7 Items Under $20 To Prepare Your Car for Winter

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With colder days and icy roads just around the corner, preparing your car for winter is essential. Underestimating the importance of winterizing your vehicle can lead to dangerous situations, but for just $20 or less per item, you can add peace of mind to every drive. A few inexpensive updates now, and you can transform a potential roadside emergency into a smooth journey, ensuring you stay safe and comfortable even in the harshest weather conditions. 

Winter doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are seven affordable ways to prepare your car and avoid frosty frustrations when temperatures drop.

Windshield Washer Fluid (Winter Formula)

• Price: $4.97

Regular washer fluid can freeze in the cold, creating a dangerously obstructed view. Switching to a winter-proof windshield washer fluid is an inexpensive way to ensure clean sightlines in harsh weather.

“Windshield wiper fluid (winter formula) helps your wipers resist freezing, so they remain effective even in sub-zero temperatures,” said Bryan Jewett, an automotive industry veteran with over 20 years of experience and owner of Casey’s Automotive. “Winter formulas often include antifreeze agents that help remove ice and snow from the windshield, a must-have for brutal winters.”

With freeze protection down to -30°F, winter formula washer fluid prevents ice buildup, ensuring a clean, streak-free windshield.

Winter Windshield Wipers

• Price: $14.88

Driving in rain is one thing; driving in winter weather demands windshield wipers built for harsher conditions.

“Winter windshield wipers are specifically designed to handle harsh weather conditions such as snow, ice and sleet,” Jewett said. “Their heavier construction and specialized rubber coating prevent ice buildup and enhance the wipers’ ability to clear the windshield.”

Made from high-grade steel and fitted with a rubber boot, these blades prevent snow and ice buildup, maximizing visibility and performance.

Tire Pressure Gauge

• Price: $10.90

Slippery roads and low tire pressure make for a dangerous combination. A tire pressure gauge is a simple yet effective tool for maintaining peace of mind on winter roads.

“Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes, which can affect their grip on icy or snowy roads,” Jewett said. “A gauge allows you to check and maintain the right tire pressure.”

This easy-to-use, backlit gauge lets you check tire pressure anytime, extending tire life, saving fuel and keeping you safer on the road.

Battery Terminal Cleaner and Protector

• Price: $12.78

With snow and ice just a few degrees away — if it hasn’t arrived already — keeping your battery in tip-top shape is a must. A battery terminal cleaner and protector can help.

“If you don’t maintain a clean battery connection, then you run the risk of impeding electrical flow,” Jewett said. “With the help of a battery cleaner, you can remove buildup on battery terminals. It’s best to check these at least once a year and certainly in the fall. Check the connectors, too. If these aren’t in good shape, then you could run into problems starting your vehicle.”

These anti-corrosion washers and terminal cleaning bushes remove leaks and corrosion from batteries, helping to restore electrical contact and extend battery life.

De-icer Spray

• Price: $3.98

Tired of scraping ice off your windshield every morning? A de-icer spray is an unsung winter hero that works quickly to melt ice and prevent refreezing.

“This is another great item that can help you in freezing temperatures,” Jewett said. “If you can’t get into your car due to ice build-up or you can’t operate your windows, put de-icer spray on it to get door handles and windows moving again.”

In the mornings, spray on your windshield, side windows and rear window to prevent ice buildup and keep seals, doors and windows clear.

Windshield Ice Scraper

• Price: $4.58

When ice is thick, even de-icer spray might not be enough. An ice scraper is a winter essential for frosty windshields. 

“It’s not fun, but scraping ice off of your windows is a quick way to clear your windshield,” Jewett said. “Keep this handy item with you wherever you travel in the winter.”

A little preparedness goes a long way — an ice scraper will save you time and frustration on icy mornings, getting you on the road faster and more efficiently than using a credit card.

Emergency Blanket

• Price: $3.97

Keeping a couple of emergency blankets in your glove compartment is essential in snowy, icy weather.

“If you’ve broken down and you can’t start your car, an emergency blanket can give you a measure of warmth while you wait for help,” Jewett said.

These waterproof and windproof blankets offer peace of mind in an emergency, reflecting heat in hot weather and retaining body warmth in cold.

Editor’s note: Prices were sourced from Walmart. Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

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