Winter Driving Preparation

Winter driving can be trying on both the vehicle and its pilot. As with many other things in life, preparation is the key to success. A few cold-weather parts and preparatory procedures can make the difference between being stuck in a drift and making it home.

Maintenance Routine vehicle care is the best way to keep from being left out in the cold.
Routine vehicle care is the best way to keep from being left out in the cold. This includes tune-ups and inspection and replacement of worn belts and hoses. Cold weather makes pliable materials stiffer and more brittle. It also makes fluids thicker. With this in mind, people who live in extreme climates often use light-viscosity synthetic lubricants, which work across a wider temperature range than conventional oil. Those who don't want the added expense sometimes use lighter-weight oils in the winter, such as 5W30 in the engine and 75-weight in the axles.


Antifreeze should be kept at approximately a 60:40 coolant-to-water ratio. In extreme conditions, too little antifreeze in the mix can allow the coolant to freeze and crack the engine block. Installing a higher-temperature thermostat—say 195 degrees—will help heater performance and help the engine burn off condensation.


Battery maintenance will also improve cold-weather performance. For batteries that require maintenance, make sure that all cells are full of water. Keep all battery terminals and cable ends clean, and make sure the battery is well grounded.

Engine Heating
Several engine-block heating systems are available, both on the OE level and from the aftermarket. Most new vehicles sold in cold country come with factory-installed block heaters that replace one of the engine's freeze plugs or connect to the heater hose. These heaters keep the coolant warm overnight so that the engine fires more easily in the morning. Aftermarket block heaters are available both as 120-volt plug-in units and use-anywhere propane-powered models.