Winter Road Safety Tips Every Driver Should Know

Winter is rolling in, and if you live in Grand Rapids, Ada, or Rockford, you know it can get pretty gnarly on the roads. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make even a short drive feel like an adventure. At 616 Auto Repair, we’ve seen it all: slippery streets, stuck cars, and drivers wishing they had done a little extra prep. That’s why we put together our top Winter Road Safety Tips to help you stay safe, confident, and stress-free this season.

Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or just taking the family out for a drive, these tips will help you keep your car winter-ready.

Why Winter Road Safety Matters

Let’s be real: winter driving can be risky. Slippery roads, icy patches, and low visibility can turn a regular drive into a scary situation. We get it. That’s why taking the time to prep your car isn’t just smart; it’s necessary.

We’ve helped countless drivers with everything from car repair in Grand Rapids, MI, to full Winterization packages. Keeping your car in top shape means fewer breakdowns, safer trips, and less stress when the snow hits.

Our Winter Car Safety Checklist

Before you hit the road, make sure your car is ready for the cold and snow. Here’s our Winter Car Safety Checklist that we swear by:

• Fluids & Engine: Check coolant, oil, and windshield washer fluid. Don’t let anything freeze on you.
• Battery & Charging: Cold weather drains batteries fast. Get it tested before it leaves you stranded.
• Wipers & Visibility: Swap in new wipers and make sure your defroster works like a charm.
• Lights: Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals need to shine bright through snow and fog.
• Brakes & Tires: Inspect brakes and tire tread. A Free alignment check can make a world of difference.

These checks aren’t hard, and they can save a ton of headaches on slippery roads.

Tires, Brakes, and Alignment: Staying in Control

When it comes to winter safety, tires and brakes are your best friends. Here’s what we focus on at 616 Auto Repair:

Tires & Alignments

• Use snow or all-season tires designed for winter roads.
• Rotate your tires regularly and make sure your TPMS service is up-to-date.
• Our Tires + Alignment Bundle includes a set of 4 tires, alignment, and free rotation for a year.

Brakes

• Brakes are everything in snow and ice. Don’t skip them. Schedule brake inspection services near me and know your stopping power is solid.
• Our Family Safety Check covers brakes, suspension, and even gives you a written estimate, so there are no surprises.

Steering & Suspension

• Proper alignment keeps your car responsive.
• Suspension and steering checks prevent nasty surprises when the roads get slick.

Emergency Items Every Car Should Have

Even the best winter prep can’t stop every surprise. Keep these in your car, and you’ll be ready for anything:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Jumper cables
• Blanket and warm clothing
• First-aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Snacks and water

These things might seem basic, but trust us; they can save your butt if you get stuck or stranded.

Winter Packages to Keep You Rolling

We make it easy to stay Winter Ready with our bundles and services:

Winter Ready Package

• Oil change
• Battery & charging test
• Coolant/heat check
• Wiper installation

Tires + Alignment Bundle

• Set of 4 tires
• Alignment
• Free rotation for a year

Family Safety Check

• Brake inspection
• Suspension check
• Written estimate

Promotions:

• Early Bird (Nov 1–15): $25 off Winterization packages
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday (Nov 29–Dec 2): $100 off a set of 4 tires or 10% off brakes
• December: Free alignment check with any service; financing available for larger repairs/tires

We’ve got your back, no matter how crazy winter gets.

Drive safe, stay warm, winter-proof your ride!

At 616 Auto Repair, we’re more than a shop. Our full-service team keeps you rolling in style in Grand Rapids, MI, Rockford, MI, Ada, MI, and beyond. From custom lights and tires to oil changes, engine diagnostics, and vehicle restoration, we’re your one-stop solution for repairs, maintenance, and accessories.

Looking for honest advice and professionalism? You’ll get it here. Our ASE-certified technicians handle big and small jobs on all kinds of vehicles, using the latest automotive tech.

Don’t wait for winter to catch you off guard. Schedule your Winterization package, Winter Ready Package, or Family Safety Check today. Drive safe, stay warm, and hit the roads with confidence!

FAQs About Winter Driving