Preparing your Car for Snow and Ice

  1. Research Center
    2. /
  2. How-To Research Articles
    3. /
  3. Preparing your Car for Snow and Ice

Car Maintenance in the Cold

Winter is upon us and that means it is time to get your car ready for the cold weather. First up, an oil change will help your engine run smoothly even on the coldest days. Your engine oil's viscosity is affected by the cold and may mean that you need to switch to winter-grade oil. Ask your Lithia Motors factory-trained technician if a thinner grade of engine oil makes sense for your vehicle in sub-zero conditions.

You will want to make sure all your vehicle's lights are working properly. Have your windshield wipers checked as well as the wiper fluid to keep your view clear in the snow and sleet. Have all the fluids under the hood checked including brake fluid, power steering fluid, antifreeze/coolant and have your tech check all the belts and hoses for wear.

This may sound obvious but have the climate control checked. Make sure the heater and defroster are working properly. Also, have your technician check your car's battery and perform a load check to make sure it can maintain a charge. In cold temps your car needs more current from the battery to start the engine and there's nothing worse than having a dead battery during the winter. The tech will also check for cracked or corroded battery cables and terminals.

Check your Tires

Check the air pressure in your tires. Remember that when the temperature drops, you lose air in your tires. Tires can lose air pressure to the tune of about one pound per square inch for every ten degrees the temperature drops. Low tire pressure negatively affects handling and is one of the major factors in car accidents. You'll find the proper tire pressure for your car in the Owner's Manual and on a driver's side door sticker on the inside door jamb.

Besides tire pressure, make sure your tires are in good condition. Check the tire tread to make sure you have the traction you need in the snow and ice. Look for signs of improper tire wear that could mean it is time for a wheel alignment and check the sidewalls for cuts or punctures. 

If you live in an area that experiences extremely cold winters, you may want to switch your All-Season tires for a set of Winter or Snow tires. Winter tires are designed to handle icy roads, with special rubber compounds and tread patterns that grip the road when it snows.

Avoid Frozen Doors

You never think about your car doors freezing shut… until you experience it. It generally happens when the rubber gasket around your car doors is dirty or worn. If the door does not seal properly, moisture can seep in and freeze the door shut.

You can keep this from happening by simply washing them thoroughly. Clean and then wash the rubber gaskets with warm soapy water and dry them completely. You can also spray the rubber seals with a lubricant such as WD-40 Silicone Lubricant or even use ordinary cooking spray. This will also add life to the rubber gaskets.

Assemble a Winter Emergency Kit

Having an Emergency Kit along for the ride is a good idea year-round. This includes a first-aid kit, road flares, flashlights, a blanket, bottled water and snacks. You'll want to add a few things to stay safe in the winter such as jumper cables, a shovel to help you dig out in the event you get stuck in snow and ice, an ice scraper and brush to remove ice on the windshield and windows, and a bag of kitty litter to add traction if your car gets stuck.

Make sure you have a good winter coat and hat, warm gloves and a scarf, and boots. Another useful tool is a plastic traction matt that can be unfolded and placed under a tire that is stuck in the snow.

Keep it Clean

After a snowstorm, it is a good idea to take your car to a touchless car wash to remove snow, ice, debris, and any salt (sodium chloride) or chemicals it may have picked up on the road. Some states use magnesium chloride or potassium chloride to deice roads. It is less corrosive than salt but can still damage your vehicle's metal and paint finish.

During the winter months, you may also wish to swap out your normal floor mats for more heavy duty rubber mats to protect the inside of your car and carpet from slush, water, and debris. Remember to use retention clips to secure the floor mats so they cannot move around and interfere with your accelerator or brake pedals. 

Winter Driving

This guide to prepping your car for snow and ice would not be complete without reminding you about the basics of driving in winter weather. According to the Department of Transportation, over 70 percent of our roads are located in snowy regions which receive more than five inches of snow each year and 70 percent of our population live in these areas. Snow and ice greatly reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability, which adds to crash risk.

More than 116,000 people are injured each year in crashes due to snow, sleet, slush, and icy roads. So, when driving during the winter months, remember to slow down and pay attention to road conditions. Increase your following distance so you'll have plenty of time to stop should a car or truck in front of you hit the brakes.

Roads are often slick with ice causing multi-car pile ups. Also, watch for snow plows that are out clearing the highways. They travel slowly, stop frequently, and make extra wide turns. When behind a snow plow, give it plenty of room.

When Stuck in the Snow

If it has snowed heavily during the night and you find your car buried, or you slide off the road into a snow drift, or you just plain get stuck in the snow, follow these tips:

  • Use the shovel from your emergency kit to clear away snow from the tires and move snow away from the exhaust pipe. Clear and exit route.
  • Disengage the Traction Control.
  • If there are people around, ask them to rock your car back and forth while you pull out of the snow.
  • If you are alone, lay matting under the drive wheels to give you traction. You can also use sand or kitty litter.
  • Re-engage your Traction Control once you are back on the road.
If you find yourself stuck in snow and ice and the car cannot be moved, stay with the vehicle and stay calm. This is why you have food and water in your emergency kit. Make sure you can be seen if someone comes by. Make sure your exhaust is clear and only run your car heater long enough to stay warm. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't run your car engine for long periods with the windows up.


Don't Take Risks
We realize that people attend holiday parties during the winter but do NOT drink and drive. The winter roads are dangerous enough without you adding to the possibility of causing an accident due to alcohol or drugs. Obey speed limits and traffic rules. Be a responsible driver and always wear your seat belt. 


At Lithia Motors we want to keep you as a customer for life. Be safe out there.