The Full Winter Car Checklist

Every job, in the order to do them. Print it, stick it on the fridge, check it off.

October — before the cold

• ☐ Book the tire swap (beat the rush)
• ☐ Test the battery (free at most parts stores)
• ☐ Check antifreeze / coolant level and strength
• ☐ Top up winter windshield washer fluid
• ☐ Replace wiper blades if they streak
• ☐ Book undercoating

November — first snow ready

• ☐ Winter tires on, torqued, pressures set
• ☐ Emergency kit packed and checked
• ☐ Scraper + brush in the car (not the trunk, buried)
• ☐ Locks and door seals treated (silicone spray stops freezing)
• ☐ Lights checked — all of them, including brake lights

All winter — every 2–3 weeks

• ☐ Underbody wash
• ☐ Tire pressures (cold drops them ~1 PSI per 5°C)
• ☐ Washer fluid topped up
• ☐ Fuel tank kept above half (less condensation, more range if stuck)

Spring — undo winter

• ☐ Swap back to summers, inspect winters for wear
• ☐ Full underbody wash + rust inspection
• ☐ Check brakes — salt and grit wear pads faster