Is Your Car Ready for a West Bend Winter? A Pre-Winter Auto Checkup Guide

Winter in West Bend is a beautiful season, but it’s tough on your car. The drive down Decorah Road can go from clear to slick in minutes, and a cold morning in Hubertus can test even the most reliable battery. Getting your vehicle ready for the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures isn't just about convenience—it's a critical step for your safety on roads throughout Washington County.

This pre-winter checkup guide will walk you through the key areas to inspect before the first major snowfall hits.

1. Test Your Battery Before the Deep Freeze

Cold weather is a battery's worst enemy. It reduces your battery's starting power while simultaneously making your engine oil thicker, forcing the battery to work harder. A battery that started fine in September might fail on a 10°F morning in West Bend.

What to Check: Look for signs of corrosion on the terminals and have your battery's voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) tested. Most batteries last 3-5 years. If yours is in this range, a test is a smart move.

Local Tip: The team at Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing can perform a quick, comprehensive battery test at any of our West Bend or Hubertus locations. We’ll let you know if your battery is strong enough for a Wisconsin winter.

2. Ensure Your Visibility with Strong Wipers and Fluid

Driving on Main Street with a dirty, streaky windshield is dangerous any time of year. In winter, with salt and slush constantly hitting your glass, it becomes a major hazard.

What to Check: Inspect your wiper blades for any cracking, splitting, or streaking. If they aren’t clearing the glass effectively, replace them.

Critical Step: Swap out your standard windshield washer fluid for a winter-grade formula with de-icer. Using summer fluid can lead to it freezing in your reservoir and lines, leaving you with no way to clear your windshield.

3. Check Your Tire Tread and Air Pressure

Your tires are your only connection to the road. When that road is covered in snow or ice, having sufficient tread is non-negotiable.

What to Check: Use the “penny test.” Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn for safe winter driving.

Don’t Forget: Tire pressure drops as the temperature does. For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires lose about 1 PSI. Check your tire pressure regularly as the weather cools and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended level, found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb.

Consider an Upgrade: For the best traction, many drivers in Slinger and Kewaskum invest in a dedicated set of winter tires. They are made from a special rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather, providing a significant grip advantage.

4. Verify Your Heater and Defroster Are Working

A working heater is about more than just comfort. A strong defroster is essential for keeping your windshield and windows clear of frost and condensation on the inside.

What to Check: Turn on your heater and defroster to ensure they are producing warm air and effectively clearing the windshield. If the air isn’t getting hot, you could have a problem with your thermostat or cooling system that needs immediate attention.

5. Inspect Your Cooling System and Antifreeze

Your engine’s cooling system is vital year-round. In winter, the antifreeze (or coolant) prevents the water in your engine and radiator from freezing, which can cause catastrophic damage.

What to Check: The strength of your antifreeze is measured by its freeze point. A mechanic can test this with a simple tool to ensure the mixture is strong enough to protect your engine during a West Bend cold snap. We also check for any leaks or weak spots in hoses and the radiator.

6. Give Your Brakes a Professional Inspection

Your brakes are your most important safety feature. Icy roads and longer stopping distances mean your brakes need to be in top condition.

What to Check: Listen for any grinding, squealing, or vibrating when you brake. These are signs your brake pads or rotors need service. A professional brake inspection can measure the thickness of your pads and rotors and check your brake fluid to ensure the entire system is ready for winter stress.

7. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

Even with a perfectly maintained car, getting stuck is always a possibility. A simple kit in your trunk can make a big difference.

What to Include: An ice scraper, a small shovel, a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction, a flashlight, blankets, gloves, and some non-perishable snacks.

Trust Your Winter Prep to the West Bend Experts

You don’t have to go through this checklist alone. The certified technicians at Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing have been preparing cars for Wisconsin winters since 1980. We know exactly what to look for to keep you and your family safe.

We offer a comprehensive Winter Vehicle Inspection that covers all these critical systems. We’ll test your battery, check your antifreeze, inspect your brakes and tires, and make sure your heating system is working perfectly.

Ready for Winter? Schedule Your Pre-Winter Checkup Today!

Don't wait for the first snowstorm to discover a problem with your car. Visit one of our four convenient locations in West Bend or Hubertus. Schedule an appointment with Bob's Main Street Auto & Towing online or give us a call. Let our team give you the confidence to face whatever a Washington County winter brings.