Winter Driving Preparation Checklist

Start your winter preparation by October 1st or 6 weeks before your region typically sees the first hard freeze. Do not wait for the first cold snap — by then, shops are booked solid and parts may be backordered. The battery test, coolant check, and air dryer service should be done before temperatures consistently drop below 40°F.

You do not need to avoid winter entirely, but be honest about your experience level. Avoid mountain passes and northern plains routes until you have experience with chains and snow driving. Stick to southern and coastal routes if possible. When you do drive in winter, slow down, increase following distance, and never be afraid to shut down if conditions are unsafe.

If fuel gels, do not keep cranking — you will burn out the starter. If you caught it early, add an emergency diesel treatment (like Power Service 911 or Howes Diesel Treat) and wait 20-30 minutes. If the truck will not start, you need a tow or a portable heater to warm the fuel system. Prevention (adding anti-gel before every fill) is far cheaper than the tow bill.

Chain laws vary by state. Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California, and several other mountain states have chain requirements that activate during winter conditions. Fines for non-compliance range from $500 to $1,000+. Even in states without chain laws, carrying chains is smart — they can get you out of situations where you would otherwise be stuck for hours.