Disclosure: As a member of the Rules of the Road Warriors Program I have received compensation to share. All opinions are my own.
Just recently I joined the Sear Auto Rules of the Road Warriors program! This program is aimed at educating people about proper automobile maintenance and car care. This month we are focusing on what it takes to prepare for Winter. So I headed up to my local Sears Auto Center to visit with one of their lead technicians. In turn, the experience was great and educational. Please find below 5 things I learned from my visit at my Sears Auto Center.
5 Things to Check Your Vehicle Before Winter
- Old, dirty or incorrect fluids: All fluids should be updated to deal with cold temperatures. Fresh antifreeze helps your components stay lubricated in subzero conditions and keeps contaminants from marring your radiator, preventing rust and leaks.
- Bad wipers or windshield wiper fluid: One of the most significant aspects of driving safety is your ability to see the road clearly. In blowing sleet and snow, that’s not always easy. A quality set of windshield wipers and the right wiper fluid for the temperatures in your area are essential to being safe throughout the coldest weather.
- Old or Failing Batteries: Cold weather has a way of seeping energy from batteries, leaving you without the ability to start your car when you need it the most. AAA reports a 300 percent increase in the amount of battery-related calls once winter rolls around. That’s no coincidence.
- Old Tires or Low Pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, leaving you vulnerable on the road. Forget about the numbers embossed on your sidewalls and go with the pressure rating in your owner’s manual or inside your driver’s side door. These are the manufacturer’s specs specifically for your car.
- Misalignment and damaged shocks and struts: Winter brings a constant cycle of freezing and thawing, as well as salt and other chemicals designed to melt the snow and ice. This combination can lead to cracks and gaping potholes in the road.
The friendly technicians at your local Sears Auto Center will be happy to make you an appoinment to go over ways to better prepare your car for the winter months. 
Sears has also provided me with a gift card to giveaway. You can use this at your local Sears Auto Center or Sears store for whatever you need! You can learn more about Rules of the Road Warrior by following the hashtag #SACRoadWarriors, follow @SearsAuto on Twitter, like the Sears Auto Facebook page, and even follow Sears Auto on Instagram.
The Giveaway: $50 Sears Gift Card
Kimberly Frazee says
January 15, 2015 at 3:00 pmKeep track of air in tires, water and oil levels
Stephanie Phelps says
January 15, 2015 at 3:08 pmMy best care tip is to wash your car frequently!
Lyndsey says
January 15, 2015 at 3:35 pmAlways keep up with it and do it on time!
Nancy says
January 15, 2015 at 4:40 pmMy best car care tip is to replace your windshield wipers regularly for great visibility.
Mommy2Five says
January 15, 2015 at 4:53 pmGreat tips for everyone! I need to definitely get this to my son in college
Rebecca says
January 15, 2015 at 7:26 pmBest car care tip is to get regular oil changes and keep up with maintenance.
Natalie says
January 15, 2015 at 7:44 pmMy best car tip for sure is to keep your tires inflated properly!
mikeborders2000 says
January 15, 2015 at 7:50 pmMy tip would be to keep the oil changed every 3,000 miles! Leigh Anne Borders
Soo says
January 15, 2015 at 8:07 pmMy best tip is to change your oil regularly.
rj7777 says
January 15, 2015 at 8:59 pmThe best thing is to keep your oil changed and filter! Maintenance as required will help the vehicle stay in great shape. Rita Spratlen
Nora H says
January 15, 2015 at 9:02 pmregular maintenance ie oil change, filter change, wiper check, tire check.
sherri crawford says
January 15, 2015 at 9:08 pmmine is checking all the fluids monthly at least
gooba01 says
January 16, 2015 at 5:06 amMy tip is to replace your windshield wipers yearly.
Dorothy Boucher says
January 16, 2015 at 6:34 amThe best tip I could give to anyone is to please make sure you are prepared when you enter your vehicle, Always keep a supply in the back, blanket , water even a snack.. and for the vehicle, have a few handy tools , water windshield fluid and so on… be prepared..
David Coulson-Lowes says
January 16, 2015 at 7:11 amGreat list, especially for an older car. Always forget about the change in temp and the effect on tyre pressure…
Jen S. says
January 16, 2015 at 7:21 amSigning up for the incentive cards at gas stations can save you money in the long run. I have one for the three gas companies that I frequent the most. Between the gas buddy app and using those cards, I have been able to reduce the cost of gas by a bit.
Lisa Coomer Queen says
January 16, 2015 at 7:41 amAlways keep your oil and fluids checked.
