Nashville winters may not always bring deep snow, but they do bring cold mornings, icy roads, and unpredictable temperature swings that can stress your car in ways you might not expect. The good news? A little preventive maintenance now can save you a lot of trouble — and money — once the temperatures drop.
Here are six smart maintenance tasks every Tennessee driver should check off before winter really settles in.
1. Check Your Battery Before the Cold Snap Hits
Cold weather is the ultimate test for a weak car battery. As temperatures fall, battery power can drop by up to 50%, which means that a battery that barely started your car in the fall could leave you stranded in January.
Tip: Have your battery load-tested and terminals cleaned. If it’s more than 3 years old, replacement is cheap insurance against a no-start morning.
2. Inspect Brakes for Winter Readiness
Wet, slick, and icy roads demand responsive brakes. If you’ve been putting off that brake inspection, now’s the time. Nashville drivers often underestimate how much longer it takes to stop in colder conditions — even with anti-lock brakes.
Tip: Replace worn pads, check for rotor warping, and make sure your brake fluid is clean and topped off.
3. Check Coolant and Heater Performance
Your car’s cooling system also keeps your engine from freezing, not just overheating. Antifreeze (coolant) levels and mix ratio are crucial for both efficiency and protection.
Tip: Make sure your coolant mixture is correct (typically 50/50 antifreeze and distilled water). While you’re at it, test your cabin heater — if it’s weak or blowing cold, schedule a system check before Nashville’s frost sets in.
4. Replace Wiper Blades and Check Washer Fluid
Winter grime and slush can quickly coat your windshield. Old wipers that streak or skip can be dangerous in low sunlight or icy drizzle.
Tip: Replace your wiper blades now and fill the reservoir with winter-grade washer fluid that won’t freeze.
5. Check Tire Tread and Pressure
Tires lose about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature. Underinflated tires wear faster and have less traction — a bad combo for slippery roads.
Tip: Check tread depth and inflate to the recommended pressure (listed inside your driver’s door). Consider all-season or winter-rated tires if you frequently drive early in the morning when roads are coldest.
6. Keep an Emergency Kit in the Trunk
Even short drives can turn into long waits if a car stalls in freezing weather.
Tip: Stock your car with jumper cables, a blanket, flashlight, gloves, bottled water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. You’ll thank yourself later.
Final Thoughts: Small Checks, Big Savings
Taking a couple of hours to prep your vehicle can save hundreds in repairs — and possibly keep you from being stranded on the side of I-40.
At L.A.W. Inc. Auto Repair, we offer full winter maintenance inspections for Nashville drivers, including batteries, brakes, fluids, heating systems, and tires. Our certified techs will make sure your car is ready to handle the cold safely and efficiently.
Schedule your winter car checkup today