Stay safe on icy roads with our winter car preparation guide. Synthetic Motorsports in Perry, GA, makes prepping your rig easy and stress-free.

Ever try starting your car on a cold morning, and it sounds like it’s groaning? That slow crank and pause before the engine turns over are your car’s way of asking you to check it out. Even though Georgia winters aren’t Arctic-level cold, temperatures below 40°F can still affect your vehicle.

The good news is that a few simple steps now can help you avoid breakdowns, costly repairs, and morning headaches later. This winter car preparation guide shows you how to get your car winter-ready and keep it running smoothly all season long.

Keep your car running smoothly this winter! Whether you’re commuting or going on a road trip, AMSOIL has you covered. Call (888) 563-5143 to speak with the experts at Synthetic Motorsports in Perry, GA, or browse AMSOIL’s online store anytime!

1. Keep Your Engine Happy with Cold Weather Protection

Here's the thing about cold-weather engine protection: your engine oil becomes thick and sluggish when temperatures drop, kind of like honey in the refrigerator. This means your engine has to work overtime just to get that oil flowing to all the right places.

That's where switching to a high-quality synthetic oil makes all the difference. Unlike regular oil, which turns into molasses when it's cold, synthetic oil flows like water, even in freezing temperatures. It's like giving your engine a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning.

If you currently use 5W-30 oil, consider upgrading to 0W-30 synthetic for winter. The first number (the "0W") tells you how well the oil flows in cold weather, and zero beats five every time.

2. Don't Let Your Battery Leave You Stranded

Nothing ruins a Monday morning like turning your key and hearing that dreaded clicking sound. Cold weather is absolutely brutal on batteries, cutting their power by up to half when temperatures really drop. Smart battery maintenance for winter starts before the first frost hits.

Here's your game plan: get your battery tested now. Most batteries live about three to five years, but cold weather can shorten that lifespan faster than you'd think. While you're at it, clean off any white, crusty buildup around the terminals – that stuff is like kryptonite to your electrical system.

Pro tip: If your battery is over three years old and you've noticed your engine cranking a bit slower lately, don't gamble with it. Replace it now, because batteries always seem to die at the worst possible moment.

3. Master Your Antifreeze and Coolant System

Here's something that surprises a lot of people: your cooling system isn't just about keeping your engine from overheating. It's also your first line of defense against freezing, which can crack your engine block faster than you can say "expensive repair bill."

Your antifreeze and coolant check should happen every fall, no exceptions. For most Georgia conditions, you want a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, but if you're planning any trips up north, you might need to adjust that ratio.

Take a walk around your car and look for suspicious puddles underneath. Check your radiator hoses, too—they should feel firm, not squishy or hard as a rock. If anything looks questionable, replace it now rather than dealing with a breakdown later.

Take the stress out of vehicle maintenance with AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-16 100% Synthetic Motor Oil. This high-performance formula boosts fuel economy and engine longevity. Order AMSOIL online or call Synthetic Motorsports in Perry, GA, at (888) 563-5143 to stock up today!

4. Get Smart About Your Tires

Let's talk winter tire considerations that actually matter for Georgia drivers. You might think all-season tires are good enough, but here's the deal: once temperatures consistently stay below 45 degrees, those tires start losing their grip faster than a buttered doorknob.

First things first; check your tread depth using the penny trick. Stick a penny into your tire groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, it's time for new tires, period.

Don't forget about tire pressure, either. Your tires lose about one PSI for every 10-degree temperature drop, so check them weekly once cold weather hits. Properly inflated tires aren't just safer, they'll also save you money on gas.

5. Drive Smart, Stay Safe

The best winter driving safety tips are often the simplest ones. Keep an emergency kit in your car with basics like blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and some snacks. Always keep at least half a tank of gas to prevent fuel line problems and give yourself options if you get stuck somewhere.

Remember, even a light frost can turn Georgia roads into skating rinks, especially on bridges and overpasses. Give yourself extra time, increase your following distance, and don't let overconfidence get you into trouble.

Ready to take action after reading our winter car preparation guide? Keep your vehicle protected with AMSOIL’s top-quality synthetic oils. Contact Synthetic Motorsports in Perry, GA at (888) 563-5143, or restock online anytime!