Winter Car Safety Checklist: Simple at Home Car Prep for Wisconsin Drivers

As soon as the first snowfall hits Wisconsin, it’s officially time to prep your vehicle for winter. Cold temperatures, icy roads, and slushy commutes can take a toll on your car, especially if small issues go unnoticed. The good news? You can complete most winter car maintenance steps right at home without any special tools.

To help you stay safe on the road, we created a free downloadable Winter Car Safety Checklist (below). It’s perfect to print or keep on your phone during the winter months.

Below is a simple breakdown of each step, why it matters, and what to look for, written with everyday drivers in mind.

1. Check Your Essential Fluids

Cold weather can thicken fluids and reduce performance. Make sure these are all topped off before temperatures drop further.

Oil Level

Pull the dipstick and confirm the oil is between the marks. Clean oil helps your engine run smoothly in cold weather.

Washer Fluid (Winter Blend)

Winter blend washer fluid prevents freezing and helps fight salt buildup on your windshield—crucial for clear visibility.

Coolant/Antifreeze

Your coolant should be between the “min” and “max” lines. Proper antifreeze levels protect your engine from freezing or overheating.

2. Inspect Your Tires for Winter Safety

Your tires are the most important part of winter driving safety.

Tire Tread

Use the penny test. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low for winter roads.

Tire Pressure

PSI drops in cold temperatures. Check your pressure and fill to the recommended number on the driver-side door frame.

Spare Tire

Make sure your spare tire is also inflated and ready in case of emergencies.

3. Make Sure Your Battery Can Handle the Cold

A weak battery is one of the most common winter breakdowns.

Look for corrosion or slow starting. If your battery is over 3 years old, it’s smart to have it tested to avoid being stranded on a cold morning.

4. Check Visibility and Lighting

Being able to see (and be seen) is essential in snowy conditions.

Wiper Blades

Replace blades that streak, skip, or make noise.

Headlights & Taillights

Turn on your lights, walk around the car, and ensure all bulbs are bright and functional.

Heat & Defrost

Confirm that both heat and defrost work properly to keep windows clear and comfortable.

5. Quick At-Home Mechanical Checks

These simple checks can help you catch a problem early:

Leaks

Look under your car for any unusual puddles.

Brakes

Listen for squeaking or grinding. If your brake pedal feels soft or the car pulls while braking, have it inspected.

6. Stock Your Winter Car Emergency Kit

Make sure your vehicle has items that can help in emergencies:

• Ice scraper and snow brush

• Blanket or warm clothing

• Gloves

• Jumper cables or jump pack

• Flashlight + batteries

• Phone charger

• Sand or kitty litter for traction

Download Your Free Winter Car Safety Checklist

We created a simple, at-home checklist that makes winter car prep easy for Wisconsin drivers. It includes everything listed above in a clean, printable format you can keep in your glovebox. The checklist is available below for download.

Need Help with Winter Car Maintenance? MotorAbility Can Take It from Here

If something on your checklist doesn’t look quite right, or you just want a professional to double-check, MotorAbility is here to help. From battery replacements to brake inspections, fluid changes, and winter tire recommendations, our team makes sure you’re safe and ready for every snowy commute.

Stay safe this winter and remember when in doubt, let a trusted professional take a look!