# Winter Car Checklist: 6 Things to Handle Before Cold

> Test batteries, check engine lights, and prep your car for winter with Advance Auto Parts deals.
- Title: Winter Car Checklist: 6 Things to Handle Before Cold
- Summary: Test batteries, check engine lights, and prep your car for winter with Advance Auto Parts deals.
- Keywords: advance auto parts, battery test, check engine light, oil change, wiper blades, headlights, coolant, winter car checklist, The Drive
- Source: The Drive — https://thedrive.com/news/the-winter-car-checklist-six-things-to-handle-before-it-gets-cold
- Author: Andrew P. Collins
- Published: 2026-11-12T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: advance auto parts, battery test, check engine light, oil change, wiper blades, headlights, coolant, winter car checklist, cars, technology
## Test your battery before it tests you
Batteries are classic winter failures with little warning. A battery cooked by summer heat can seem fine until cold mornings cause it to fail.

> 1 in 4 batteries are about to fail. Heat damages and cold kills.
## Stop ignoring the check engine light
The check engine light can indicate problems that worsen in winter. A free scan helps identify issues before they cause breakdowns.

> A ReliaScan car diagnostic scan reads your vehicle’s trouble codes to help you understand what triggered the light. It’s a starting diagnostic for car problems, not the final word, and an Advance Auto Parts team member will explain your results and help you figure out what to do next.
## Change your oil
Update your oil and check viscosity for cold weather. Advance offers a free oil filter with 5 quarts of motor oil.

> Advance is throwing in a free Carquest oil filter when you buy 5 quarts of motor oil, which takes care of the other half of the job.
## Replace your wiper blades
Wiper blades wear out in winter. Advance has a deal on Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency wipers with free installation.

> save $8 on 2 Rain-X Latitude Water Repellency front wipers (must buy 2), with free wiper blade installation.
## Check your headlights
Ensure all lights work in dark, rainy, or snowy conditions. Save $10 on Sylvania LED bulbs for upgrades.

> save $10 by mail on Sylvania LED bulbs, including the Sylvania H11 LED Ultra Powersports Headlight or Fog Bulb, 6000K Cool White, 2-Pack (item 50251317).
## Check your coolant
Coolant prevents freezing and overheating. Check levels and use manufacturer-specified types for winter safety.

> At Advance Auto Parts, we ensure your vehicle’s cooling system operates at its best with our comprehensive selection of coolant and antifreeze. Our ARGOS antifreeze and coolant products are designed to protect your engine against both overheating in summer and freezing in winter, ensuring year-round performance.
## Build a winter kit
Assemble essentials like ice scrapers, gloves, flashlights, and jumper cables for cold weather.
## Key takeaway

Advance Auto Parts offers discounts on battery tests, check engine scans, oil changes, wiper blades, headlights, and coolant to prevent winter car issues.