New Year Car Care Checklist: 10 Essential Winter Maintenance Tips

The new year has officially arrived, and while you’re organizing your calendar, setting resolutions, and getting back into routine, there’s one more important item that deserves attention: your car.

After a busy holiday season filled with cold temperatures, winter weather, long drives, and extra errands, your vehicle has worked hard to keep you moving. January is the ideal time for a winter car maintenance check to help ensure your vehicle is prepared for icy roads, unpredictable New England weather, and everything the year ahead brings.

That’s why our team at Sullivan Tire created a simple, expert-approved New Year Car Care Checklist, complete with a free printable checklist you can keep in your glovebox all season long.

Why Start the Year with a Vehicle Check?

Winter is one of the toughest seasons for your car. Cold temperatures can drain your battery, potholes can throw off alignment, and low tire pressure can reduce traction on snowy or icy roads. Addressing these issues early with preventative car maintenance can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and unnecessary stress later in the season.

Think of this checklist as your vehicle’s version of a New Year reset—a practical way to make sure everything is running smoothly, efficiently, and ready for winter driving conditions.

Your New Year Car Care Checklist

Here’s our Sullivan Tire expert-recommended checklist to help you start the year strong:

1. Tire Inspection & Pressure Reset
   Check your tire pressure to ensure proper inflation for safer winter driving and better fuel efficiency.
   
   
2. Battery Health Check
   If your battery is 3 years or older, a quick test can prevent unexpected winter stalls.
   
   
3. Brake Inspection
   If your brake pedal feels soft, squeaky, or less responsive, it’s worth getting an inspection before winter weather gets tougher.
   
   
4. Wiper Blade & Visibility Check
   Replace worn or streaky blades. Ensure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are bright and functioning.
   
   
5. Oil & Fluid Top-Off
   Replace old oil and ensure all fluids—coolant, brake, power steering, and washer—are at proper levels.
   
   
6. Alignment & Suspension Check
   Inspect for signs of misalignment caused by winter potholes or rough roads.
   
   
7. Cabin Air Filter Refresh
   A clean cabin air filter helps prevent foggy windows and keeps your heating system running efficiently.
   
   
8. Heating & Defrost System Test
   Make sure your heater, defroster, and rear window defogger are working properly to keep visibility clear.
   
   
9. Tire Tread Depth Check
   If your tread looks low or worn, it may be time to replace your tires for safer stopping and better grip on icy roads.
   
   
10. Emergency Kit
    Restock your winter essentials: gloves, flashlight, ice scraper, and jumper cables to stay prepared for unexpected situations.

Download the Free New Year Car Care Checklist

To make winter vehicle maintenance even easier, we created a one-page printable New Year Car Care Checklist you can keep in your glovebox or share with family and friends. It’s designed as a quick-reference guide to help you stay on track all winter long.

👉 Download Your Free New Year Car Care Checklist

We’re Here When You Need Us

Whether you prefer to tackle your car care checklist yourself or want help from trusted professionals, Sullivan Tire is here to support you all year long.

Our ASE-certified technicians can help with everything from tire pressure checks and battery testing to full mechanical service—so your vehicle stays reliable through winter and beyond.

📅 Schedule your New Year vehicle checkup
🔧 Find a Sullivan Tire location near you