Cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, marine vehicles, heavy-duty and commercial-use vehicles, and even golf carts all have batteries that can fail over time, especially in extreme temperatures. Before cold weather sets in, stop by your local O’Reilly Auto Parts store and we’ll test your battery for free to make sure it’s strong enough to survive the winter.

Free Battery Testing

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Run your heater and defroster to make sure they’re warming adequately.

Keeping your fuel tank above half-full during winter will not only ensure you don’t run out of gas in the cold, but also prevents damage to your fuel pump.

If your wiper blades have been streaking, skipping or smearing—or appear cracked, flaking or splitting--they should be replaced. Consider installing a winter blade that’s designed for snow and ice.

Test all your lights—headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards—before the days get shorter, since you’ll be driving in the dark more. It’s not a bad idea to keep a spare set of bulbs on hand.

Tire tread and pressure are always important, but especially when you’re driving through snow. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition.

If your brakes aren’t working as smoothly, quietly or effectively as they used to, it’s a good idea to visually inspect them or take them to a professional technician for diagnosis.

This is a quick and easy way to help reduce the effects of winter on your driveway and vehicle. De-Icer can be a powerful tool to get you moving in the morning, clean off your car quickly, and ensure your driveway doesn't get too slick.

It's important to gear up for winter and be prepared with winter accessories ready before the storm hits. If you're not looking for a De-Icer, a window scraper or a window winter cover will be essential for you.

Be sure your car has an emergency kit in case you get stranded. O’Reilly Auto Parts sells several of these kits, or you can assemble your own. Include water, ice scraper/snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, hand warmers, snacks and a cell phone charger.

Fill your ATV with fuel, and include a fuel stabilizer. Turn on the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes so the stabilizer reaches the carburetor.

Lubricate the throttle, chain and clutch cables. If battery posts are corroded, clean the posts and add lubricant to the bolt threads.

Leave the battery in the ATV and use a Battery Tender to keep it operational over long periods of inactivity.

To protect the exterior of your ATV, wash it clean of all dirt, bugs and grease and hand wax it once it’s dry.

Protect your ATV from the elements with a cover.

Clean all the dirt, debris and grass clippings from the undercarriage and around the engine. Sharpen the blade and spray moving parts with silicone to prevent locking or binding.

On 4-cycle engines, change the oil and refill the engine with fresh oil. The owner’s manual will tell you which oil is recommended for your equipment.

Check your air filter and change it if needed.

Check your spark plug(s). Gap or replace as needed.

If you leave fuel in the gas tank, add a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer flows through the entire fuel system.

If you’ll be using a small engine during winter, consider using a winter oil.

Use a fog oil in the motor if recommended by the manufacturer.

Drain and refill the lubricant in lower outboard unit or in engine transmission.

Fill fuel tank(s) with fuel and add stabilizer.

Add distilled water to batteries, and bring batteries up to a full charge.

Prop open all storage compartments to allow air flow.

Drain the water systems and replace with Marine Antifreeze. Be sure to read your owner’s manual for specific winterizing guidelines.

Ensure all water has been removed from the plumbing system by blowing compressed air through the lines. Do not use more than 30 PSI when using compressed air.

Drain the water systems and replace with RV Antifreeze. Be sure to read your owner’s manual for specific winterizing guidelines.