Car essentials checklist

You know how to inspect and prepare the car before setting out on the road, but the pressure of winter might make you forget some smaller items that impact your quality of stay and even the like hood of the trip. I have compiled a list of things my dad always checked and made sure to have as a car mechanic of over 30 years.

• Winter tires or all-season tires in good condition – The hassle of changing tires was the reason I opted for all season, and the amount of surprise snows and freezing before or after (I’m talking about you snow in april) usual times. I find it a bit less stressful in preparing for a trip and journey.
• Check your tire pressure – Your tire pressure will decrease as the temperature drops so even if you pumped it recently check it the night before setting on the road.
• Tire chains
• Air compressor 12V for your tires –  There are very handy ones with big flashlights to help during the shorter days.
• Sand or kitty litter to put under your tires for traction/Traction pads
• Portable snow shovel for car/camper– I bought one immediately after my parents had an incident of shoveling snow at 3 in the morning because of a unannounced snowstorm on their trip.
• Snow brush – on the topic of snow, get one with extendable or longer handle so you can reach the top of your car. Do not let snow sit on top, the car will warm up and at the first stop all that snow will pile on your windshield.
• Check the battery on your car with a multimeter – keep up an eye on it as batteries tend to weaken during cold months.
• Jumper cables
• Check oil level and anti-freezer fluid always before trips but keep on eye on it if you can during it as well in winter. Have spare oil and anti-freezer fluid tucked in your trunk somewhere.
• Use winter washer fluid – use all your summer one and switch to winter ones, make sure they hold to – °C. My dad uses -60°C and that’s also what I use.
• Defrosting spray for your door handles and windows
• Hand creams and warm gloves for shoveling snow or cleaning car
• Flashlights charged and with spare batteries if applicable
• Extra fuel for your portable stove/means of making food

Not Essentials but increasingly boost the quality of your stay in winter checklist

• Refresh your door’s rubber seals with a winter stick protectant or spray version
• Winter windshield cover – as well as the rest of windows. Insulated winter covers to trap heat better inside if you sleeping in your car/camper.
• Anti-icing treatments – If you have a rooftop tent with ladder or a camper with extra step that is metal, for your safety is better to preventively apply treatment before low temperatures hit. This blog talks more in depth about it and shows best anti-icing treatments
• Movement sensor lights – sensor ones as well as manually turn on/off versions for bathroom breaks, especially when the days are so much shorter now in Europe. It’s very helpful for car rooftop tents to shine light on the steps
• Headlight – as an alternative to having a lamp to shine light or flashlight.
• Sleeping pad or thermal mat – to prevent heat loss to the ground especially if camping with a tent
• Pack TENS units or heat patches if you suffer from back pain — sitting or sleeping in cold conditions can stiffen your muscles. And remember, cold packs are not ideal for chronic pain; stick with warmth

You can download for free this printable PDF version of Winter Checklist I’ve complied. It has a check box for you to easily keep track of what you have done and need to do.

❄️ My most played winter song ❄️

❄️ Final Thoughts ❄️

Winter road trips and camping adventures can be some of the most peaceful and memorable experiences — quiet landscapes, crisp air, and starry nights. Just make sure you’re prepared for the cold and snow with this checklist so you can focus on the journey and memories.

Stay safe, stay warm, and happy driving!