Your winter car checklist

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Engine Coolant Checks; washer fluid), Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov) and Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise (National Weather Service), read November 3, 2026. The Ram manual is one automaker's example; follow your own owner's manual.

Tires and tire pressure in the cold

Tire pressure falls with the temperature. The 2026 Ram 1500 manual says pressure changes by about 1 psi for every 12°F of air temperature change, and gives an example: if your garage is 68°F and it is 32°F outside, set the cold pressure 3 psi higher when you fill up in the garage. Check pressures more often when temperatures swing, and never exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded into the tire sidewall. Low pressure also raises rolling resistance, which costs fuel.

Know your tire type. The same manual says summer or three-season tires are not intended for snow or ice, and to install winter tires when temperatures are below 40°F or roads are covered with ice or snow. Snow tires carry a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall and should be used in sets of four. It also notes that snow tires generally have lower speed ratings, and that some states prohibit studded tires, so check local law.

Worn tread is a winter problem too; see our guides on when to replace tires and what to do when the tire pressure light comes on.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Tire pressures; Tire types) and Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), read November 3, 2026.

Coolant, washer fluid and the defroster

Coolant does two jobs in winter: it keeps the engine from freezing and it feeds the heater and defroster. The Ram 1500 manual says the best heater and defroster performance depends on a properly working cooling system with the right amount, type and concentration of coolant. If the coolant looks dirty or rusty, the manual says the system should be drained, flushed and refilled. Do not mix coolant types; follow the type your manual specifies.

For washer fluid, the manual warns that washer fluid can ice on a cold windshield and cause a sudden loss of visibility, so warm the windshield with the defroster before and during washer use in freezing weather. It also advises against using recirculation mode in winter because it can fog the windows, and says to keep the air intake in front of the windshield clear of ice, slush and snow.

If your vehicle has an engine block heater, it warms the coolant for quicker starts in cold weather. Plug it into a ground-fault protected outlet with a grounded three-wire extension cord, and unplug the cord before you drive.

From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Climate control winter operation; Engine coolant; Windshield washers; Engine block heater), read November 3, 2026. See also our guide on how to check coolant.

Pack a winter emergency kit

The National Weather Service recommends carrying a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle. Its list includes:

• a mobile phone, charger and batteries
• blankets or sleeping bags
• a flashlight with extra batteries
• a first-aid kit
• a knife
• high-calorie, non-perishable food
• extra clothing to keep dry
• a sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• a shovel
• a windshield scraper and brush
• a tool kit
• a tow rope
• battery booster cables
• a water container
• a compass and road maps, since mobile devices have limited battery life

Our guide on how to jump-start a car explains how to use those booster cables safely.

From Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise (National Weather Service), read November 3, 2026. The NWS list also includes items such as an emergency toilet can, matches and a candle.

If you have to drive in a storm

The National Weather Service's advice: slow down, because roads that look wet can still be slick; clear all ice and snow off the vehicle before you leave; and tell someone where you are going and which route you will take. If you start to skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. With anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure and never pump the brakes.

If you get stuck, the NWS says to stay in the vehicle. Run the engine about 10 minutes each hour for heat, open a window a little for fresh air, and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning. Turn on the dome light at night while the engine runs, and tie a bright cloth to the antenna or door so rescuers can see you.

From What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm (National Weather Service), read November 3, 2026.

Why your mpg drops in winter

Expect fewer miles per gallon in the cold. Fueleconomy.gov says a conventional gasoline car's city mileage is roughly 15% lower at 20°F than at 77°F, and can drop as much as 24% on short trips of 3 to 4 miles; hybrids typically drop more. Cold oil and fluids add friction, the engine takes longer to warm up, and lower tire pressure adds rolling resistance.

To limit the loss, park in a garage when you can, combine trips, and avoid long warm-up idling: fueleconomy.gov says most manufacturers recommend driving off gently after about 30 seconds. Check tire pressure regularly, as the tire section above explains, use the oil your manufacturer recommends for cold weather, and remove roof racks when you are not using them.

From Fuel Economy in Cold Weather (fueleconomy.gov), read November 3, 2026.

Winter service at Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

Our service team can check your coolant, battery, tires, wipers and lights before the snow arrives. Read our car maintenance schedule basics for the rest of the year.

Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Schedule service, see our service specials or get directions.