Is Your Car Ready for a New Jersey Winter? A Pre-Winter Auto Checkup Guide

Winter in Pequannock Township brings its own kind of beauty, from frosty mornings in Riverdale to the first snow dusting in Lincoln Park. But for your car, the cold weather, salt, and unpredictable conditions on routes like Route 23 present a real challenge. Getting your vehicle ready now can prevent a breakdown on a freezing morning.

This pre-winter checkup guide will walk you through the key areas to inspect. A little preparation can ensure your car handles the season safely and reliably.

1. Battery Performance: The Heart of a Cold Start

The number one cause of winter breakdowns is a weak battery. Cold weather reduces your battery’s power output while simultaneously making the engine oil thicker and harder to turn over. This double demand is often too much for an aging battery.

●     What to Look For: If your engine cranks slowly when you start it, or your headlights dim when idling, your battery may be struggling.

●     Proactive Step: Have your battery’s voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) tested. Our technicians at Bock Automotive can perform a quick, comprehensive battery test to tell you exactly how much life it has left.

2. Tire Check: Your Grip on Slippery Roads

Your tires are your only connection to the road. This becomes critical on icy patches near the Pequannock River or on hilly roads in Kinnelon.

●     Tread Depth: Check your tire tread. The legal minimum is 2/32 of an inch, but for winter safety, more is better. Use the “quarter test”—insert a quarter into the tread with Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too low.

●     Tire Pressure: Remember, tire pressure drops about one PSI for every 10-degree decrease in temperature. Check your pressure regularly as the mercury falls, including your spare tire.

●     Consider Winter Tires: For the ultimate in safety, consider dedicated winter tires. Their softer rubber compounds and unique tread patterns provide superior traction in snow and ice compared to all-season tires.

3. Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid

Good visibility is non-negotiable. New Jersey winters spray a constant mix of salt, sand, and grime onto your windshield.

●     Wiper Blades: If your current blades are streaking or skipping, replace them. We recommend a durable, winter-grade blade that can handle ice and snow buildup.

●     Washer Fluid: Do not use water or summer-grade fluid—it will freeze. Completely flush your system and fill it with a high-quality de-icer fluid rated for well below zero degrees. This keeps your windshield clean without creating an ice rink on the glass.

4. The Vital Fluids: Antifreeze and Oil

Your engine relies on these fluids to operate smoothly in the cold.

●     Antifreeze/Coolant: This fluid does more than prevent overheating—it also keeps the engine from freezing solid. We can test the strength of your coolant to ensure its freeze-protection level is sufficient for a New Jersey winter.

●     Oil: Cold, thick oil makes your engine work harder on startup. Check your owner’s manual; some manufacturers recommend a thinner viscosity oil for winter months to ensure proper lubrication from the moment you turn the key.

5. Brake Inspection: Stopping Power is Paramount

Your brakes are your most important safety feature. This is even more true on roads made slick by snow and ice. If you hear any grinding, squealing, or feel a vibration when you press the brake pedal, have your brake system inspected immediately. Worn brakes take longer to stop—a delay you cannot afford in winter conditions.

6. Lights and Exterior Check

With shorter days and more inclement weather, you will be using your lights more often.

●     Walk Around Your Car: Turn on all your lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Make sure every bulb is working so you can see and be seen.

●     Check for Cracks: Look for cracks in any light covers, as moisture can get in and freeze.

7. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Even a well-maintained car can have a bad day. Be prepared with a simple kit in your trunk. We recommend including:

●     Ice scraper and snow brush

●     Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

●     Blanket, gloves, and a warm hat

●     Flashlight with extra batteries

●     Bottled water and non-perishable snacks

●     A bag of sand or cat litter for traction if you get stuck

Let Bock Automotive Get Your Car Winter-Ready

You don’t have to go through this checklist alone. A professional inspection can spot potential problems you might miss. Our team at Bock Automotive in Pequannock Township is familiar with exactly what local winters demand from your vehicle.

We will check your battery, tires, brakes, and all critical systems to make sure your car is prepared for whatever this New Jersey winter brings. We service all makes and models—from Ford and Toyota to BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Ready for peace of mind?
 Schedule your Pre-Winter Safety Inspection with us today.
Call (973) 320-7520 or book your appointment online.
Let us help you drive with confidence all season long.