Winter Readiness: What to Check Before Driving in Cold Weather Express Towing Services | Denver Tow Truck

Colorado winters can be breathtaking — snow-capped peaks, crisp mountain air, and that classic Denver skyline sparkling in the morning frost. But as beautiful as it looks, winter in Colorado is no friend to unprepared vehicles. The cold, ice, and elevation can turn minor maintenance issues into major breakdowns faster than you can say “black ice.”

At Express Towing Services, we see it every year: drivers caught off guard by freezing temperatures, dead batteries, or flat tires that turn their commute into a roadside emergency. The good news? Most of these breakdowns can be avoided with a few simple checks before you hit the road.

Whether you’re heading to work downtown or making a trip through the mountain passes, here’s what every Colorado driver should check before turning that key — and how a reliable tow company can help if things still go wrong.

1. Check Your Battery: Cold Weather’s Favorite Victim | Denver Tow Truck

Car batteries hate the cold. When temperatures drop, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, reducing its ability to hold a charge. Combine that with increased power demands from heaters and defrosters, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a no-start morning.

What to do:

• Have your battery tested, especially if it’s more than three years old.

• Clean any corrosion around the terminals.

• Make sure it’s tightly secured — vibrations can shorten its lifespan.

A weak battery might still crank today but fail tomorrow when the mercury dips below zero. And when it does, that’s when drivers start searching “tow truck near me” to get back on the road.

2. Inspect Your Tires: Grip or Slip?

Colorado law requires proper traction during snow season, and for good reason. Tires that are worn or improperly inflated are one of the leading causes of winter accidents and roadside calls.

Before you drive, check:

• Tread depth: You want at least 3/16 of an inch for winter driving.

• Tire pressure: Cold air reduces PSI. Check it weekly during winter months.

• Tire type: All-seasons may work in mild conditions, but true snow tires perform far better on ice and slush.

Keep a portable tire inflator in your trunk if possible. It’s a cheap insurance policy that can save you a long wait for towing near me when your tire gives out halfway up the pass.

3. Fluids: The Lifeblood of Your Vehicle

When it’s below freezing, fluids thicken and lose efficiency. This can cause engines to strain or even seize if levels drop too low.

Here’s your cold-weather checklist:

• Engine Oil: Switch to winter-grade oil if recommended by your manufacturer.

• Coolant/Antifreeze: Make sure the mix is correct to prevent freezing.

• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use one labeled for low temperatures — summer fluid can freeze solid.

• Transmission Fluid: If you’re noticing sluggish shifting, have it checked.

If you ever find yourself leaking fluid or overheating despite these checks, don’t risk further damage. Pull over safely and contact a tow company near me like Express Towing Services. We’ll get you and your car to safety before a minor issue turns into a big repair bill.

4. Lights and Visibility: See and Be Seen

Winter in Denver means shorter days and longer nights. Combine that with snow glare and fog, and visibility becomes a real challenge.

Before heading out:

• Check all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.

• Clean your lenses — salt and dirt build up quickly.

• Replace any dim or flickering bulbs.

• Make sure wiper blades are flexible and not cracked.

If you can’t see clearly, neither can other drivers. And visibility issues often lead to the kind of fender benders that require help from a tow truck Denver team.

5. Belts and Hoses: The Unsung Heroes

Rubber belts and hoses are easy to forget — until one fails. The cold makes rubber brittle, and old or worn belts can snap without warning, leaving you stranded.

Do a quick inspection under the hood:

• Look for cracks, fraying, or shiny “glazed” spots.

• Squeeze hoses; they should feel firm but not hard or mushy.

• If you hear squealing or ticking noises while the car runs, get it checked right away.

At Express Towing Services, many winter tow calls come from these small parts failing at the worst possible time. A five-minute inspection now can save hours on the shoulder later.

6. Heater and Defroster: More Important Than You Think

This isn’t just about comfort — a working heater and defroster are essential for safety. Fogged-up windows or frozen windshields drastically reduce visibility.

Before winter hits full force:

• Test your heater for consistent warmth.

• Make sure the defroster clears both front and rear windows quickly.

• Replace your cabin air filter if air flow seems weak.

If your system isn’t working right, don’t ignore it. Poor visibility is one of the top causes of accidents in icy conditions, and when collisions happen, a trusted tow company is your best ally.

7. Fuel and Filters: Keep It Flowing

One golden rule of winter driving: never run your gas tank too low. Keeping it at least half full helps prevent condensation in the fuel lines, which can freeze and leave you stranded.

Also check your fuel filter — if it’s old or clogged, it can restrict flow when temperatures drop. If you’re driving a diesel vehicle, make sure you’re using a winter blend to avoid fuel gelling.

Nothing ruins a morning like a frozen fuel line and a car that won’t start, especially when you’re late for work. That’s when having Express Towing Services on speed dial is a lifesaver for anyone searching “towing near me.”

8. Emergency Supplies: Because You Never Know

Even with the best maintenance, breakdowns happen. That’s why it’s smart to keep an emergency kit in your car, especially in Colorado where weather changes fast.

Pack the following:

• Warm blankets and gloves

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

• Ice scraper and small shovel

• Non-perishable snacks and water

• Reflective triangles or flares

These items keep you safe and visible while you wait for help. And if you ever need a tow truck near me, Express Towing Services will make sure you’re not out in the cold for long.

9. Test Your Brakes

Cold temperatures can stiffen brake components and affect performance. If you notice squeaking, grinding, or a longer stopping distance, have your brakes inspected.

Denver’s steep hills and icy intersections demand top brake performance. Replacing worn pads now is much cheaper than dealing with an accident — and it keeps you from needing emergency towing near me in the middle of a snowstorm.

10. Check Your Insurance and Roadside Assistance

This isn’t a vehicle part, but it’s just as important. Make sure your insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage are up to date. Keep your policy number and Express Towing Services’ contact info saved in your phone.

When winter hits, response times can be longer due to increased call volume. Knowing exactly who to call and having a trusted tow company on standby reduces stress when you need help most.

The Bottom Line: Preparation Prevents Breakdowns

Winter doesn’t have to mean constant car trouble. Most cold-weather breakdowns are completely preventable with regular checks and a little attention to detail.

By inspecting your battery, tires, fluids, belts, and safety systems before you drive, you drastically reduce the risk of ending up stranded in the cold. And if something does go wrong, Express Towing Services — the tow truck Denver drivers rely on — will be ready to help 24/7.

So before your next winter drive, take a few minutes to run through this checklist. It might be the difference between a smooth commute and a long night on the side of the road.

Stay safe, stay warm, and remember: when you need fast, reliable roadside help, skip the search for “tow company near me” — just call Express Towing Services, Denver’s trusted partner for professional, dependable towing all winter long.