• Home
  • About Maureen
    • As Seen On
    • Contact Me
  • Reviews/PR Requests
  • Contact Me
  • Blogger Resources
  • Privacy Policy

Wisconsin Mommy

Resources and Reviews for Parents by a PR friendly mommy blogger and brand ambassador

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Wisconsin Doggy
  • Travel
    • Hotel Reviews
  • Technology
  • Beauty
  • Healthy Living
    • Wellness Wednesday
    • Gardening
  • Around Wisconsin
    • Field Trip Friday
  • Reviews
    • Entertainment
    • Around the Home
      • Home Decorating
      • Home Office
    • Car and Automotive Reviews
  • Recipes

Get Your Car Ready for Cold Weather

Winter is almost here and colder weather can present certain unique challenges when it comes to operating your automobile. Is your car ready for winter? Taking steps to make sure your car is cold weather ready can help keep you out of potentially dangerous situations later on.  Since many families (including mine) tend to take longer road trips during the holidays, having your vehicle in tip-top shape is essential for the safety of your family. Before you head out onto the road, take a few steps to make sure your car is prepared for cold weather.

car cold weather ready

 Make sure your battery is in top shape.

Starting your car in frigid temps takes a lot of juice and if your battery is ready to die, the cold weather may just push it over the edge. Better to have it checked by a professional and replaced if necessary than be stranded with a car that won’t start.

Make sure you can see clearly.

Old wipers will not clear snow or salt as well as new ones will. Wipers made specifically for winter weather can handle the harsher conditions and corrosive salt spray that gets kicked up. Also be sure to add plenty of winter washer fluid to your reservoir and consider keeping an extra gallon in the trunk for refills. Driving with a reduced field of vision is a recipe for disaster.

Check your tires.

Tires need to have a good amount of tread in order to grip the road in snowy or icy conditions. In addition to tread depth, check your tire pressure often. Changing temperatures can affect tire pressure and result in low pressure during cold weather. Personally, I prefer switching over to winter tires during the cold months as I see a significant improvement in traction and control.

Plan for the worst.

Hopefully, you will never be in the position of being stuck or stranded in frigid temperatures, but carrying supplies just in case is a smart idea. I have a plastic container with extra hats and gloves, hand warmers, snacks, and bottled water that I keep in my car at all times. I also have an extra wool blanket in my trunk.

Have a professional look over your vehicle.

While checking the tires is probably something you can do yourself, having a professional check your battery, breaks, fluid levels, and even replace your wipers for you is a good thing to do before heading out on a winter road trip. When it comes to finding someone reliable and trustworthy to look at your car, think about using a TECHNET shop. TECHNET shops are local, family owned and independent and can personalize your service experience to fit exactly what you need. Plus you are supporting your own community and a local small business owner, two things that are important to me.

You can locate a local TECHNET shop near you on their website. I was thrilled to see that there are many within just a short drive from my house including the shop we use regularly. You can also connect and learn more on Facebook and Twitter.

What steps do you take to get your car ready for cold weather? Share them below!

 

 

Comments | 71 comments

« Treat Yourself to Better Skin
Easy Potato Corn Chowder »

Comments

  1. Mary O'Malley says

    January 10, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    These are all great tips for keeping the car prepared and ready for winter.

    Reply
    • Heidi Salisbury says

      January 18, 2015 at 10:12 pm

      The battery tip is great !

      Reply
  2. Kristin says

    January 10, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    Great tips for those who live in the snowy weather states/areas. I’d also recommend to have an ice scraper, extra gloves, cardboard box (to kneel on when you need to install chains) and a shovel in the trunk when you are out driving. You never know if you need those when you are not home.

    Reply
  3. Catherine S says

    January 10, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    These are really great tips. I live in Florida so we don’t so much to prep for winter.

    Reply
  4. Debbie L. says

    January 11, 2015 at 5:08 am

    I too live in Wisconsin – it is FREEZING here! I always warm up my car – my Jeep needs to sit a while before I make her move when it is so cold outside!

    Reply
  5. aimee fauci says

    January 11, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    In Texas we rarely have cold harsh weather. I normally make sure I have my ice scraper ready and learn where the defrost button is.

    Reply
  6. fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says

    January 11, 2015 at 5:36 pm

    Thanks for the good tips. Living in Arizona it doesn’t get as cold, but does get cold here.

    Reply
  7. Pam says

    January 11, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    We have had a fairly mild winter so far but that just changed. I just had to check the air in my tires because when it got colder they went flat!

    Reply
  8. Stacey- Travel Blogger says

    January 11, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    I think checking your tires is always very important regardless of the weather. This tips are great! Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Beth@KCMompreneurs says

    January 11, 2015 at 9:58 pm

    I haven’t checked my car to see if it is winter ready. I have been lucky so far.