BeckyM says
January 16, 2015 at 8:14 amChange your oil regularly.
livesimply1111 says
January 16, 2015 at 9:31 amMy best Car Tip is to change your Oil every 3,000 miles – I think this determines the life of your car.
Cathy French says
January 16, 2015 at 10:45 amMy tip is to make sure your car is full or at least 3/4 full of gas during the cold winter months.
Patricia Murray says
January 16, 2015 at 11:03 amVery informative and great pictures! I didn’t know tire pressure was affected by cold.
Connie says
January 16, 2015 at 11:12 amMy best car tip is to keep your car clean. It reduces damage to both the interior and exterior.
debbie campbell says
January 16, 2015 at 11:51 amdo the regular maintenance on your vehicle
Mary Czerczyk says
January 16, 2015 at 12:03 pmMy tip is regular oil changes.
Jen Rodrigues says
January 16, 2015 at 12:16 pmAlways get your car checked twice or once a year. Always get new wipers yearly!!
Carolyn Massey says
January 16, 2015 at 12:55 pmReplace windshield wipers and tires after 40,000 miles. Before going out of town always check all fluids, tire pressure and clean the windows inside and out.
sandra says
January 16, 2015 at 1:23 pmmake sure tires are inflated to the proper psi
Becky T. says
January 16, 2015 at 1:30 pmI put important dates of car car updates right away when I get a new calendar every year. Oil changes, tire rotations, windshield wiper replacements, they’re all scheduled early so I remember.
Laurie Allen says
January 16, 2015 at 2:16 pmThanks for all the tips… being a single mom, I need reminded 🙂
Tracy says
January 16, 2015 at 2:33 pmMake sure your car is taken in to the shop regularly
Lisa Aliperti says
January 16, 2015 at 3:53 pmGet out your hose and spray the road grime and salt off the underside of your car.
Pam Gurganus says
January 16, 2015 at 4:49 pmMy best car care tip is to keep your tires at the proper air pressure! It makes all the difference in how your car drives and even gas mileage!
kathy f says
January 16, 2015 at 6:46 pmMy best car advice is to keep up on maintenance, so you don’t have major repairs.
Kelli T. says
January 16, 2015 at 7:03 pmGet the oil changed and keep the car washed.
kelly mcgrew says
January 16, 2015 at 7:52 pmalways check your tire pressure in the winter as the cold and fluctuation in temps do a number on tires.
also, try to learn how to do some things on a car to save money when you don’t have a ton to spend on upkeep/repairs. (change your own oil, check fluids regularly, charge a/c, etc)
Cass Sudduth says
January 16, 2015 at 8:07 pmmake sure your tire pressure is correct is my best car tip along with regular maintenance
Catherine Wooster says
January 16, 2015 at 8:36 pmGreat tips for getting your vehicle winter-ready!
Elizabeth says
January 17, 2015 at 2:25 amMy best car tip is to pay attention to the indicator lights on the dash board. I remember I totally ignored the lights when I was younger and had my first car. *ahem* Not a good idea.
Lesa says
January 17, 2015 at 2:34 pmAll the ones you said! And..the windshield washer fluid is a real emergency when you run out, this happened to me, everyone – make sure you check this often! I also keep supplies for winter in the back of the van, water, blankets, scraper/broom, salt or sand.
Juanita A May says
January 17, 2015 at 3:21 pmCheck your fluids weekly.
Dana says
January 17, 2015 at 3:59 pmChange your oil regularly!
amanda assencoa says
January 17, 2015 at 9:23 pmalways change your oil on time
steve weber says
January 17, 2015 at 9:58 pmmake sure you keep an eye on your oil .
Jon Heil says
January 17, 2015 at 11:44 pmRotate the tires every 7000 miles
Krista Ballard says
January 17, 2015 at 11:58 pmKeep Gas in it… Sad to say, I’ve run out way too many times…
Jerry Marquardt says
January 18, 2015 at 12:49 amMake sure you check your tire pressure weekly and look at them before you take off.
slehan says
January 18, 2015 at 2:01 amGet regular oil changes.
Thanks for the contest.
gallerhea says
January 18, 2015 at 1:59 pmMy best car care tip is to warm the car up in the mornings! 🙂
cami valenzuela says
January 18, 2015 at 2:47 pmKeep an eye out on ur fluids. Something so small buy can make a huge difference
Ronna F says
January 18, 2015 at 3:49 pmI’d love to win the gift card!!!!
