Auto · Originally published November 12, 2014 · Updated November 2026
Winter in the Ozarks can swing from 60 degrees to freezing rain in a single day. That makes it easy to put off car prep until the morning your battery won't turn over or your wipers smear ice across the glass. A free Saturday in November is all most of this checklist takes.
1. Test the battery. Cold weather is hard on batteries, and one that was weak in October often fails in January. Many auto parts stores will test it for free. If it's several years old or slow to crank, replace it on your schedule instead of in a parking lot.
2. Check coolant (antifreeze). Make sure the level is right and the mix is rated for the temperatures we actually see. A shop can test the freeze protection in a few minutes.
3. Top off the other fluids. Look at oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid, and get any overdue oil change done before the cold sets in.
4. Check tread depth. Worn tires lose grip fast on wet leaves, slush and black ice. If tread is getting low, replace tires now rather than after a slide on a hill.
5. Check tire pressure often. Pressure drops as temperatures drop. Use the number on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the number on the tire sidewall.
6. Have the brakes looked at. Hilly roads like US-65 south of Springfield and the curvy two-lanes around Table Rock Lake put extra demands on brakes, and ice leaves no room for a soft pedal.
7. Replace wiper blades. Blades that streak in the fall will be useless in freezing rain. Winter-style blades resist ice buildup better.
8. Switch to winter washer fluid. Summer fluid can freeze in the lines or on the glass. Keep a spare jug in the trunk.
9. Check every light. Headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards all matter more on short, gray days and in river-valley fog. Clean foggy headlight lenses or have them restored.
10. Pack a winter kit and keep the tank half full. A blanket, gloves, an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, water, snacks and a phone charger cover most situations. A fuller tank gives you a margin if you get stuck on I-44 behind a closure. The ready.gov site has a good emergency-kit list.
Winter claims tend to fall into a few buckets, and it helps to know which part of your policy handles each one:
If you only carry Missouri's minimum liability, none of the damage to your own car is covered. Our article on what "full coverage" really means explains the difference, and our free auto coverage checkup can help you spot gaps before winter. Deer are also active in late fall, so read up on deer collisions in Missouri too.
Want to review your coverage before winter hits? Call us at 417.865.4800 or learn more about auto insurance from our Springfield and Joplin offices.
Most drivers here get by with good all-season tires that have plenty of tread, since ice is more common than deep snow. If you drive rural hills or gravel roads often, ask a tire shop whether winter tires make sense for you.
Damage to your own car is generally covered under collision, minus your deductible. If you carry only liability, repairs to your own car aren't covered.
It's an optional add-on on many auto policies that helps pay for things like towing, jump starts and lockouts. Limits and services vary by company, so check what your policy includes.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back. Most auto quotes are finished on one call, and you can buy before you hang up.