{"id":6125,"date":"2022-11-30T16:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T16:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=6125"},"modified":"2025-05-02T19:29:39","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T19:29:39","slug":"save-money-by-winterizing-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-tips\/save-money-by-winterizing-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Proof Your Car and Save Money on Car Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“If you’re looking for ways to get cheap vehicle<\/a> insurance, one thing you might not have thought of before is winterizing your car \u2013 before the winter storm. Through the simple process of getting your automobile ready for fall and winter, you can keep it functioning well in all types of weather. Here\u2019s all you need to know about how to winterize and how it can save you on your auto insurance<\/a> premiums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering How to Save Money on Vehicle Insurance? Try Winterizing <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve looked into how to save money on insurance before, you\u2019ve probably seen things like adding safety features to your car<\/a> and bundling your policies. You might be wondering why winterizing never came up. That\u2019s because, technically, there isn\u2019t a discount specifically for an owner who winterizes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, the maintenance and care you put into your car is an important way to keep yourself safe. Snow, slush, and ice account for 24% of weather-related car accidents<\/a> each year. By keeping your vehicle working well, you\u2019ll minimize your chances of getting into an accident. And because safer drivers pay less in insurance premiums, this will indirectly result in you saving big. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does it Mean to Winter Proof Your Vehicle?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It means greeting Jack Frost with a vehicle that is ready to perform in cold temperatures<\/a> and even help you out if you end up stuck somewhere due to wintery conditions. It\u2019s the season to think about how freezing weather may affect things like your engine, windshield wipers, brakes, car doors, windows and all of the other systems that make your vehicle run well. Being prepared is a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget to give your vehicle a bath, especially if it has been exposed to rain, snow and road salt. These things can affect your paint job and lead to rust if not handled in a timely manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember, an owner who isn\u2019t going to be driving for a long time and doesn\u2019t have a garage will find investing in a car cover is a good idea. A car cover protects your vehicle from some of the season\u2019s worst. Be sure and get the right car cover for your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Checklist to Winter Proof Your Car <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know how winterizing your vehicle can help you save on insurance, you might be wondering, \u201cHow should I be getting my automobile ready for fall and winter?\u201d If so, this winterized car checklist<\/a> is for you. It covers all of the things you need to do before cold weather hits. Let\u2019s hit some of the high points. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Inspect Your Tire Tread (and Check the Pressure) <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winter is a bad time to have low tread on your tires. Tread is what helps to give you traction on the road, so with bald tires<\/a>, you have a much higher chance of skidding out of control on a patch of ice or snow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To check your tire tread, you can rely on the penny trick. Take a penny and insert it into the tread so you see Lincoln\u2019s head upside down. Ideally, the tread should cover up the top of Lincoln\u2019s head. If you can see all of Lincoln\u2019s head, or there\u2019s a gap between the head and the edge of the tire, it\u2019s time for new tires. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold weather is also notorious for deflating tires. That\u2019s why you should always keep a close eye on your tire pressure throughout winter. Top off your tires with more air if they drop after a particularly cold night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For certain areas of the United States, consider buying season tires.<\/p>\n\n\n

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2. Check Your Fluid Levels <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your vehicle\u00a0needs a lot of fluids<\/a>\u00a0to run smoothly! In particular, you\u2019ll want to check on the oil, brake fluid, and coolant to make sure they\u2019re high enough.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is also the time you\u2019ll want to add antifreeze to your system. Antifreeze works to lower the freezing point of the coolant in your engine during winter conditions. It\u2019s vital for preventing your ride from freezing up on really cold days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Change Your Windshield Washer Fluid to De-icing Fluid <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another fluid to top off is your washer fluid. But rather than the typical mix you usually use, now is a good time to switch to de-icing fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the regular formula, which can often freeze on your windshield as soon as you spray it and lead to visibility issues, de-icing fluid has a lower freezing temperature. This means it can help clear off your windshield without creating more of a mess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also go the DIY route by formulating a mixture of one part water and three parts vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray your windows and side glass. The acid in the vinegar will prevent ice build-up during winter conditions and make it easier to remove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you\u2019re doing this, also check to make sure your wiper blades are still in good condition. Replace if necessary. You also have an option to purchase winter wipers. Winter wipers have a heating element that can make it easier to keep your view clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Test Your Battery Before Winter Driving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cold can also drain a battery, leaving you stranded. Even if your battery still works, if it\u2019s nearing the end of its life, it may be better to replace it before it dies on you unexpectedly. You can test this at home if you have the right tools, but you\u2019re probably better off going to the shop to get their expert opinion on whether the battery can last through winter<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Test Your Headlights (and Taillights!) for Optimum Winter Proof Your Car Steps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winter means we have less daylight and more darkness, so you need to make sure all of your lights are functioning well. Test your headlights to make sure they\u2019re still bright enough to see, even in the middle of a winter storm. You may want to clean the protective casing using a special cleaner and brush to help them shine brighter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While headlights help you see, your taillights help others see you! So don\u2019t forget to check these as well. You may want to get help from a friend to also test brake lights and turn signals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Put on Snow Tires <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Snow tires are an excellent way to help make you safer in the winter. In fact, if you\u2019re looking at how to save money on insurance by winterizing, this is probably the best way. Winter tires come with better traction patterns that give you more control on snow and ice. They also stand up to the cold better than regular tires. They\u2019re one of the smartest things you can do to stay safe on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. The Interior Can Be Winterized, Too<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Freezing rain and ice can have a negative effect on the interior, as well as the exterior and the systems. Since you\u2019ll be using the heater more with the windows up, consider changing the cabin air filter so you and your passengers will have a healthier air flow. If your feet get muddy and wet, make sure you clean your floor mats regularly so they don\u2019t get damaged. Clean<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do I Build a Winter Safety Kit for My Car? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building a winter safety kit is an essential part of getting ready for fall and winter. You can use the items in the kit to stay warm, hydrated, and safe while you wait for help to arrive<\/a> in the event you are stuck somewhere. Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll want to include in your kit: <\/p>\n\n\n\n