Darlene Owen says
January 18, 2015 at 3:52 pmMy best tip is to keep the oil changes up to date.
Laurie F says
January 18, 2015 at 4:13 pmI would give it to my daughter for diapers and baby wipes for the grandkids
Helena Baillio says
January 18, 2015 at 6:44 pmGreat things to note! I’ve put my reminders in my google calendar as recurring monthly
mikeborders2000 says
January 18, 2015 at 8:12 pmMy tip is to keep the oil changed every three thousand miles. Leigh Anne Borders
Mandala says
January 19, 2015 at 12:42 amCheck your batteries and always have safety provisions of clothes and snacks in case you get stuck. Thanks!
Tanya White says
January 19, 2015 at 2:32 pmMy best car care tip is to check fluids at least once a month. Your fluids are very vital to keeping your car healthy and running efficiently.
linda w. says
January 19, 2015 at 3:00 pmObviously keep your car in good running order by doing all the above but i keep extra warm clothes, blankets, gloves and jumper cables in the car as well.
Tommy G says
January 19, 2015 at 6:33 pmi want the gift card to help my dad. He is really into cars but has a limited budget. This would really help him!
Natalie Brown says
January 19, 2015 at 8:20 pmHello! My best car care tip is to check your windshield wipers every six months. Also, use Rain-X. I didn’t think it would work but it does!
Jill Rivera says
January 20, 2015 at 5:49 amI make sure to put a warm blanket in the car, some dry food, and hubbie make sure to check the fluids in the car.
Sharon Kaminski says
January 20, 2015 at 8:04 amMy best car care tip is to rotate your tires to make them last longer.
Megan Scharlau says
January 20, 2015 at 9:10 amDon’t forget to keep jumper cables in your trunk
Debra S. says
January 20, 2015 at 9:44 amMY best car care tip? LOL Okay I’m a Gramma, so mine is to have sons. Sons who are quite mechanical and you can just ask them anything… then, you have an honest garage to take the car into regularly and let them do everything for you!
Kay Bishop says
January 20, 2015 at 11:38 amKeep check on oil, I learned this the hard way.
Laura Lane of Harvest Lane Cottage says
January 20, 2015 at 12:09 pmKeep plenty of gas in the car.
Carol says
January 20, 2015 at 1:03 pmTo get regular oil changes.
Fallon Frederick says
January 20, 2015 at 3:16 pmkeep snacks on hand, and one of those urinals from rei… just in case you get trapped in trffic!
Yona Williams says
January 20, 2015 at 4:15 pmMy car care tip is to always have a gas tank in the trunk of your car with some gas for emergencies, a shovel, jumper cables, and a tool chest.
Michael Mayhew says
January 20, 2015 at 5:11 pmMy car tip is to keep up on regular maintenance like checking fluids,oil change ect.. It will make a big difference in the life of your car and keep repair bills down.
Melissa Shirley says
January 20, 2015 at 5:25 pmMy best car tip is to make sure that you have good tires, and that you get them rotated when they need to be.
Kristen says
January 20, 2015 at 7:29 pmChange your oil and check your tire pressure regularly.
Kelly Nicholson says
January 20, 2015 at 7:51 pmbesides not owning a car in a forced insurance state? change the oil on time!
Linda G. says
January 20, 2015 at 8:34 pmMy tip is to check your tire pressure
Kat McQuaid (@KouponKat) says
January 20, 2015 at 8:54 pmReplace your battery every couple of years.
FRANK says
January 20, 2015 at 10:52 pmGet regular oil changes.
jose benavides says
January 21, 2015 at 12:52 amI would advice to clean your car at least once a week to avoid grime build up and make it harder on yourself.
Selinda says
January 21, 2015 at 4:41 amMake sure you have the emergency tools you need like a scraper, cat litter etc just in case you need them!
txpepperqueen says
January 21, 2015 at 6:45 amMy tip is to always check your tire pressure. Not all of us have sensors so we don’t always know when one is low.
Jill Jackson says
January 21, 2015 at 7:39 amLearn to do it yourself. Exactly why I’m getting my degree in Automotive Engineering
anitakayduvall says
January 21, 2015 at 9:47 amNot only do we need to remember to winterize our cars, but also prepare for the hot temps as well. Summer is time for road trips and vacations so you want to protect your family.
jennifer says
January 21, 2015 at 3:29 pmKeep up with oil changes!
Wes Hovorka says
January 21, 2015 at 6:51 pmMy tip is to keep the gas tank full during the winter.
angelasaver says
January 21, 2015 at 10:56 pmMy best tip is to change your oil regularly!
