Prepping Your Vehicle for Winter: Cold Weather is Coming, Are You Ready?
We all know how winter goes around here—one day it’s sunny and 50, and the next morning you’re scraping ice and wondering why your truck won’t start. Whether you’re commuting, feeding cattle, hauling kids to school, or running backroads to town, winter puts your vehicle to the test.
At B&R Repair, we see it every year—folks get caught off guard by cold snaps, dead batteries, and tires that just don’t grip like they used to. The good news? A little prep now can save you a lot of headaches (and tow bills) later.
Here’s what we recommend to keep you safe, warm, and rolling this winter.
🔋 1. Test Your Battery Before It’s Too Late
Cold weather is rough on batteries, especially if yours is already a few years old.
If it cranks slow now, it might not crank at all when it’s 10 degrees
Have us load-test your battery and check for corrosion on the terminals
Consider replacing it if it’s pushing 4–5 years old—better now than on a frozen morning
👉 Pro tip: Keep a good set of jumper cables in the truck. Not just for you—you’ll probably end up rescuing a neighbor, too.
🚗 2. Check Your Tires and Tread
Slick tires + icy roads = bad news, even if you’ve got 4WD.
Check tread depth—if it’s getting low, it’s time to swap them out
Cold air drops pressure, so make sure they’re inflated properly
Consider winter tires if you’re driving lots of backroads or live out in the sticks
And don’t forget to check your spare—because nobody plans a flat tire in a snowstorm.
🧊 3. Top Off Fluids—Especially Coolant & Washer Fluid
It’s easy to overlook fluids, but winter demands more from your vehicle.
Make sure your coolant is fresh and freeze-protected
Top off with winter-rated washer fluid (not the summer stuff—it’ll freeze)
Check your brake fluid and oil levels—cold weather can make thin oil more important
We can do a full winter fluid check in one quick visit.
🔧 4. Inspect Belts, Hoses, and Wipers
Rubber gets brittle in the cold—especially on older vehicles.
Look for cracks or soft spots in belts and hoses
Replace worn wiper blades—you’ll need them when the snow and slush start flying
Check your heater and defroster now—not after your windshield fogs up at 6 a.m.
🧰 5. Stock a Winter Emergency Kit
We’ve pulled plenty of folks out of snowy ditches or helped them get unstuck in the driveway. You’ll never regret being prepared.
Keep these in your vehicle:
Heavy blanket or sleeping bag
Ice scraper and small shovel
Flashlight with fresh batteries
Jumper cables
Bag of sand or cat litter for traction
Snacks and a bottle of water
A phone charger that works off your vehicle’s outlet
✅ Let Us Help You Winterize with Confidence
At B&R Repair, we treat every car and truck like it’s our own. We’ll check the important stuff, top off what’s needed, and let you know if anything’s wearing out before winter makes it worse.
Here’s what we can do for you:
Winter vehicle inspections
Battery testing and replacement
Tire checks and rotation
Coolant flushes and top-offs
Wiper blade and heater system checks
📍 Don’t Wait for the First Snow
Winter in Bureau County doesn’t give much warning. A quick stop at B&R Repair now can save you hours of frustration (or a freezing cold breakdown) later.
📞 Call us at (815) 699-2641 or swing by the shop, we’re located on 2100 North Ave, just off the Wyanet-Walnut blacktop (look for the sign!), a short drive from Princeton.
Proudly keeping Bureau County safe and rolling—season after season.