To get your car ready for winter in Texas, test the battery, check coolant and other fluids, check tire pressure and tread, replace worn wipers, make sure the heater and defroster work, and have belts, hoses and brakes inspected. Keep a small emergency kit in the car for the rare hard freeze.
What should be on your winter car checklist?
- Battery test and clean terminals
- Coolant level and strength
- Engine oil at the right level and grade
- Tire pressure and tread depth
- Wiper blades and washer fluid
- Heater and defroster
- Belts and hoses
- Brakes
- Emergency kit
Why is a battery check important in winter?
Cold weather slows the chemical reaction inside a battery, so it has less power right when the engine needs more to start. A battery weakened by a long Texas summer often fails on the first cold morning. Have it tested, and make sure the terminals and cables are clean, tight and free of corrosion. If the test shows it is weak, replace it before it leaves you stranded. Our electrical system repair team can test the battery, alternator and starter together.
Which fluids should you check before winter?
- Coolant (antifreeze): It keeps the engine from freezing in the cold and overheating in the heat. Make sure it is full and mixed to the strength your manufacturer specifies.
- Engine oil: Use the oil grade listed in your owner's manual. It is chosen to flow well in cold starts. If you are due for a change, do it before winter. See our oil change and maintenance service.
- Washer fluid: Use a winter-grade fluid that will not freeze in the reservoir or on the windshield.
Are your tires ready for cold weather?
Cold air lowers tire pressure, so check it more often when temperatures drop. Set it to the number on the sticker inside the driver's door. Look at the tread too. Worn tires lose grip fast on wet or icy roads. In the Houston area, dedicated winter tires are rarely needed, but good tread and correct pressure always matter.
Can you see clearly in winter weather?
Replace wiper blades that streak or chatter. Turn on the defroster and heater before the first cold morning to make sure they work. Check that all lights work so other drivers can see you in fog and rain.
What should a mechanic look at under the hood?
- Belts and hoses: Rubber can get brittle and crack. Replace any that are worn or leaking.
- Brakes: Slick roads need brakes that stop smoothly and evenly.
- Heating system: A heater that blows cool air can point to low coolant or a thermostat problem.
What should be in a winter emergency kit?
- Blanket and gloves
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Water and non-perishable snacks
- Ice scraper
- Phone charger
What if you won't drive the car for a while?
If the car will sit during a cold spell, park it in a garage if you can. A battery maintainer can keep the battery charged.
When to see a mechanic
- The engine cranks slowly on cold mornings
- The heater or defroster does not work well
- You see coolant leaks or the temperature gauge acts strangely
- The brakes squeal, grind or feel soft
Want your car checked before the next cold front? R&E Auto Repair is at 930 Rayford Road in Spring, TX. Every vehicle gets a digital inspection with photos and notes sent to your phone, and no work is done until you approve it. If something can wait, we say so. Call 832-585-0229 or contact us to book a visit. We're open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.