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
Shirley Smith says
January 22, 2015 at 7:20 amMy car tip is to have your battery and belts checked before winter months even begin.
Angel McMore says
January 22, 2015 at 7:20 amMy tip is to keep up with oil changes.
shannonforpeace says
January 22, 2015 at 9:12 amAlways keep at least a half tank of gas and turn off the radio/heat before turning off your car.
realgamerdog says
January 22, 2015 at 10:13 amMarry a mechanic! Works for me.
crystal sheckles-gibson says
January 22, 2015 at 11:19 amI always keep my car maintained with oil changes and rotating the tires. I like to keep spare jackets and a blanket for emergencies.
sheila ressel says
January 22, 2015 at 6:08 pmI carry a gallon of water, jumper cables and my AAA card with me at all times.
Jessica Cox says
January 22, 2015 at 6:13 pmTo get your oil changed and make sure to have an emergency kit
shaunie (@sandyhills25) says
January 22, 2015 at 7:31 pmto always have an oil check for the winter weather
Carol Nine says
January 23, 2015 at 8:14 amMy best tip is to keep up with the need for oil changes. Who wants to ruin their engine?
pamela j says
January 23, 2015 at 5:38 pmI think you pretty much covered it all.
Toni Marie Caravello Feimer says
January 25, 2015 at 8:50 amAlways get your oil changed at 3000 miles for regular and 6000 for blends or whatever the stated mileage is for your car and that particular oil. They will check all your fluids and tires.
Dawn Monroe says
January 25, 2015 at 9:12 amMy tip is to buy a new battery every couple of years and carry jumper cables.
Danalee Davis says
January 25, 2015 at 3:00 pmChange the oil every 3000 miles.
Dana Matthews says
January 25, 2015 at 9:36 pmOil changes on time…tune up regularly!
missy sands says
January 26, 2015 at 12:00 pmalways keep windshield washer fluid that will not freeze
DG Middendorf says
January 26, 2015 at 4:23 pmGet your oil changes on time and rotate those tires.
Sandra Watts (@saleago) says
January 26, 2015 at 6:26 pmKeep it clean and have good air pressure in your tires and oil change regularly.
Susan S. says
January 27, 2015 at 8:44 amGood information!
Jocelyn A. says
January 27, 2015 at 3:32 pmI’m so bad at taking care of cars so I don’t have any. I guess I better read yours!
deanna Lynn says
January 27, 2015 at 7:07 pmI don’t know much about tires, but I know it is good to rotate your tires and check your fluids often.
brandidawn says
January 28, 2015 at 7:32 amStay up on maintenence…If you keep up with it, then it does not become too much of an overwhelming expense.
Michelle Levine says
January 28, 2015 at 11:48 pmI always make sure my tires are full to protect them, and to get better mileage
Michelle says
January 30, 2015 at 5:52 amKeep the gas tank above the halfway mark and check the tire pressure.
laurie murley says
January 30, 2015 at 7:12 pmmy tip is to have a mechanic go over your car before winter to check for things that might give you trouble later on
Anita k says
January 30, 2015 at 8:43 pmLearn as much as you can about car maintenance so you can stay ahead of the game.thanks.
Robin Wilson says
January 31, 2015 at 9:49 amKeep the air pressure in your tires checked to help with gas mileage and wear and tear.
Angela P. says
January 31, 2015 at 10:57 amMy best car tip is to invest in AAA.. you never know when you might need it. They have saved me many times. They even came when I was in my friend’s car that broke down. So worth it.
Amanda Sakovitz says
January 31, 2015 at 12:22 pmMine is to change your wiper blades for the winter.
Julie Cutshaw says
January 31, 2015 at 9:13 pmKeep a dated record in your vehicle’s glove compartment of each oil change that you perform listing the date, mileage, the brand of oil per weight,(10W 30-10W 40 ) and oil filter that you used. This helps you determine if you need to change your oil every 3,000 or sooner depending on how much traveling you did and what brands of products works best for your vehicle.
Heather Hampton says
January 31, 2015 at 9:23 pmI greatly appreciate your suggestions. I live in a ski resort and it’s so important to stay ahead of car repairs. The altitude at 7000 feet causes a lot of fluctuations with the tire pressure and I’m always having to inflate the tires especially when it’s extremely cold. These are things you simply don’t think about unless you’ve experienced it the same is true with these type of tips. It takes experience and one to share their knowledge.