When the first snow falls and temperatures drop, most drivers think about snow tires and maybe topping off the windshield washer fluid. But winter weather does more than coat your car in salt and ice. It quietly tests every system under the hood. And while some cold-weather prep is common, other important tasks often get skipped.
Here are seven winter maintenance steps that many drivers overlook, but that can make a big difference in how your car performs during the coldest months.
1. Checking Battery Health Under Load
Most people only replace the battery when the car won’t start. But cold temperatures make it harder for your battery to produce the same amount of power. A battery that starts fine in the fall might struggle when the thermometer drops.
Testing battery voltage is helpful, but a proper load test gives a more accurate picture of the battery’s condition. Many auto shops will do this as part of a winter inspection. If your battery is three years old or more, now is the time to check it.
2. Replacing Wiper Blades and Fluid with Winter-Specific Products
Windshield wipers are easy to forget until they stop working well. Summer blades tend to stiffen or crack in the cold, and they might not clear slush or ice effectively.
Winter blades are made of heavier rubber and are better suited to freezing conditions. Along with those, make sure your washer fluid is rated for below-freezing temperatures. Standard fluid can freeze on contact, leaving you with a smeared, icy windshield when visibility matters most.
3. Testing the Thermostat and Cabin Heat
If your car takes a long time to warm up or never quite gets hot enough inside, the thermostat could be sticking open. A faulty thermostat not only keeps you cold but also prevents the engine from reaching its ideal operating temperature. That can impact fuel efficiency and increase engine wear.
Drivers often assume the heater is just slow, but a quick diagnostic can reveal whether the thermostat is doing its job or needs replacement.
4. Checking Tire Pressure More Frequently
Cold air causes tire pressure to drop, sometimes by one to two pounds per square inch for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Underinflated tires affect traction, fuel economy, and wear patterns.
Don’t rely on a once-a-month check in winter. Use a quality pressure gauge every week or two, especially after a deep freeze or snowstorm.
5. Flushing or Topping Off Antifreeze
Coolant isn’t only for hot summer days. It’s also what prevents the water in your engine from freezing solid overnight. Over time, antifreeze can lose its effectiveness or become diluted with water. A proper freeze-point test can tell you whether the coolant still offers enough protection for your local climate.
Topping it off with the wrong type of coolant can also cause problems, so use the fluid recommended for your vehicle and check for leaks near hoses and the radiator.
6. Inspecting Belts and Hoses for Cold-Weather Weakness
Rubber parts get brittle in cold weather. Belts can crack, and hoses can split when the temperature swings from freezing at night to warmer during the day. While these parts may look fine in the summer, winter stress reveals hidden weaknesses.
A visual inspection for soft spots, swelling, or small cracks is worth the few minutes it takes and can prevent a breakdown later.
7. Checking 4WD or AWD Operation (Before You Need It)
Just because the 4WD or AWD light comes on doesn’t mean the system is fully functional. Actuators, transfer cases, and electronic sensors can develop issues that aren’t obvious until you hit a patch of snow or ice.
If your vehicle has a selectable drive mode, make sure it engages properly and stays engaged. If anything feels delayed or unusual, it may be time for a system check before you need it in an emergency.
Winter Prep Done Right at Cottman of Waldorf in Waldorf, MD
Winter doesn’t wait until your car is ready. At Cottman of Waldorf in Waldorf, MD, we can inspect all these commonly missed maintenance items and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the cold, ice, and snow ahead. A little attention now can prevent a lot of frustration later.