Tips

How to Winterize Your Vehicle: Cold-Weather Car Prep Made Easy

December 1, 2025
Honest Wrenches Auto Repair

Winter in Iowa isn’t just cold, it’s brutal on vehicles. From frozen batteries to icy roads, your car faces a lot of challenges once the temperature drops. The good news? A little winter prep can go a long way in keeping you safe, warm, and on the road.

At Honest Wrenches, we know how important it is to have a vehicle you can rely on when the snow starts to fall. Here’s your step-by-step guide to winterizing your vehicle like a pro.

1. Test Your Battery

Cold weather is a battery killer. As temperatures drop, your battery loses strength—and if it’s already weak, it may not start your car on the coldest days.

Winter Battery Tips:

If your battery is over 3 years old, have it tested.
Look for signs of corrosion or loose cables.
Consider upgrading to a battery with higher cold cranking amps (CCA) for better cold-start performance.

We’ll test your battery for free at Honest Wrenches to make sure it’s ready for winter.

2. Check Your Antifreeze (Coolant)

Your engine needs antifreeze to prevent freezing and overheating. Make sure your coolant is:

At the right level
A proper 50/50 antifreeze-to-water mix
Clean and free of rust or debris

If your coolant hasn’t been flushed in the last 2–3 years, it’s time.

3. Inspect Your Tires (And Consider Snow Tires)

Tires are your first line of defense on icy roads. Without proper tread and pressure, you’re at risk of slipping, skidding, and losing control.

Winter Tire Tips:

Check tread depth (you want at least 6/32″ for winter)
Inflate to the recommended PSI (cold temps lower tire pressure)
Rotate if needed for even wear
Consider switching to winter tires for better traction in snow and ice

We’ll check your tires and recommend the best options based on how and where you drive.

4. Replace Wiper Blades & Refill Washer Fluid

Between snow, salt, and slush, visibility is everything in winter.

Wiper Tips:

Replace blades if they streak or squeak
Use winter-grade washer fluid that won’t freeze
Keep extra washer fluid in your trunk

You can also opt for winter-specific wiper blades designed to handle ice buildup.

5. Check Your Brakes

You need maximum stopping power on slick roads. Have your brakes inspected for:

Pad thickness
Rotor condition
Brake fluid level and cleanliness

If you hear grinding, squeaking, or feel vibrations when stopping, don’t wait; it could be time for a brake service.

6. Inspect Belts & Hoses

Cold temps can make rubber parts brittle, leading to cracks and leaks. A quick inspection of your belts and hoses can prevent mid-winter breakdowns.

We’ll look for:

Cracks or fraying in belts
Bulges, leaks, or stiffness in hoses
Signs of wear around clamps and connectors

7. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

Be prepared for the unexpected with an emergency kit that includes:

Jumper cables or jump starter
Ice scraper & snow brush
Flashlight with extra batteries
Blanket or extra warm clothes
Phone charger
First aid kit
Non-perishable snacks & bottled water
Small shovel and sand/kitty litter for traction

8. Check the Heat & Defrost System

Make sure your heater is blowing warm air and your defrosters are working properly. If they’re not, it could be an issue with the blower motor, thermostat, or coolant levels.

Cold toes and foggy windows make for miserable (and dangerous) winter drives; get it fixed before it becomes a problem.

9. Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full

In freezing temps, a low fuel tank can cause moisture to freeze in the gas lines. Plus, if you get stranded, you’ll be glad you have enough fuel to run the heat.

Bonus: It’s also easier on your fuel pump and reduces condensation inside your tank.

10. Schedule a Winter Readiness Check with Honest Wrenches

Winter driving is no joke. At Honest Wrenches, we’ll make sure your vehicle is fully prepped for whatever Iowa’s winter throws your way. Our Winter Readiness Check includes: