Winter Fleet Vehicle Checklist: Get Your Car Ready for Holiday Travel

By: Dale Jewell, Senior Manager, Fleet Maintenance

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year on the road, and winter weather can make travel more challenging. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and shorter daylight hours can all affect how your vehicle performs. When traffic is heavy and schedules are tight, even a small problem can lead to big delays.

Taking a little time to prepare your vehicle before a winter trip can help you to travel safely, avoid breakdowns, and enjoy peace of mind along the way.

Why Winter Preparation Is Important

Winter road in beatiful forest. Snow calamity or blizzard. Fast cars on snowy roads in storm.Cold weather is tough on vehicles. Batteries work harder, tires lose air, and fluids can freeze or thicken. Visibility can also be reduced by snow, ice, or fog. When you combine winter conditions with busy holiday highways, being prepared matters more than ever.

A quick check before you hit the road can help prevent unexpected stops and keep your trip on track.

A Simple Winter Vehicle Checklist:

Tires

Your tires help your vehicle grip the road, especially in snow or rain.

  • Make sure tires have enough tread
  • Check tire pressure, cold weather can cause it to drop
  • Look for cracks, bulges, or damage
  • If you continuously drive in heavy snow, look into winter tires

Battery & Lights

Cold weather can make it harder for your vehicle to start.

  • Have the battery tested if it’s more than a few years old
  • Make sure battery connections are clean and well-fitted
  • Check that all lights work, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers

Fluids

Fluids keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

  • Check engine oil and top it off if needed
  • Make sure antifreeze is at the proper level to prevent freezing
  • Fill windshield washer fluid with a winter-rated solution
  • Look for any warning lights on your dashboard

Brakes & Visibility

Stopping safely and seeing clearly are critical in winter weather.

  • Pay attention to how your brakes feel, any grinding or pulling should be checked
  • Replace windshield wipers if they leave streaks or squeak
  • Test front and rear defrosters to be sure they clear windows quickly
  • Clean windows inside and out to reduce glare at night
  • Keep ADAS and rear-view camera lenses clean.  These will often become obscured by ice, snow and salt.

Heating & Defrosting

Staying warm and keeping windows clear helps you stay alert and safe.

  • Make sure the heater warms up the vehicle
  • Test the defroster before your trip, not after you’re on the road
  • Listen for unusual noises when using heat or fans

Pack a Winter Emergency Kit

Black SUV parked on snowy road with open trunk, revealing winter car kit contents red jumpsuit, black backpack on passenger. Snow-covered trees and tranquil forest in background.Even prepared vehicles can face delays during winter travel. Keeping a few essentials in your car can make a big difference if you’re stuck waiting for help.

Helpful items include:

  • Jumper cables or a portable battery charger
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Warm blankets, gloves, and hats
  • Hand warmers like ‘Hot Hands’
  • Water and ready to eat snacks
  • Chargers for your personal electronics, especially your phone

Helpful Tips for Holiday Travel

  • Schedule a vehicle check early, repair shops fill up fast before the holidays
  • Check tire pressure when the car is cold
  • Refill windshield washer fluid often during long trips
  • Leave extra travel time and keep an eye on weather forecasts
  • Keep your fuel tank filled often
  • Make sure your EV vehicle’s battery is charged often and to a higher percentage
  • Diesel fuel systems can have a multitude of cold weather issues.  Be sure to consult a diesel engine expert for servicing your diesel engine.

Travel With Confidence This Winter

Winter road trips don’t have to be stressful. A short checklist and a little preparation can help prevent problems before they start whether you’re driving to see family, heading out on vacation, or managing vehicles for work.

Before you hit the road this holiday season, take a few minutes to prepare your vehicle. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in getting you where you’re going safely. Do you need additional help in keeping a safe fleet vehicle? Contact us and we’re more than happy to talk about safety.