Fall / Winter Car Maintenance Checklist 

Think of fall as your chance to handle the little things before gloves and an ice scraper become part of your morning routine. Start with these basics: 

• Have your battery tested. If starting sounds sluggish, don’t wait for colder weather to investigate. A battery inspection can help identify a weak battery or starting-system concern before it disrupts your plans. 
• Check tire tread and condition. Look for uneven wear, cracks, cuts, and bulges. Our tire center can help you assess your current set and discuss replacements or winter tires. 
• Pay attention to your brakes. Squealing, grinding, or shaking while stopping deserves a closer look. Schedule a brake inspection rather than assuming those changes are just part of an aging vehicle. 
• Review your oil-change timing. Check your oil level and follow your owner’s manual or oil-life monitor. If service is due, arrange an oil change using the manufacturer-recommended oil grade. 
• Replace wipers that leave streaks. Autumn rain is a good reminder to check blade condition. Make sure your washer jets work and use washer fluid rated for the temperatures you expect. 
• Test your lights and defrosters. Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, then confirm that your windshield defroster and rear defogger work properly. 

You don’t need to replace everything because the calendar changed. The goal is to identify what needs attention and handle scheduled maintenance before winter arrives. 

Winter car prep in Iowa isn’t a one-and-done project. Once temperatures drop, a few regular checks help keep your vehicle ready for changing conditions. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, falling temperatures reduce tire pressure and battery power, while gasoline and diesel engines require more battery power to start in cold weather*. That makes pressure checks and battery testing especially useful parts of your seasonal routine. 

• Check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Use the pressure listed on your driver’s door placard or in the owner’s manual, not the maximum shown on the tire sidewall. Check at least monthly and before longer trips. 
• Keep winter washer fluid topped up. Slush and road spray can use it quickly. Choose fluid rated for freezing conditions, and clear ice before operating your wipers. 
• Clear snow from the whole vehicle. Brush off the roof, hood, lights, and windows, not just a small viewing patch on the windshield. Keep cameras and sensors clear according to your owner’s manual. 
• Pack a winter emergency kit. Include an ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel, flashlight, blankets, gloves, phone charger, and emergency supplies. Carry jumper cables or a suitable jump pack and know how to use them safely. 
• Keep fuel or battery charge in reserve. Aim to keep a gasoline vehicle’s tank close to full when possible. For an EV, plan charging around cold-weather range changes and follow the manufacturer’s preconditioning guidance. 

Good maintenance supports winter readiness, but it doesn’t eliminate slick-road risks. Slow down and leave more following distance when traction is limited. 

You can check lights and pack an emergency kit at home. Battery performance, brake condition, and coolant protection benefit from a technician’s assessment. Our Certified Service team can help organize seasonal car maintenance for Des Moines-area drivers. Our service center offers battery testing, brake service, oil changes, tire care, and cooling-system service, giving you a practical place to address several checklist items. 

A multi-point vehicle inspection also helps put recommendations into perspective. Our inspection uses a color-coded system: red identifies items needing immediate attention, yellow highlights items to address soon, and green indicates no items to address.