As winter approaches, preparing your car for winter is crucial for modern and classic cars. Cold temperatures, snow, ice and road salt can affect your vehicle. Winterizing your car ensures it runs smoothly and protects your investment, guaranteeing your safety during the coldest months. Whether you're driving a modern car or a cherished classic, these essential tips will help you confidently navigate winter weather. 

Check Your Tires

If you live in an area with harsh winters, switch to winter tires. Winter tires help you maintain traction on icy or snow-covered roads. They're made with unique rubber compounds that maintain flexibility in freezing temperatures and tread patterns that provide superior grip on snow and ice.

If you're not switching to dedicated winter tires and are opting for all-season ones, check their tread depth. Balding tires are a safety hazard in any weather but become perilous in winter conditions. 

Maintain proper tire pressure, and remember that cold air contracts. Even without a leak, your tires can drop with temperature changes, affecting handling and fuel efficiency. Check the tire pressure when they are cold, and remember to check your spare. 

Test Your Battery

Cold weather is brutal on batteries. Before winter hits, have a professional test your battery to ensure it's holding charge. If it's more than three years old or showing signs of weakness, replace it proactively to avoid being stranded with a dead battery on a frigid day.

Ensure your battery terminals are clean and corrosion-free. Dirt and oxidation can prevent your battery from charging correctly. If you notice a white, powdery substance around the terminals, clean it off with a wire brush.

If you have an older vehicle that isn't driven regularly in winter, using a battery tender can help keep the battery charged when the car is parked for extended periods.

Manage Your Car's Fluids

An essential step to winterizing your car is checking your fluids before the cold weather sets in. Make sure the following are all at the correct levels and in good condition:

• Engine oil: Switch to a winter-grade oil that maintains proper viscosity in cold temperatures. 
• Antifreeze: The right mixture of antifreeze and water in your radiator is also crucial to prevent the coolant from freezing in low temperatures, which can cause significant engine damage.
• Washer fluid: Use a washer fluid with a lower freezing point in winter to prevent it from turning to ice. Running out of washer fluid can be dangerous if your windshield gets splattered with slush from the road, obscuring your vision.
• Gas: Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing and provide extra weight for better traction. You can also use fuel additives to prevent moisture accumulation in your fuel system, which can lead to frozen fuel lines. 

Monitor Your Brakes

Your braking system is critical to winter driving safety. Before winter, have a professional inspect your brakes to ensure the pads and rotors are in good shape. Worn brakes require more distance to stop, which can be treacherous on slick roads.

If you hear squealing, grinding or other unusual noises when braking, get your brakes checked immediately. These sounds can indicate worn pads or other problems. Consider high-performance brake pads and rotors if you live in an area with long, steep hills or drive a lot in winter conditions. These can provide enhanced stopping power and better resistance to brake fade.

Ensure brake fluid is at the proper level and is not old or contaminated. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture, potentially leading to brake system failure in freezing conditions. If you notice issues, address them immediately. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit

In winter weather, it is easy for your car to break down or get stuck, no matter how well you've winterized it. A well-stocked emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable while waiting for help to arrive. Your winter emergency kit should include:

• Warm blankets or sleeping bags
• Extra hats, socks and mittens
• High-energy snacks like granola bars and trail mix
• Bottled water
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• A lighter or matches
• A compact shovel
• Cat litter or sand for traction
• Road flares or reflective triangles
• A power bank and backup phone charger
• Hand warmers 
• A small first-aid kit

Check your emergency kit at the start of each winter and restock items you've used. Keep the kit easily accessible in your vehicle, not buried in the trunk. 

Tips for Winterizing Your Classic Car

If you're a classic car enthusiast, winterizing a classic car involves extra steps to protect your prized vehicle from the ravages of winter weather. Classic cars have different needs than modern ones. They also typically have simpler electrical systems that are more susceptible to cold weather issues. Here are some crucial tips:

• Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing rust in the fuel tank.
• Change the oil and filter, using a slightly thicker oil to provide better protection in cold starts.
• Remove the battery and store it indoors on a trickle charger to keep it in optimal condition.
• Check all rubber components, including belts, hoses and weather stripping, as older rubber can become brittle in cold temperatures. 
• Over-inflate the tires slightly before storage to prevent flat spots from forming.
• Put steel wool in the tailpipe to keep mice and other critters from nesting there.
• Cover the vehicle with a breathable cover to protect the paint and interior from dust and moisture.
• If possible, store the car in a climate-controlled garage to prevent rust and other cold-related damage.

Pay attention to your classic car's heating system, which may need servicing to function properly. If your classic has a carburetor, adjust it for winter operation. If you're unsure how to best winterize your classic car, consult a trusted classic car dealer or a specialist.

Find Winter-Ready Classics at Volo Museum Sales

Preparing your car for winter takes time and effort, but it's worth it for the peace of mind and safety it provides. Whether you drive a modern vehicle or a cherished classic, proper winterizing will help your car run its best all season.

At Volo Museum Sales, we are passionate about classic cars and committed to helping them find loving homes. As one of Illinois' premier classic car dealers, we go the extra mile inspecting and preparing our vehicles before they go up for sale. If you want your dream classic car, let Volo Museum Sales help you find one you'll be proud to own and drive in any season.

Browse our inventory online or visit our climate-controlled showrooms in Volo, Illinois.