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Here’s A Pre-Winter Auto Checklist Everyone Should Go Over Before The First Snow

Having your car ready for any winter weather will save you so much time and stress, just like how GEICO could save you 15% or more on car insurance.

GEICO
by GEICO

Brand Publisher

1. Stock an emergency kit full of essentials.

A deconstructed emergency kit laid out.

An emergency bag in the car is a no-brainer, but it's what you're putting in the kit that matters when you're in a crunch. First aid is a #1 priority, but consider adding a tow rope and toilet paper into the mix. 

2. And remember to remove your emergency kit if you're leaving your car for extended periods of time.

A woman takes a duffle bag from the trunk of her car.

If the area you live in tends to have freezing or below freezing temperatures, consider taking your emergency bag with liquids or batteries indoors overnight.

3. Leave an extra pair of backup boots/shoes and gloves (maybe even socks) in your vehicle.

A mitten wipes away snow on a window.

You won't have to drive with wet, cold hands or feet after brushing or scraping your snowy car in the morning. An extra set of gloves in the glovebox or boots in the trunk will be a saving grace when you need them most.

4. Keep sand or cat litter at the ready in the trunk.

Coarse, gravel-like texture.

A must-have if you ever find yourself stuck in need of some traction. Keep sand, gravel, or cat litter in a bag or an airtight container on hand and you'll be out of any slick situation in a snap.


(Detachable floor mats may also do the trick if you're wary about the mess.)

5. Treat your windshield before the sleet and snow arrive.

A hand uses a cloth to wipe the windshield.

Treat your windows with waterproof sealant before your car is sprayed with grime-filled sleet to lessen the streak and smear when you're braving the elements. 

6. And while you're at it, swap in winter-friendly wiper blades.

Car windshield wiper blades covered in snow.

If you have a few minutes to make the change before the snow, it might make all the difference when you're behind the wheel. But don't leave your wiper blades upwards if you're leaving your car unattended and risk them breaking.

7. Consider replacing your floor mats for the season.

Clean, vinyl floor mats in a car.

With heavy-duty floor mats, you'll spare yourself the messy salt stains forever embedded into your everyday, fibrous mats. 

8. Take a good look at your air filter.

A person opens the air filter in a car.

Consider the quality of your air filter before you crank up the heat full blast when the temps drop below freezing. A quick clean could make the car cabin less stuffy so you can drive and breathe easy.

9. Glance at the state of your tires.

A man checks the state of his tires in the snow.

Preferably something to think about before the season starts to turn in case you have to get new ones. But a quick peek (by you or a professional) at the tire tread and pressure could give great insight into the types of conditions you should be driving in this winter. 

10. Take your car in for a quick checkup at the shop.

A mechanic inspects the underside of a car with a light.

When was the last time your car had a checkup? See if you can swap in winter-grade oil and have a professional check the health of your car battery as the cold weather could drastically change your engine functions.

Now you're ready for the snowy road ahead. There's just one more thing to check off your list: switching to GEICO. Get a quote and see how much you could save this winter!

Images from Getty.