Winter Car Maintenance Checklist (Printable)

Item	Priority	Who	Time	What to check (Pass/Fail)	If failed (Next step)
Battery Voltage Test	Required	Shop_or_DIY	10 min	12.4V+ (off); no slow cranking	Recharge or replace battery
Battery Terminals	Required	DIY	5 min	Clean, tight, no white powder	Clean with wire brush/soda
Tire Tread Depth	Required	DIY	5 min	At least 4/32" for snow safety	Replace tires or install winters
Tire Pressure (PSI)	Required	DIY	10 min	Matches door-jamb sticker	Inflate to spec; check for leaks
Antifreeze/Coolant Level	Required	DIY	5 min	Between Min/Max marks in tank	Top off with correct 50/50 mix
Coolant Freeze Point	Recommended	Shop_or_DIY	5 min	Protected to -25°F or lower	Flush and replace coolant
Windshield Wipers	Required	DIY	5 min	No streaks, cracks, or skipping	Replace with winter blades
Washer Fluid Level	Required	DIY	2 min	Full; rated for -20°F or lower	Drain summer fluid; add winter
Heater & Defroster	Required	DIY	5 min	Blows hot air; clears glass fast	Check thermostat or blower motor
Headlights & High Beams	Required	DIY	5 min	Bright, clear, and aimed correctly	Replace bulbs; polish lenses
Tail & Brake Lights	Required	DIY	5 min	All bulbs functioning	Replace burnt-out bulbs
Serpentine Belt	Recommended	DIY	5 min	No cracks, fraying, or glazing	Replace belt immediately
Engine Oil Level	Required	DIY	5 min	Within hash marks on dipstick	Add oil; check for leaks
Brake Pad Thickness	Recommended	Shop_or_DIY	15 min	At least 3mm of material left	Schedule brake service
Door Seals (Weatherstrip)	Optional	DIY	10 min	Pliable; no sticking or tearing	Apply silicone lubricant
Lock Cylinders	Optional	DIY	5 min	Key turns smoothly	Apply dry graphite lubricant
Spare Tire Condition	Required	DIY	10 min	Inflated to spec; no dry rot	Inflate or replace spare
Emergency Kit Contents	Required	DIY	15 min	Blankets, food, flares present	Restock missing safety items

Use this table as your primary guide. Start with the 'Required' items first, as these directly impact the vehicle's ability to operate in cold weather. Check off each row only after you have verified the pass/fail criteria.

If an item fails, do not ignore it. Winter conditions exacerbate minor mechanical issues very quickly. For items marked 'Shop', it is often safer to have a technician use professional diagnostic tools, especially for battery load testing and coolant chemistry.