a properly maintained braking system cannot eliminate the increased stopping distances associated with snow and ice. Adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.

Check Your Fluids

Before winter, make sure the fluids appropriate for your vehicle are at the correct levels and in good condition.

Depending on the vehicle, these can include:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Brake fluid
• Windshield washer fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Other manufacturer-specific fluids

Your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule and owner’s manual should be used to determine which services and fluid checks are appropriate.

Make Sure Your Heating and Defrosting Systems Work Properly

Your vehicle’s climate-control system becomes an important safety feature during winter.

Before cold weather arrives, make sure your vehicle can:

• Produce heat effectively
• Defrost the windshield
• Clear condensation from the windows
• Maintain a comfortable cabin temperature

If your vehicle isn’t heating or defrosting properly, have the system inspected before winter weather arrives.

Check Your Lights

Winter means shorter days and potentially reduced visibility from snow, rain, fog and road spray.

Check that your:

• Headlights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Hazard lights
• Fog lights, if equipped
• Exterior lighting

are working properly.

It’s also important to keep your lights clean. Road salt, dirt and slush can accumulate on light lenses and reduce visibility.

Prepare Your EV or Hybrid for Winter

Electric and hybrid vehicles have their own considerations when temperatures drop.

Cold weather can affect EV range and charging performance, particularly during very low temperatures. If you’re planning a longer trip, allow additional range for weather and driving conditions.

If your vehicle offers scheduled departure times or battery/cabin preconditioning, using those features can help prepare the vehicle before you leave.

Because winter operating characteristics vary by vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s app for specific recommendations for your EV or hybrid.

Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Vehicle

Even a properly maintained vehicle can encounter unexpected conditions.

Consider keeping a winter emergency kit that includes:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Jumper cables or an appropriate portable jump starter
• First-aid supplies
• Gloves
• Blanket
• Bottled water
• Phone charger
• Basic emergency supplies

If you regularly travel long distances or through areas that receive significant snowfall, consider adding additional supplies appropriate for your driving conditions.

Clear Snow and Ice Before You Drive

Before heading out, completely clear snow and ice from your vehicle.

Pay particular attention to:

• Windshield
• Side windows
• Mirrors
• Roof
• Hood
• Trunk
• Headlights
• Taillights
• License plates

Snow left on the roof can slide onto the windshield during braking or blow off and obstruct the view of other drivers.

Don’t rely solely on your vehicle’s defroster to remove thick ice. Use an appropriate ice scraper and allow enough time to clear the glass safely.

Adjust Your Driving for Winter Conditions

Even the most advanced vehicle cannot eliminate the risks associated with snow and ice.

When winter conditions are present:

• Reduce your speed
• Increase following distance
• Brake earlier and more gently
• Accelerate gradually
• Avoid sudden steering inputs
• Allow additional time for your trip
• Be particularly careful on bridges, ramps and shaded areas where ice can form

Traction control, stability control, all-wheel drive and other driver-assistance technologies can help, but they cannot create traction where the road surface provides very little.

Ultimately, the driver remains responsible for operating the vehicle safely according to road and weather conditions.

Consider a Pre-Winter Vehicle Inspection

One of the easiest ways to prepare for winter is to have your vehicle inspected before the weather turns.

A manufacturer-authorized dealership can check important components such as:

• Tires
• Brakes
• Battery
• Fluids
• Wipers
• Lights
• Heating and climate-control systems
• Other manufacturer-specific maintenance items

A seasonal inspection can be particularly helpful if your vehicle has accumulated significant mileage, you are planning a winter road trip or you’re unsure when certain maintenance items were last checked.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter at Pepe Auto Group

Winter driving in the New York area can be unpredictable. Preparing your vehicle before the first major storm gives you an opportunity to address routine maintenance and make sure your vehicle is ready for colder temperatures and changing road conditions.

At Pepe Auto Group, our dealership service teams work with the vehicles they represent and can help you prepare for the winter season—from tires and brakes to scheduled maintenance and seasonal inspections.

Whether you drive a Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Porsche, Audi or Genesis, don’t wait for the first major snowfall to discover that your vehicle needs attention.

Schedule your pre-winter service and start the season prepared.