7 Things to Check on Your Car Before the First Freeze in Nebraska

The first freezing morning in Nebraska has a way of finding the little things you’ve been meaning to check on your car.

Maybe the engine turns over a little slower than usual. Your tire pressure light suddenly comes on. Or you realize your wiper blades aren’t doing much when you’re trying to clear frost from the windshield before work.

You don’t have to wait for the first snowstorm to start getting your vehicle ready. In fact, the Nebraska Department of Transportation recommends preparing your vehicle for winter during the fall, including checking tire pressure, tires, antifreeze, the heater and windshield wipers.

Before that first real cold snap arrives in Lincoln, here are seven things worth checking.

1. Test Your Battery

Cold mornings can expose a battery that’s already beginning to weaken.

Pay attention if your vehicle is taking longer to start, you hear clicking when you turn the key or press the start button, or you’ve noticed other electrical issues.

You don’t necessarily need to wait for those warning signs, either. If you don’t know the condition of your battery, fall is a good time to have it tested.

Honda of Lincoln currently offers complimentary battery testing, so this is an easy one to check off your pre-winter list.

View Current Honda Service Coupons →

2. Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread

If your tire-pressure warning seems to show up as soon as Nebraska temperatures drop, there’s a reason to pay attention.

As temperatures change, tire pressure can change too. NDOT recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month as part of preparing your vehicle for winter.

Take a few minutes to look at more than the pressure. Check your tires for:

• Low or uneven tread
• Cracks or visible damage
• Bulges
• Uneven wear
• A tire that repeatedly loses air

And remember: having AWD doesn’t eliminate the importance of good tires. Your tires still play a major role in your vehicle’s ability to steer and stop.

If yours are getting close to replacement, visit our Honda Tire Center to explore options for your Honda.

3. Inspect Your Windshield Wipers

A clear windshield becomes even more important as the days get shorter and Nebraska weather gets less predictable.

If your wipers are streaking, skipping across the glass, making noise or leaving large areas untouched, don’t wait until freezing rain or wet snow to replace them.

NDOT recommends checking that your wipers are in good condition and filling your vehicle with winter-appropriate washer fluid before winter weather arrives.

It’s a small maintenance item that can make a big difference on a messy morning commute.

4. Check Coolant and Your Heater

Your cooling system isn’t only important during hot Nebraska summers.

Coolant helps your engine maintain the proper operating temperature and provides protection when outside temperatures drop. Before winter, NDOT recommends checking the radiator and hoses for cracks or leaks, along with checking antifreeze and the vehicle’s heater.

This is also a good time to make sure your cabin heat is working normally.

If you’ve noticed a coolant warning, an unusual smell, a leak beneath the vehicle or inconsistent heating, have it checked rather than waiting for colder weather.

5. Make Sure Your Defroster Works

Here’s an easy check you can do before you even leave the driveway.

Turn on your front defroster and rear-window defogger and make sure both are functioning properly.

You may barely use them during the summer, which means a problem can go unnoticed for months. Once you’re dealing with a frosty windshield on a cold Lincoln morning, they’re suddenly pretty important.

Your defroster isn’t just about comfort—it helps maintain the visibility you need to drive safely.

6. Pay Attention to Your Brakes

Winter isn’t the only time your brakes matter, but slippery roads certainly aren’t the time you want to discover something isn’t right.

Pay attention to changes such as:

• Squealing or grinding
• Vibration while braking
• A different feeling in the brake pedal
• Pulling to one side
• A brake warning light

Nebraska’s cold-weather driving guidance specifically recommends making sure your vehicle is running smoothly and checking its brakes before winter travel.

If you’ve noticed a change, our Honda of Lincoln Service Center has information about brake service, tires, batteries and other common maintenance needs.

7. Test Your Exterior Lights

The first freeze also arrives during the part of the year when we’re losing daylight.

Take a quick walk around your vehicle and test your:

• Headlights
• High beams
• Taillights
• Brake lights
• Turn signals
• Hazard lights

Clean dirty lenses while you’re at it.

Good lighting helps you see what’s ahead and helps other drivers see you during dark mornings, evening commutes and poor weather.

Don’t Ignore Your Honda Maintenance Minder

If you drive a Honda, take a look at your dashboard while you’re preparing for colder weather.

Honda’s Maintenance Minder can display a main maintenance item along with additional sub-items when service is due. For example, Honda documentation identifies maintenance items for oil and filter replacement along with inspections of components such as brakes, fluids, suspension and the exhaust system.

If a Maintenance Minder message is already appearing, fall is a convenient time to address it rather than putting it off until winter.

Our Honda Service Center also has resources to help you understand Honda Maintenance Minder codes and common service needs.

One More Thing: Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Even if most of your driving stays around Lincoln, it’s smart to have a few basics in the vehicle once winter approaches.

Nebraska’s cold-weather driving guide recommends carrying supplies such as an ice scraper, blankets, water, first-aid supplies, a flashlight and booster cables.

If you’re traveling outside Lincoln this winter, NDOT also recommends checking Nebraska 511 before you go and keeping at least half a tank of fuel.

Have a New Honda? Check Your Honda Service Pass Coverage

If you recently purchased an eligible new Honda, some factory-scheduled maintenance may already be included.

Honda Service Pass currently provides eligible new Hondas with complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance for the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Qualifying covered services include scheduled oil changes, tire rotations and multi-point inspections.

Learn More About Honda Service Pass →

Get Your Vehicle Ready Before Temperatures Drop

A little preparation now can save you from discovering a problem on the first freezing morning of the season.

Check the battery. Look at the tires. Test the wipers, heater and defroster. Pay attention to your brakes and lights. And if something doesn’t seem right, take care of it before colder weather settles into Lincoln.

Honda of Lincoln currently offers complimentary battery testing and a complimentary multi-point inspection with a spare-tire check, along with other service specials. Because offers can change, check the current coupon details before your visit.

View Current Service Offers → or Schedule Service Online →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I prepare my car for winter in Nebraska?

Fall is a good time to start. Nebraska DOT recommends a fall tune-up along with checking tire pressure, tires, the radiator and hoses, antifreeze, heater and windshield wipers before winter weather.

Why does my tire pressure change when it gets cold?

Tire pressure can decrease as temperatures fall. Check your tires regularly and use the recommended pressure listed for your specific vehicle rather than relying on appearance alone.

Should I have my battery tested before winter?

If you’re unsure of its condition or have noticed slower starting, having the battery tested before colder weather is worthwhile. Honda of Lincoln currently offers complimentary battery testing.

What should I keep in my car during a Nebraska winter?

Nebraska’s cold-weather guide recommends items including an ice scraper, blankets, water, first-aid supplies, a flashlight and booster cables.

Where can I get my Honda checked before winter in Lincoln?

Honda of Lincoln’s Service Center is at 2770 Yankee Hill Road in Lincoln, Nebraska. You can schedule an appointment online, and appointments are preferred, although the dealership says walk-ins are welcome.