    Reply
  10. Debbie Denny says

    January 11, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    Very good advice. Ours is ready.

    Reply
  11. Deb Jackson says

    January 15, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    I didn’t know warming the car could be illegal. Who knew to check?

    Reply
  12. Tom B. says

    January 15, 2015 at 9:29 pm

    Great tips. Having a good battery is key because they can really take a beating with the cold temps in the north.

    Reply
  13. Janet W. says

    January 16, 2015 at 4:31 am

    One thing I can do to get my car ready for winter is to check the tread and tire pressure of my tires.

    Reply
  14. Lily @militaryfamof8 says

    January 16, 2015 at 10:57 am

    definitely never needed to do any cold weather preparation while living in California, but since living in NY; wow!

    I noticed the tire pressure on the tires this winter while driving a friend’s car.
    thank you for the tips!

    Reply
  15. Krystal says

    January 17, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Tires are SO important during winter and even summer! I know that I need to get mine looked at.

    Reply
  16. aduduna says

    January 17, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    my car ready for winter

    Reply
  17. Tina Bredbury says

    January 17, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    There’s so much you could do. Important to us, is making sure the wiper blades work and are new, and the oil is replaced every certain amount of miles and the tires have good tread!

    Reply
  18. Kayte CookWatts says

    January 17, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    I always make sure that I have bottles of water in the car in case we get stranded for a long period.

    Reply
  19. Paula Gardner says

    January 17, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    Checked the tires and they looked scary so just had 4 new tires put on the car.

    Reply
  20. Stephanie Phelps says

    January 17, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    One thing I learned (and luckily already do) is to check the tread and pressure on your tires to get them ready for winter temperatures.

    Reply
  21. Traver Freeman says

    January 17, 2015 at 9:25 pm

    Check your tires!

    Reply
  22. Amy Pratt says

    January 18, 2015 at 6:38 am

    It is the worst thing to have bad wipers in a snowstorm, so I always try to make sure mine are in good shape.

    Reply
  23. Megan C says

    January 18, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Fortunately my car always tells me if my tire pressure is low, which happens when it first gets cold here, so I can maintain my tires throughout the season.

    Reply
  24. Richard Hicks says

    January 18, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I like checking to make sure your batter is in top shape

    Reply
  25. Caroline Wampler says

    January 18, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    I am a big planner so planning for the worst is a great tip! And checking the battery!

    Reply
  26. Rachel Travis says

    January 18, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    I put different windshield washer fluid and winter wiper blades on my car to prepare for winter!

    Reply
  27. rick says

    January 18, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    I agree, checking your tires and making sure you have enough air in them.

    Reply
  28. Barbara Fox says

    January 18, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    Our winters are not too bad but we get ready by checking all the fluids and changing the oil. I also make sure there is a blanket in the trunk just in case.

    Reply
  29. Jay H says

    January 19, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    Checked tires. Thanks for chance.

    Reply
  30. saegan anderson says

    January 20, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    check your tires

    Reply
  31. Audra O'Hara says

    January 21, 2015 at 6:57 am

    I think it’s a good tip/reminder to check your tires. We checked ours this fall and realized we needed new tires before the winter weather.

    Reply
  32. Tricia M. says

    January 21, 2015 at 9:27 am

    I did not know that in some areas it is illegal to let your car warm up.

    Reply
  33. Sarah Hirsch says

    January 21, 2015 at 11:55 am

    make sure you have wiper fluid – windows seem to get so dirty in the winter

    Reply
  34. Brandy Davis says

    January 21, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    I always check my fluids, battery, and tires in the winter.

    Reply
  35. Jesse S says

    January 21, 2015 at 3:31 pm

    I get my oil changed and make sure my battery is charged.

    Reply
  36. Zella Mckheen says

    January 22, 2015 at 5:29 am

    I learned at an early age to always make sure you have antifreeze if your car and always make sure you warm your vehicle up. Make sure you have good wipers, make sure you have a good battery too. and always have a flash light and blankets in your vehicle for just in case.

    Reply
  37. Kelly says

    January 22, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    I pack a box full of warm clothing, some snacks and a first aid kit. I hope and pray that I never have to use it, but always want to be prepared.

    Reply
  38. Maritza Robinson says

    January 22, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Great tips. It doesn’t snow where I live. But I do check tires and windshield wipers for when we get rain.

    Reply
  39. Rachel says

    January 22, 2015 at 8:43 pm

    Make sure your battery is in top shape!

    Reply
  40. Aimee Trader says

    January 23, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Having extra hats and gloves is a great idea! I would throw some old hoodies and snowpants in as well. A week ago my cars gas gage wasn’t working and I ran out of gas! Mind you it was below 20 out! Luckily my fiancé came and saved me!

