Winter’s Coming: 5 Vehicle Do’s and Don’ts for Surviving Iowa Roads

Winter in Iowa is seriously no joke! Between icy roads, blowing snow, white outs, drifts, and freezing temperatures, driving to work (or anywhere) feels like an act of attrition. Sure, you can survive the winter, but will your car win the battle? Fear not fellow Iowan, with a little prep work, your car can be as ready for winter as you are for that 3rd hot cocoa. Let’s dive into five essential winter car do’s, and don’ts, that will keep you cruising safely through the Icy tundra we call home.

Do Check Your Tires

Winter is not the time to play tire roulette. Thin to no tread is a ticking time bomb and a one-way ticket to the ditch come ice time. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread left. Better yet, consider slapping on some winter tires if you're expecting heavy snow days. Oh, and don’t forget to check that tire pressure! Cold air takes pressure from tires faster than you can say “snowstorm.”

Don’t Skip Out on Wiper Blade Replacement

Old, streaky wipers are literally the most annoying thing come winter, and the easiest thing to have replaced now. Winter weather can be brutal on visibility, so make sure your wipers are up to the challenge. I usually just grab some new all-weather blades, but an upgrade to winter blades can be smart. The goal? A crystal-clear windshield—no streaks, no smudges, just smooth sailing.

Do Show Your Battery Some Love

I use to have a car that was all about draining batteries, and cold weather fuhgeddaboudit. No one wants to hear the dreaded click-click-click of a dead battery when it's 10°or lower outside. Cold weather can drain your battery’s power faster than holiday shopping drains your wallet (it's coming!), so give it a quick test. If your battery’s getting old, it probably time to replace it before the chill sets in. You definitely want a battery that provides some serious cold cranking amps too.

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Don’t Use Hot Water on Your Frozen Windshield

You will not save time. This is a BAD idea. Trust me, you don't want to shatter your windshield by dumping hot water on an icy windshiled (unlikely to happen with newer glass-composite windshields). It’s tempting, but the glass can crack under the shock of sudden temperature change. Not only that, you could actually end up with an even thicker sheet of ice to deal with in the end, especially if you're in sub-zero temps. Instead, grab that trusty scraper or invest in a de-icing spray (even a homemade one as described above in the video). It’s only slightly slower, but at least you won’t end up with a windshield that looks like a spider web.

Do Pack an Emergency Kit (Seriously)

An emergency kit isn’t just for your paranoid uncle anymore—it’s your lifeline in an Iowa winter. Stock it with the basics: blankets, flashlight, jumper cables, an ice scraper, and some snacks (because hanger happens). Add a bag of sand or kitty litter to help if you get stuck in snow. Obviously, water bottles won't stay liquid in an icy car overnight so always bring a bottle with you from home as well. Better safe than sorry should you get ditch stranded for an hour or two, or even worse a life-threatening situation overnight in a blizzard.

Don’t Let Your Gas Tank Drop Below Half

Growing up on a farm I heard this all the time. If it was important for the tractors and skid loaders, you can bet it is for your vehicle. Running low on gas when the roads are snowy is not ideal. Keep your tank at least half full in winter. Not only does this help prevent gas line freeze-up, but it also ensures you’ve got enough fuel to stay warm if you get stuck somewhere. Plus, it will be one less thing to worry about on those cold mornings when you don't want to pump gas.

Do Top Off or Replace Your Fluids

WASHER FLUID!!!! We get SALTY in Iowa and you're going to need it! The Winter weather requires your car’s fluids to be in tip-top shape. Make sure your oil is winter-grade (usually 5W-30 or thinner depending on vehicle make and model), check your coolant levels and make sure it isn't over-diluted, and, again, windshield washer fluids need topped off more often than not in winter. Washer fluid should be winter-ready so it doesn’t freeze when you need it most. Bonus it could even have built in deicer. That is especially handy if you don't happen to have a garage.

Don’t Neglect Your Lights

Winter days are short, and the snow can seriously reduce visibility, especially when it's snowing and blowing. Check that all your lights—headlights, brake lights, and turn signals—are working properly. It’s not just about you seeing the road, but also making sure other drivers can see you. Swap out any dim or broken bulbs ASAP.

Do check your Brakes & Defroster

Brakes are your best friend when navigating slick roads. Get them checked out before winter starts to avoid any slippery surprises or lack of stopping power. Also, ensure your defroster is working properly. Blower motors are notorious for dying right when you need them to run consistently. Nobody wants to scrape the inside of their windshield when frost forms.

Don’t Skip the Pre-Winter Service Check

When all else fails send it to the mechanic or shop! Give your car a professional winter once-over before it gets too cold. Get your brakes inspected, check the heating and defroster system, and ensure your antifreeze levels are right where they should be. Shops can also top off all your fluids and make sure your tires are in proper shape as well. It’s much better (and cheaper) to catch small problems now than have them cause a breakdown in freezing temps or leave you needing a new vehicle all together, should the worst occur.

So, there's your basic list before the ice and snow takes hold. It's always better to deal with it now, then to have to deal with it when it's snowing, blowing, and sitting at below zero temps. Trust me you don't want that vehicle to let you down, and future you will sure wish you hadn't skipped that service day in fall.