Seasonal car care: getting ready for winter, summer, rain and road trips
Short checklists for each season, plus a safe plan for loading and long trips
Your car faces a different test every few months. A battery that worked fine all summer may fail on the first freezing morning. Wiper blades baked by summer sun may smear in the first fall rain. Tires that were fine on dry roads may not grip in snow.
Weather plays a big role in crashes. From 2019 to 2023, rain alone was involved in about 574,000 crashes and 2,810 deaths a year, according to the Federal Highway Administration [1]. Getting your car ready for each season will not stop the weather, but it can give you more grip, a clearer view and fewer breakdowns.
This guide gives you a short checklist for each season, then covers rain, loading and road trips.
Your car care calendar
Comparison compiled by Safety Behind the Wheel Foundation
What to focus on each season
| Season | Top tasks | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Late fall, before winter | Battery test, coolant, winter tires, wipers, winter kit | Cold weakens batteries and lowers tire pressure |
| Spring | Tire and alignment check after potholes, new wipers, wash off road salt | Winter roads damage tires, wheels and wipers |
| Early summer | Cooling system, belts and hoses, battery, air conditioning | Heat wears batteries and rubber parts faster |
| Fall | Headlights, defroster, heater, tires | Darker evenings and the first cold rain |
| Before any long trip | Full check one to two weeks ahead | Time to fix problems before you leave |
Source: Based on NHTSA winter and road trip guidance [2, 3] and AAA battery guidance [4].
A good habit: check for recalls when the clocks change in spring and fall. NHTSA suggests that timing [5].
Before winter
NHTSA’s winter checklist
NHTSA recommends these checks before cold weather [2]:
Tires for winter
Tire pressure drops as the temperature falls, which is why the tire pressure light often comes on during the first cold mornings [6]. Check pressure more often in winter, with the tires cold.
Tread depth matters even more on slush and snow. AAA recommends replacing tires at 4/32 inch, well before the legal minimum of 2/32 inch [7].
If you drive often in snow or ice, consider winter tires. Learn the two symbols on the sidewall:
- M+S (mud and snow). This marking is based only on the shape of the tread. It does not guarantee any level of snow performance [8].
- Three peak mountain with a snowflake. Tires with this symbol have passed a standard test of acceleration on packed snow. They must beat a reference tire by a set margin [8]. The test does not measure braking or ice grip, but it is a real performance standard.
Install winter tires as a set of four, so the front and rear grip the same. Check the pressure after they are mounted.
Battery and cooling system
Cold weather reduces battery power [2]. If your battery is 3 years old or older, AAA recommends a yearly test [4]. Do it before the first hard freeze.
Coolant protects the engine from freezing as well as overheating. A shop can test whether the mix is strong enough for your climate.
Visibility
- Switch to washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures [2].
- Replace wipers that streak or chatter. AAA suggests replacing them every 6 to 12 months [9].
- Clear all snow and ice from every window, the mirrors, lights, sensors and the roof before you drive.
Pack a winter kit
NHTSA suggests carrying [2]:
If you drive an electric vehicle, cold weather also cuts range. See our guide on EV cold weather range.
Spring
Winter is hard on cars. Potholes bend wheels and damage tires. Salt and brine eat at metal.
Before summer heat
Heat shortens battery life. AAA says that in hot southern states, a battery may last only about three years [4]. Heat also wears belts, hoses and tires.
NHTSA’s summer and road trip guidance includes [3]:
Hot cars are deadly for children and pets, even with the windows cracked. Never leave a child or pet alone in a car. See our guides on extreme heat and pets in hot cars.
Fall
When daylight saving time ends, many people suddenly drive home in the dark.
Fall is also peak season for deer crashes in many areas. See our guide on deer and animal crashes.
Before rainy season
Rain is the most common weather factor in crashes [1]. Your tires and wipers are your first defense.
Turn your headlights on in rain, so other drivers can see the rear of your car too. Slow down and leave extra space. Never drive into a flooded road. See our guide on hurricane evacuation and floodwater.
Loading the car safely
Overloading is dangerous. Mazda’s manual warns that excess weight can lead to tire failure, brake failure, handling problems and longer stopping distances [11]. The tire and loading label on the door frame lists the most weight your vehicle can carry in people and cargo combined [11].
