Richmond winters are unpredictable — weeks of mild weather followed by a sudden ice storm or hard freeze. That inconsistency is exactly why so many breakdowns happen on the first genuinely cold day of the season: cars that were running fine in November suddenly won’t start once the temperature drops.
Have your battery tested before the first freeze
Cold weather reduces a battery’s effective output right when your engine needs more power to start. A battery that’s been marginal all fall is far more likely to fail on the first hard freeze than on a mild afternoon. If you haven’t had it tested since summer, it’s worth doing before temperatures drop.
Check your tire tread and pressure
Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall — often enough to trigger a low-pressure warning light on the first cold morning. Check pressure when the tires are cold, and look at tread depth too; worn tires lose grip on wet or icy roads far faster than new ones.
Keep your fuel tank at least half full
A fuller tank reduces the odds of ice forming in the fuel line and gives you a buffer if you’re ever stuck waiting out a storm or sitting in stopped traffic with the heat running.
Pack a basic winter kit
- Ice scraper and a small shovel
- Blanket and an extra layer of warm clothing
- Phone charger and a portable battery pack
- Flashlight, water, and a few shelf-stable snacks
Know who to call
If you do get stuck — a dead battery on a cold morning, a car that’s slid off the road, or a flat in freezing temperatures — our dispatch line runs 24/7 through every season, including the coldest nights of the year. Save our number in your phone before you need it.