12 Car Inspections You’ll Regret Not Doing Before Winter

As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, your car needs a bit more TLC to tackle the cold effectively. Prepping your vehicle for winter isn’t just about staying on the road, it’s about ensuring safety, comfort, and reliability when you need it most.

From ensuring your lights cut through the dark, early nights to checking the heater keeps the cabin cozy, each part plays a crucial role.

Think of this as your checklist to winterize your car, tackling everything from the defroster to the alignment. By the end, you’ll be ready to face even the chilliest days without a hitch.

Defroster

Now’s the time to check your defroster’s effectiveness before the winter chill sets in. A non-functional defroster can lead to foggy windows, which drastically reduce your visibility and raise safety risks. Make sure it clears the frost and fog off your windows quickly and efficiently. This isn’t just about comfort—it’s crucial for safe winter driving.

Heater

Feeling cozy in your car isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity when temperatures plummet. Test your heater well before you find yourself shivering on a cold morning. It should start warming up your car quickly without any strange noises or smells. Any unusual signs could indicate a deeper problem within your heating system, which is better addressed now rather than in the dead of winter.

Hood Lifts

Checking the gas lift cylinders that hold your hood up is a smart move before the cold sets in. If they’re already sluggish in warmer weather, they won’t stand a chance against the freeze.

It’s important to replace both lifts at the same time—they wear evenly, and matching their condition ensures smooth operation. Differentiate between the right and left lifts when purchasing; sometimes they’re subtly different.

When swapping them out, have a buddy keep the hood up. Using a stick as a prop isn’t just impractical, it’s dangerous. Depending on your car, you might deal with bolts or a ball-and-socket design. Both can be managed with basic tools like a screwdriver to pop off the C-clips.

Cabin Air Filter

Let’s talk about something you might overlook: the cabin air filter. This unsung hero keeps your car’s interior air clean, but when it gets clogged, it can strain your heating system. A blocked filter reduces airflow, making your heater blower work harder, which can lead to costly repairs.

To avoid a potential $400 blower motor replacement, check and change your cabin air filter as needed. It’s an easy, affordable fix.

You can grab a new filter for under $20 and install it yourself using your car owner’s manual as a guide. Make sure you pay attention to the airflow direction marked on the filter to ensure proper installation.

Exhaust System

Winter driving usually means windows rolled up and the heater on, making it the worst time for an exhaust leak. Carbon monoxide leaks are a silent threat that can be deadly. Inspect your exhaust system thoroughly for any signs of leaks, which are not only dangerous but can also be more prevalent when driving on roads treated with corrosive materials like salt.

Alignment

Consider a wheel alignment just as essential as fitting winter tires. Snow-hidden curbs and treacherous potholes can throw your vehicle’s alignment off, leading to inefficient driving, less control on icy roads, and faster wear on your tires. Getting your alignment checked and corrected can prevent these issues and help maintain your vehicle’s health through the winter months.

Headlights

As winter approaches, days get shorter and nights longer, meaning you’ll rely more on your car’s lights. Take a moment to inspect your headlights. If they appear foggy or have yellowed, replacing them can enhance visibility and safety.

Also, check for any bulbs that need replacing. It’s a small task that can make a big difference when you’re navigating those dark, snowy roads.

Washer Fluid

Don’t let a dirty windshield slow you down this winter. Road salt and snow can obscure your view quickly, making driving hazardous. Ensure your windshield washer fluid is topped off and consider keeping an extra jug in your trunk. Having ample fluid will help keep your windshield clear, allowing for better visibility throughout the winter months.

Coolant

Keeping an eye on your engine’s coolant is crucial as winter approaches—not just to prevent the engine from freezing but also to maintain the cooling system. Coolant is packed with anti-corrosive additives and lubricants that help everything run smoothly.

Start by checking the coolant’s freeze protection level with a basic tester; it’s an easy way to ensure your engine won’t ice up. However, freeze protection isn’t everything.

The coolant’s chemical condition matters too. For a thorough check, use a digital multimeter. Measure the voltage in the coolant while the engine is running; a reading over .4 volts could indicate that it’s time to refresh your coolant, avoiding costly repairs like radiator or water pump replacements.

Wiper Blades

Winter demands a lot from your wiper blades. Standard ones might not cut it as they tend to get clogged with snow, leaving streaks and gaps on your windshield. Consider switching to winter wiper blades which feature a protective rubber boot to prevent ice build-up.

This small change can significantly improve your visibility during those snowy drives. It’s a simple switch: remove the old blades, store them for spring, and clip on the winter ones.

Tire Tread

Before winter hits, give your tires a good once-over. If the tread is worn down, your car won’t grip the road properly in snowy or wet conditions, which increases the risk of sliding. Most states set the minimum tread depth at 2/32-inch, but traction really starts to worsen beyond 4/32-inch.

Don’t gamble with worn tires—sliding even slightly at low speeds can cause expensive damage to your car’s suspension and steering, and you’ll be stuck with the bill. It’s more cost-effective to replace old tires or invest in snow tires than to pay for repairs and higher insurance premiums after an accident.

Car Battery

Your car’s battery is the silent powerhouse that you don’t want to ignore, especially with colder weather on the way. Battery life is finite and waiting until it fails could leave you stuck. Use a computerized battery tester to assess your battery’s health along with your starter and alternator.

These testers provide comprehensive diagnostics, evaluating everything from voltage to internal resistance. It’s a smart move to own a tester that’s compatible with various battery types, including lead-acid, gel, and AGM.