To load safely:
- Add it up. Count the weight of every passenger, all luggage and anything on a roof rack or hitch.
- Put heavy items low and forward in the cargo area.
- Keep the view clear. Do not stack cargo above the rear seat backs where it blocks the rear window.
- Tie everything down in open beds and on roof racks.
- Respect roof limits. Roof racks have their own weight limits. Check the rack and your manual.
Loose cargo becomes road debris. The AAA Foundation found that about two thirds of debris related crashes involved items falling from vehicles because of poor maintenance or unsecured loads [12]. AAA advises tying items down with rope, straps or netting, covering the load with a tarp or net, and rechecking the load before you drive [12].
If you tow a trailer, see our guide on how much your vehicle can tow.
Before a long road trip
Do your check one to two weeks before you leave. That gives you time to get parts or book a shop.
NHTSA’s road trip checklist [3]:
Pack a basic roadside kit too. Ready.gov suggests items such as jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, food and a phone charger [13].
On the road, plan breaks every couple of hours and share the driving if you can. Drowsy driving is a real risk on long trips.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need winter tires?
If you often drive on snow or ice, they can make a big difference in grip. If you rarely see snow, good all season tires with plenty of tread may be enough. Look for the three peak mountain and snowflake symbol if you want tires tested for snow [8].
How do I know if my battery will last the winter?
Get it tested. Many shops and parts stores test batteries. AAA recommends yearly testing once a battery is 3 years old [4].
What should I do if my tire pressure light comes on during a cold snap?
Check all tires with a gauge and fill them to the number on the door label. Cold air lowers pressure, and NHTSA notes the light may come on during cold mornings when pressure is borderline [6].
Is it safe to put luggage on the roof?
Yes, if you stay within the weight limits for the rack and the roof, and tie everything down securely. Recheck the load at your first stop.
Related articles
- Vehicle maintenance for safety: tires, brakes, lights and warning signs
- Dedicated winter tires: when they help, the snowflake symbol and why you fit all four
- EV cold weather range: how to plan winter trips
- Extreme heat and driving: how to protect your car, your kids and yourself
- Hurricane evacuation driving: how to leave safely and avoid floodwater
- How much your vehicle can tow: weights, ratings and the stickers to read
Sources and further reading
- 1Federal Highway Administration. How Do Weather Events Impact Roads? ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/roadimpact.htm
- 2NHTSA. Winter Weather Driving Tips 2023 to 2024. nhtsa.gov/…/Winter-Weather-Driving-Tips-2023
- 3NHTSA. NHTSA Offers Safety Tips for the Great American Road Trip. May 29, 2025. nhtsa.gov/…/nhtsa-offers-safety-tips-great-a
- 4AAA. How Long Do Car Batteries Last? aaa.com/…/how-long-do-car-batteries-last
- 5NHTSA. NHTSA Urges Everyone to Check Recalls During Vehicle Safety Recalls Week. March 4, 2024. nhtsa.gov/…/nhtsa-urges-everyone-check-recal
- 6NHTSA. Tires. nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/tires
- 7AAA Newsroom. Tread Lightly: Worn Tires Put Drivers at Risk. June 7, 2018. newsroom.aaa.com/…/tread-lightly-worn-tires-drivers
- 8Tire Rack. What Is the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol? tirerack.com/…/what-is-the-three-peak-mountain-
- 9AAA, The Auto Club Group. When to Replace Your Windshield Wipers and Why It Matters. acg.aaa.com/…/when-to-replace-your-windshield-
- 10AAA Newsroom. Dangers of driving with cloudy headlights. December 11, 2018. newsroom.aaa.com/…/dangers-driving-cloudy-headlight
- 11Mazda. 2017 CX-9 owner’s manual, Tire Labeling. mazdausa.com/…/09080400.html
- 12AAA Newsroom. American drivers aren’t securing loads (AAA Foundation road debris study). August 11, 2016. newsroom.aaa.com/…/american-drivers-arent-securing-
- 13Ready.gov. Car Safety. ready.gov/car
This article reflects the safety priorities of seasonal vehicle readiness and crash prevention. It is general education, not mechanical advice. Follow your owner’s manual for your vehicle and see a qualified technician for repairs. Reviewed November 2026.
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