Service guide · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Winter Car Care Checklist
Cold weather is hard on batteries, tires, coolant, washer fluid and wiper blades. This checklist walks through what to check before winter on your Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram, what the owner's manual says about each item, and which checks our Express Lane in Streamwood can do for you.
1 psitire pressure change per 12°F, per the manual
12 monthscoolant protection check, per the manual
3 psito add in a 68°F garage for a 32°F day
Monthlybattery, wiper, washer and coolant checks, per the manual
The short answer
Before the first freeze, have the battery tested, set tire pressures to the cold placard pressure (and recheck them as temperatures drop), check the coolant's freeze protection, fill the washer reservoir with a fluid rated for your climate, and replace streaking or splitting wiper blades. Our Express Lane in Streamwood handles battery tests, tire pressure checks, wiper blades and coolant and fluid checks; appointments are encouraged.
Winter car care checklist
Work through these items in the fall, before temperatures drop below freezing. The manual guidance below is from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual; your vehicle's own owner's manual has the exact steps and specifications for your model.
| Item | What to check | What the owner's manual says |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Have it tested before the cold sets in, and check the terminals, cables and connections. | Check the 12V battery terminals, cables and connections once a month or before a long trip. |
| Tire pressure | Set tires to the cold inflation pressure on the door placard, then recheck often as it gets colder. | Pressure drops about 1 psi for every 12°F the outside temperature falls; check more often when temperatures swing. |
| Coolant (antifreeze) | Have the freeze protection checked; look at the reservoir level and the hoses. | Check coolant protection every 12 months, before the onset of freezing weather. Dirty or rusty coolant means drain, flush and refill. |
| Washer fluid | Top off with a winter-rated washer solvent. | Use windshield washer solvent only, not radiator antifreeze, rated for the temperature range of your climate. |
| Wiper blades | Replace blades that streak, skip, smear, squeak or split. | Avoid using the blades to remove frost or ice; clean salt and road film off the rubber edges. |
| Block heater, if equipped | Check the cord before the first cold morning. | Plug into a ground-fault interrupter protected 110-115 volt outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord. |
Manual guidance from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (maintenance, tires, engine block heater sections), read October 26, 2026. Other models and years have their own manuals; follow yours.
Tire pressure in the cold
Cold air lowers tire pressure. The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says pressure changes by about 1 psi for every 12°F change in air temperature, so a tire set on a mild fall afternoon can read low on the first freezing morning, and the tire pressure monitoring light may come on.
Set pressures cold: the manual defines cold inflation pressure as the reading after the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours, or has been driven less than 1 mile after a three-hour stop. Use the pressure on the tire placard, and never go above the maximum molded into the tire sidewall.
- Checking in a warm garage? The manual's example: with the garage at 68°F and 32°F outside, add 3 psi to the cold placard pressure.
- Do not let air out after driving. The manual says pressure can rise 2 to 6 psi while driving, and that normal build-up should not be reduced.
- Check more often through the winter, since the manual advises more frequent checks when outside temperatures vary widely.
Our Express Lane includes a tire wear and pressure check, and tire rotation with a brake inspection. See what a tire rotation involves.
Coolant and washer fluid
Coolant freeze protection
The manual says to check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12 months, before freezing weather. If the coolant looks dirty or rusty, the system should be drained, flushed and refilled.
Hoses and leaks
While the coolant is checked, the manual says to look for brittle, cracked or cut hoses, check the connections and inspect the system for leaks. Never remove the pressure cap when the system is hot.
Washer fluid rated for winter
Fill with windshield washer solvent only, not radiator antifreeze. To keep the system from freezing, pick a fluid rated for your climate's temperature range; the rating is on most containers.
Defrost first
After the engine warms up, run the defroster for a few minutes; the manual says this reduces the chance of the fluid smearing or freezing on a cold windshield.
From the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, read October 26, 2026. The manual notes some vehicles need special tools to add coolant properly, so leave coolant top-offs to an authorized dealer if your manual says so.
Wiper blades in winter
Winter is when worn blades show up. Our wiper blade guide lists the signs it is time for new ones: streaking, splitting, skipping, smearing and squeaking, plus corroded metal or cracked frames.
- Avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the windshield, as the manual advises; clear the glass with the defroster first.
- Clean the rubber edges and the windshield with a sponge or soft cloth and a mild, nonabrasive cleaner to remove salt and road film.
- Use washer fluid when wiping salt or dirt from a dry windshield; the manual says long periods of wiping dry glass can wear the blades.
Winter checks at our Express Lane
Mopar Express Lane service at Elgin CDJR is set up for quick maintenance, and it is available for most makes and models. Appointments are encouraged; schedule service online.
- Battery test and replacement (non-warranty replacements)
- Tire wear and pressure check, and tire rotation with brake inspection
- Wiper blade replacement
- Coolant and fluid level checks and top-offs
- Exterior bulb replacement (headlamps may be excluded)
- Oil and filter change, air filter replacement and a multipoint checkup
Our service department hours are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Winter car care FAQ
What should I check on my car before winter?
The battery and its connections, tire pressure and tread, coolant freeze protection, washer fluid and wiper blades, plus the block heater cord if your vehicle has one. Our Express Lane can test the battery, check tire pressure and fluids, and replace wiper blades.
How much does cold weather lower tire pressure?
About 1 psi for every 12°F drop in outside temperature, according to the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual. Set pressures cold, to the placard pressure, and check them more often in winter.
How often should coolant be checked?
The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says to check the engine coolant (antifreeze) protection every 12 months, before the onset of freezing weather.
Can I use antifreeze as washer fluid?
No. The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says to fill the washer reservoir with windshield washer solvent only, not radiator antifreeze, and to choose a fluid rated for your climate.
Should I use my wipers to clear ice?
No. The 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual says to avoid using the wiper blades to remove frost or ice from the windshield.
Does the Express Lane work on other brands?
Yes. Mopar Express Lane service at Elgin CDJR is available for most makes and models.
Get winter-ready at Elgin CDJR
Schedule a battery test, tire pressure check, wiper blades or a fluid check at our Streamwood service department.
Sources
Owner's manual guidance is from the 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual, read on October 26, 2026; check your own vehicle's manual for its exact intervals and specifications. Express Lane services, wiper replacement signs and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photos are illustrative.