Winter Car Prep Checklist for Northern Virginia Drivers

We are at Advanced Automotive in Gainesville, and we are aware of the erratic nature of Virginia winters. The first thing you notice is that you’re scraping frost from your windshield, but by afternoon, roads are slippery and filled with cold rain. We have more than 35 years’ experience in serving motorists across Gainesville, Warrenton, Haymarket, Bristow, and Manassas. We’ve witnessed for ourselves the importance of winter preparation to keep families secure and free of stress throughout the winter months.

Each year, we assist local drivers in preparing for winter weather. This includes everything from testing the levels of antifreeze to examining batteries and checking tires. If you’re planning to prepare your vehicle for winter, we’ve got an entire winter car preparation checklist from our trusted Gainesville shop.

1. Make sure you have a charged battery before the cold strikes.

Colder temperatures place extra stress on the battery. A battery that is working fine in the fall could be unable to perform in the winter.
If your battery is older than three years, be sure to test it early. A quick test can avoid an unsatisfactory no-start on a cold winter morning.

2. Inspect Your Tires and Tread Depth

Your tires play a major part in keeping you safe on wet or icy roads.
For winter safety:

• Make sure tire tread is over the 4/32″
• Make sure your tires wear equally
• Replace tires with a lifespan of less than six years.
• Take into consideration winter tires or all-weather tires to gain extra grip

3. Check Your Antifreeze and Cooling System

Coolant helps protect your engine from overheating and freezing.
Before winter, make sure:

• You’ve got the right 50/50 mix of coolant
• The hoses in all of them are safe from leaks and cracks
• Your cooling system holds proper pressure

These steps will help ensure that your engine is protected from damage due to the cold winter months.

4. Replace Worn Wiper Blades and Refill Washer Fluid

Visibility is essential during the winter weather.
Winter checklist:

• Install winter-grade wiper blades
• Make use of the freeze-resistant washer fluid
• A spare bottle should be kept in your trunk

Clear visibility can be the most important factor when you travel along Route 29 or I-66 during the cold or sleety weather.

5. Test Your Heater and Defroster

When temperatures begin to drop, you must make sure that your heater and defroster are operating effectively.
A functioning defroster makes sure your windshield remains free of frost and fog, a crucial security factor on cold winter mornings.

6. Check Brakes and Brake Fluid

Winter road conditions demand reliable brakes.
Inspect:

• Brake pads
• Rotors
• The clarity and level of fluid in the brakes

Any grinding, squeaking, or vibrating noises should be addressed immediately.

7. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

The winter conditions can change. An emergency kit that is simple to use can ensure your safety during an emergency breakdown.

Include:

• Jumper cables
• Flashlight
• Gloves and a blanket
• First-aid kit
• Drinks and snacks
• Ice scraper
• Small shovel
• Cat litter or sand can be used for traction

8. Inspect Your Lights

The shorter winter days mean more driving at night.
Make sure your:

• Bright and clean headlights.
• Brake lights and taillights function perfectly
• Turn signals function properly

Proper lighting can help you to see and be seen on a dark, foggy road.

9. Check Belts, Hoses, and Fluids

The cold temperatures can cause damage to rubber parts and cause thickening of fluids.
Before winter, examine:

• Drive belts
• Radiator Hoses
• Transmission lines

Also, make sure to check:

• Oil for the engine
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid

Clean, well-maintained fluids will ensure that your engine and system perform at optimum levels in winter weather conditions.

10. Schedule a Professional Winter Inspection

A professional winter check will ensure that your car is prepared for ice, snow, and frigid temperatures.
A thorough inspection includes:

• The battery and charging system
• Brakes and tires
• Systems for cooling and heating
• Fluids and lights
• Safety equipment and Wipers

It gives you the confidence that your car is winter-ready.

Stay Safe This Winter—Visit Us in Gainesville

Winter driving shouldn’t need to be a nightmare. With the proper preparation, you’ll be able to navigate the winter roads of Virginia with confidence.
At Advanced Automotive in Gainesville, we’re dedicated to ensuring your safety, from speedy inspections to complete-service repairs.

Contact us at (703) 665-1818
Visit us at 13380 University Blvd., Gainesville, VA

Serving Gainesville, Warrenton, Haymarket, Bristow, and Manassas—keeping your family secure and your car in good working order throughout winter.