A once-over before the first cold snap cuts the odds of a car that won’t start in the morning. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says before winter have a mechanic check the battery, charging system and belts, and check coolant, winter washer fluid, wipers and lights. As the temperature drops, so does tyre pressure, so inflate to the vehicle maker’s recommended pressure, and tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch. If you’re stranded, stay with the car, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and run the engine only sporadically. This sets out the NHTSA page “Winter Driving Tips”.
1. Check before winter — battery, charging system and belts, coolant, winter washer fluid and wipers, lights, floor mats.
2. Cold lowers tyre pressure — use the vehicle maker’s figure, not the tyre sidewall; tread at least 2/32 inch.
3. Stranded: stay with the car, clear the exhaust, run the engine only sporadically — not for long with windows up or in an enclosed space.
Before winter — NHTSA
| Type | What the source says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Cold cuts battery power and engines need more to start — check battery, charging system, belts | — |
| Coolant | Enough coolant meeting the maker’s spec; check for leaks; replace old coolant | — |
| Washer and wipers | Fill with winter fluid with de-icer; replace worn blades | — |
| Floor mats | Correct size, secured with retention clips | Badly fitted mats can interfere with the pedals |
| Lights | Headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards, interior lights | — |
| Tyre pressure | Drops as it gets colder — inflate to the vehicle maker’s figure | Not the number on the tyre |
| Tread | At least 2/32 inch on all tyres | About 1.6 mm (our conversion) |
Emergency kit — NHTSA
| Group | What NHTSA lists | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Snow | Snow shovel, broom, ice scraper | — |
| Stuck | Sand or kitty litter for traction | — |
| Breakdown | Jumper cables, a flashlight, warning devices | — |
| Body | First aid kit, blankets | — |
| Contact and supplies | A charged phone, water, food, necessary medicine | — |
Before you go and on the road — NHTSA
| Type | What the source says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Keep the tank close to full when possible | No “half” figure on this page |
| Route | Check weather and traffic; postpone non-essential travel if roads are bad | — |
| Tell someone | Share your route and expected arrival | — |
| Speed | Slow down and leave extra following distance | — |
| Snow ploughs | Don’t crowd them or drive beside them | — |
| Brakes | With ABS, firm, continuous pressure; without, pump if wheels lock | — |
If you’re stranded — NHTSA
| Type | What the source says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Do | Stay with the car and don’t overexert yourself | — |
| Do | Put bright markers on the antenna or windows; keep the dome light on | — |
| Do | Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow | See carbon monoxide |
| Do | Run the engine only sporadically, just long enough to stay warm | — |
| Don’t | Run it for long with windows up or in an enclosed space | — |
Electric and hybrid vehicles can lose range in the cold; keep the battery charged and plug in at night in winter to keep it at a good temperature. Exhaust risks are in carbon monoxide poisoning; getting dangerously cold is in hypothermia.
Checklist
- ☐ Battery, belts and coolant checked
- ☐ Winter washer fluid, wipers, lights
- ☐ Tyre pressure to the maker’s figure; tread 2/32 inch (about 1.6 mm) or more
- ☐ Shovel, jumper cables, blankets, water and a charged phone in the boot
- ☐ Tank close to full; tell someone your route
- ☐ Stranded: stay in the car, clear the exhaust, run the engine sparingly
Questions that remain
What psi should I use?
NHTSA says use the vehicle maker’s recommended pressure rather than the sidewall figure. It’s usually on a label by the driver’s door or in the manual (our pointer).
What about Korean winter tyre rules?
This is US NHTSA guidance; we didn’t read Korean rules this time.
Sources
- US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — Winter Driving Tips — source (no published or updated date shown; cites 2023 crash data; checked 19 October 2026). 7 pre-winter checks, 5 kit groups, 3 before-you-go and 3 on-road tips, 5 if stranded, EVs.
- Not read. Korean agency winter vehicle checks; Korean winter tyre rules.
- What we added. The “worth noting” column and the Korean everyday gloss.
Where else to check
- Your vehicle manual or garage — recommended pressure and battery checks.
Written on 19 October 2026. The content is from the source; the glosses are ours.
