For those of you fortunate enough to still be on vacation and traveling up north to hit the world-class ski resorts, we hope you have your car winterization checklist ready. This January’s weather predictions look promising for heavy snowfall in most northern areas, which is why people from the south are being urged to come prepared. The National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) have shared 8 steps to prepare your vehicle. Find out more below.
Have your car winterization checklist ready
According to figures from the AAA Exchange, more than 70% of American roads experience heavy snowfall, with winter-related crashes resulting in more than 116,800 injuries and 1,300 deaths each year. Historically, January has always been the snowiest of all the winter months, and this month will be no exception. According to long-term predictions made by On the Snow, the following places will most likely experience snowfall:
- The West, especially Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Oregon, expects above-average accumulation
- The Northeast, especially Boston, New York, and the Great Lakes region, expects substantial snow
- The Northern Tier and Midwest, especially Minnesota, Montana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York, expect significant snow
Therefore, it will be wise to ensure you have your car winterization checklist ready. If you are uncertain about where to begin, the NWS and NOAA have shared 8 steps to prepare your vehicle.
NOAA will help you prepare this winter
When it comes to road safety, one can never be too careful. In 2025, the U.S. implemented several reforms to traffic rules and regulations. Several states and cities have introduced decreased speed limits to increase road safety, including NYC’s historic lower speed limit. As driving on American roads throughout January becomes increasingly more hazardous compared to the other winter months, drivers are being urged to be vigilant.
According to the AAA Exchange, the following dangers become more evident during January:
- Black ice, which is transparent ice sheets that form on roads and catch drivers by surprise
- Slippery roads due to sleet, ice, and snow on roads that lower traction and control
- Decreased visibility, especially during heavy snowfall/snowstorms, and snow from other cars
- Car trouble due to the low temperatures’ impact on fluid systems, tires, and batteries
The 8 steps to prepare your vehicle
According to the Car Winterization Checklist from the NWS and NOAA, the following 8 steps are key to preparing your vehicle this winter:
- Test your battery
- If needed, replace it
- Check your engine fluid levels
- Washer fluid, oil, coolant, etc.
- Use deicing washer fluid
- Wash the windshield during cold temperatures
- Use synthetic oil
- More effective in cold temperatures
- Go over your tire tread
- Replace if necessary
- Install a set of snow tires (if you own one)
- Handles slippery roads better
- Test both head and taillights
- Lights are important for visibility, especially during snowstorms
- Equip and inspect your winter survival kit
- This can include anything from additional warm clothing, snacks, and water to a shovel, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, kitty litter for traction, and gloves to protect your hands from the cold
Remember, it is better to be safe rather than sorry. In cases of emergencies, the car winterization checklist shared by the NWS and NOAA could be a lifesaver. Additionally, you should always decrease your speed during snowy weather, ensure to increase your following distance to give yourself more time to stop when needed, do not use cruise control under any snowy circumstances, and always remove all ice and/or snow from your car before you drive. The latter is vital, as you could face a substantial fine if you drive with ice and/or snow on your car.