The Coolest Tips to Help Steer Your Car Through Winter

BY Jeffrey January 24, 2022

Surviving the winter months can be a challenge, especially if the weather insists on dumping snow and ice on the roads you drive on. Nobody likes driving through inclement weather, but with just handful of simple car checks you’ll be able to navigate those chilly months like a pro.

Wash Your Car

This may seem counterintuitive, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain or snow during the winter. Why wash your car if it’s just going to get dirty again in a few days? The truth is washing your car during the winter is critical for maintaining a number of your cars systems located in the undercarriage. 

Mud, dirt, and other debris are far more likely to kick up and interfere with working parts found under your car. This is doubly so if you live and drive in an area where the roads are salted frequently. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your vehicle if not cleaned properly. On top of that, dirt, water, and salt can all affect the finish of your paint as well as lead to premature rusting if not addressed.  The good news is many car cleaning services provide special winter packages to ensure your vehicle is prepped, cleaned, and ready to make it through winter. 

Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure

Tires are one of those things that you don’t really think about until something goes wrong. At that point, your car is very vocal about the issue. Whether it’s something as simple as low pressure or as critical as a flat, keeping an eye on how much air is in your tires can save you headaches down the road.

When living in climates that get significantly colder during the winter months, be sure your pressure is adjusted properly. Even if you have brand new tires, the air pressure will drop as the temperature does. Most tires will have a recommended Cold PSI rating found on the tread wall. Be sure to follow these specifications to get the most out of your tire life.

Use the Right Fluids

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Winterize Your Vehicle.” It’s incredibly straightforward and means just that; get your car ready for winter. This generally includes (but isn’t limited to) making sure all your fluids are the right type to handle the chillier winter months.

The biggest and most visible culprit is your washer fluid. While many brands offer All-Season fluids, many of the cheaper options do not. Be sure your fluid can handle colder temps or you might see your windshield frosting over at the wrong time. It’s also a good idea to ensure your other fluids, including engine oil, are all rated to handle freezing temperatures.

Cover Up at Night

There’s nothing quite as annoying as waking up before work and finding your windows coated in thick, icy frost. Typically you’ve got two options at this point: Bust out the gloves and get to scraping, or turn on your car and wait for the heater to melt the ice away. While both of those options are perfectly fine, the “Cover Up” method might be a better fit for your schedule (and hands). 

All that’s required is you putting something over the windshield at night. There are actually products designed specifically for this purpose, but you can do it yourself for free. Simply throw a towel or blanket over your windshield, secure the edges in your doors and with your wipers, and you’ll enjoy an ice-free windshield every morning. It’s really that easy.

Find What You Need at Progressive Leasing

If you’re ready for new tires or rims, Progressive Leasing offers simple, flexible payment options from thousands of retail partners across the country. Find a store near you by visiting our website at progleasing.com.