Blog Post

Prepping Your Car for Winter

Oct 11, 2022

Some of you have been driving in snow since you got your licenses; or since this is Montana, even earlier! If so, these tips may be things you do naturally. But some of us are new to cold, snowy winters – and substantial snow in Bozeman can fall any time from September into May. (In August 1992, we got about a half foot.)
Next month we’ll have driving tips; this time, it’s more on getting your car ready for the season.

Some things are self-evident, like having good tires. Studded tires are permitted in Montana from October 1 - May 31, chains the same dates; snow tires can be on your car year-round. Front wheel or 4 wheel drive vehicles with good tires give you pretty good control in most conditions; rear-wheel drive will prove very slippery. Other predictable things: Check that your battery is healthy; check your car owner’s manual for recommendations on tire pressure and cold weather oil weight; make sure you have enough antifreeze in your radiator and that it stays topped off; and always wear your seat belt.

You’ll want windshield wipers in good condition. Clearing ice off your windshield before you start the car will help keep them in good shape; a windshield snow cover can be useful. For sure, use cold weather washer fluid so it doesn’t freeze on the windshield.
Check your brakes before winter.
Keep your gas tank close to full to prevent condensation mixing with your fuel and blocking fuel lines.
Make sure all your lights are working (headlights, brake lights, taillights, interior light) and clean.
Turn off cruise control when roads are wet, snowy, or icy. If your tires lose traction, cruise control may continue accelerating, sending your car into a spin.
Make sure your spare tire is inflated.
You might install a block heater to make starting easier.
Create an emergency kit: Food, water (don’t let it freeze), blanket, flashlight with good batteries, ice scraper, tarpaulin, battery booster cables, collapsible shovel, gloves, and hand wipes. Other possibilities are a tow strap and fire extinguisher. Some compact commercial winter emergency kits are available online consumer reports winter car kit review.
As to warming up your car, Consumer Reports says for modern cars: “By the time you get in, start the car, put on your seatbelt, and get situated, the engine might not be fully warm, but it’s completely lubricated and you’re okay to drive at this point.” Figure maybe a minute to get the engine lubricated; more idling time increases air pollution from the exhaust.
Having a four wheel drive vehicle doesn’t mean it will keep you in control in all weather conditions! Every long-time winter driver will have stories…

P.S. A tip for parking at Golden Gate: If your car picks up warmth from the rising morning sun rather than sitting in shadow, the windshield may melt faster, and your engine start easier.