    Reply
  41. jeanine tedeschi says

    January 23, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Make sure you life your wipers if you are expecting snow!!!

    Reply
  42. Talena A says

    January 23, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    have to check my tires! this scared me

    Reply
  43. Robin says

    January 24, 2015 at 7:28 am

    I recommend having an ice scrapper and brush to get ice and snow off the windshield of your car.

    Reply
  44. John Iavarone says

    January 24, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Living in snowy Ma, I always, always, always have my tires checked and if they show extra wear I change them.

    Reply
  45. Theresa Smith says

    January 24, 2015 at 11:40 am

    It reminded me to have the washer fluid filled up and maybe some extra on hand.

    Reply
  46. Jennifer Rodrigues says

    January 24, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    All great tips. Checking your tires is especially a good one bc people forget.

    Reply
  47. Joy McFalls says

    January 25, 2015 at 5:09 pm

    Check your tires.

    Reply
  48. melissa M says

    January 25, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    I keep extra wiper fluid in the car.

    Reply
  49. Cori Westphal says

    January 25, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    I definitely make sure I have plenty of below zero washer fluid so I can see clearly!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    Reply
  50. Ashley says

    January 25, 2015 at 10:26 pm

    Make sure you properly inflate your tires.

    Reply
  51. Daniel M says

    January 26, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    check all fluids

    Reply
  52. Lisa V. says

    January 26, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Make sure your battery is in top shape.

    Reply
  53. joe gersch says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:32 am

    i can check my tire pressure

    Reply
  54. Kim H says

    January 27, 2015 at 6:19 am

    Care ready preparations include blankets and emergency kits with jumper cables and a check of tires and batteries

    Reply
  55. Deb Ford says

    January 27, 2015 at 9:42 am

    I know I can be better at checking my tire pressure

    Reply
  56. Kassie Brown says

    January 27, 2015 at 9:54 am

    I like the tip on making sure you can see out of your car clearly. Living in Florida, You don’t deal with frost very often.

    Reply
  57. Bridgett Wilbur says

    January 27, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    I always check my tires.

    Reply
  58. Bibilu says

    January 27, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Don’t forget to change the oil and keep the window-washing liquid container full.

    Reply
  59. tina reynolds says

    January 27, 2015 at 8:47 pm

    I get me fluids checked and my winter tires put on

    Reply
  60. Anca says

    January 27, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    I don’t have a car

    Reply
  61. karen hunter says

    January 27, 2015 at 11:12 pm

    I should have made sure my battery was in top shape because right now my car will not start because of the battery, why didn’t i see this blog post 2 days ago….awwwwwwww

    Reply
  62. Lisa Davis says

    January 27, 2015 at 11:53 pm

    check the tread on your tires

    Reply
  63. latanya says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:31 am

    we get our tires checked

    Reply
  64. hilda torres says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:31 am

    check the oil

    Reply
  65. Teresa Salerno says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:52 am

    I put a blanket, extra pair of gloves and a hat in the car in case I get stuck I can keep warm in case I get stuck.

    Reply
  66. Jaime S says

    January 28, 2015 at 8:54 am

    These are great tips. I can easily check my wipers and tires, but I confess all else is done by my husband.

    Reply
  67. Patrice P. says

    January 28, 2015 at 9:01 am

    That is a good tip regarding having your battery checked out by a professional before cold weather starts.

    Reply
  68. megan blumenthal says

    January 28, 2015 at 10:22 am

    I live in Southern California so thankfully I don’t have to worry about this!

    Reply
  69. Spider Tarp says

    July 13, 2023 at 8:00 pm

    Car maintenance is an often-overlooked aspect of car ownership, but it is absolutely essential for keeping our cars running smoothly and safely. I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment that regular car maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of our car and avoiding costly repairs down the road.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Maureen Fitzgerald of Wisconsin Mommy

Maureen Fitzgerald is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin influencer, brand enthusiast and strategist. She helps brands reach more potential customers through targeted consultation sessions, press coverage, product reviews and campaigns both at WisconsinMommy.com and by leveraging her blogger network. You can also see Maureen hamming it up on her YouTube channel at WisconsinMommy.tv. READ MORE...
All links on this site may be affiliate links and should be considered as such. WisconsinMommy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com as well as other affiliate programs. The cost to you remains the same, but I make a very small commission off of your purchase. Thanks for supporting WisconsinMommy!

gardening information

home improvement ideas

easy recipes

There….I Said It.

boy holding iphone over ixpand charger

The Easiest Way To Charge and Backup Your Phone

Extend the Life of Your Mac

Five Reasons Why I Love the Amazon Echo Show

Copyright © 2025 · Wisconsin Mommy ✺ All Rights Reserved