Each year, over 1,300 people are killed and 116,000 injured in crashes on snowy or icy pavement. And when temperatures plummet, RAC patrols deal with more than 400,000 battery-related faults every winter. The good news? Most winter breakdowns and accidents are preventable with proper preparation. This guide covers everything you need, from battery checks to emergency kits—to keep you and your family safe when the mercury drops.
The FORCES Quick Winter Checklist
Battery: The #1 Winter Failure Point
Cold weather is brutal on car batteries. At freezing temperatures, a battery's starting power drops by 35%, and a battery that works fine in warm weather may fail completely when temperatures plummet. Most batteries last about four years.
Signs of a failing battery include:
- Slow engine crank when starting
- Dim headlights or interior lights
- Check engine light illumination
- Battery age over 3-4 years
What to do:
- Test battery voltage and cold-cranking amps before temperatures drop
- Clean corrosion from battery terminals
- Ensure connections are tight and secure
- If your battery is over four years old, consider replacement before winter hits
Tires: Your Only Connection to the Road
That's enough to trigger your TPMS warning light and significantly affect handling and braking.
Winter tire checklist:
- Check tire pressure weekly, especially after sudden temperature drops
- Use the pressure listed on your driver's door placard, not the tire sidewall
- For extra safety, add 1-2 PSI above the recommendation to account for overnight temperature swings
- Check tread depth—minimum legal is 1.6mm, but 3mm is recommended for winter safety
- Consider dedicated winter tires if you face regular snow and ice
Fluids: Oil, Coolant, and Washer Fluid
Oil: Synthetic oil has better pourability in cold weather and is the best choice for winter. Check oil levels regularly—RAC patrols find one in three cars dangerously low on oil.
Coolant: Check levels when the engine is cold. Frozen coolant can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Windshield washer fluid: Use a quality winter-grade fluid effective down to at least -15°C (5°F). Standard fluid can freeze in the tank, leaving you unable to clean your windshield.
Fuel: Keep your tank at least half full to prevent condensation from freezing in fuel lines. For gas vehicles, running a bottle of Heet or isopropyl alcohol can treat frozen lines.
Wipers and Defrosting
- Replace wiper blades if they streak or leave gaps
- Never use wipers if frozen to the windshield: this can blow fuses or damage the wiper motor
- Lift wiper blades up when parked to prevent freezing to the glass
- Cover your windshield with an old sheet or blanket to prevent ice buildup
Never use hot water on frozen glass: it can crack the windshield.
Lights and Visibility
- Check all lights: headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights
- Clean lights regularly—winter grime reduces visibility
- Ensure high beams and fog lights are functioning
- Carry spare bulbs if your vehicle uses replaceable types
Electric Vehicle Winter Guide
Essential EV winter practices:
- Precondition while plugged in: Warm the battery and cabin before driving using grid power, not your battery
- Keep it plugged in overnight: This maintains battery temperature and prevents deep discharge
- Maintain 20% minimum charge: Never let the battery drop below 20% in cold weather
- Use seat heaters instead of cabin heat: Heated seats and steering wheel use far less energy than blasting the heater
- Charge more frequently: Plan for shorter intervals between charges
- Check tire pressure weekly: EVs are heavier, making correct pressure even more critical
- Charge in warmer conditions: Use indoor charging or charge during the warmest part of the day when possible
Precharging checklist:
- Ensure charging port is clean and dry before plugging in
- Remove any ice or snow from the charging port
- Allow extra time for charging—cold batteries charge more slowly
Emergency Kit: What to Carry
If you become stranded, these items can save your life:
- Jumper cables
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Blankets
- Extra warm clothes
- Sand/kitty litter
- Small shovel
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Phone charger
- Road flares
- Ice scraper
If You Become Stranded
AAA and emergency responders offer this life-saving advice:
- Stay in your vehicle unless it's unsafe (such as on a blind curve)
- Turn on hazard lights to increase visibility
- Call for help and share your GPS location
- Run the engine sparingly: About 10 minutes per hour, and crack a window for ventilation
- Layer clothing and stay hydrated
- Conserve phone battery by reducing screen brightness and closing apps
Common Winter Mistakes to Avoid
Quick Winter Maintenance Schedule
- Test battery monthly
- Check tire pressure weekly
- Inspect tread depth monthly
- Top up washer fluid (winter grade)
- Check all lights weekly
- Keep gas tank half full
"Winter driving hazards such as slick ice, snow-packed roads, and reduced traction make braking and steering treacherous. Speeding, tailgating, and poorly maintained vehicles amplify the danger, so prepping your car with winter tires, a strong battery, and proper fluid levels is essential for safety." Megan Cooper, AAA