What should I keep in my car for winter in Durango?

Want the car checked before winter? Call (970) 317-2009 or Book appointment online. Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What goes in a winter car kit for Durango?

A good winter kit covers two jobs: staying warm while you wait, and getting the car moving again. Keep these in the vehicle from fall through spring:

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Warm layers, a blanket, gloves, and a hat
• Water and snacks that will not spoil
• Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
• Phone charging cable or a charged battery pack
• Jumper cables or a portable jump pack
• Small shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction
• Basic first aid kit
• Extra windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures

Keep it in a bin or bag so it stays together and is easy to reach from inside the car if the trunk or hatch is snowed in.

Why pack for a wait on US-550?

US-550 north of Durango climbs over Coal Bank, Molas, and Red Mountain Pass. In a winter storm those passes can slow to a crawl or close for a while, and you can end up parked on the road with the engine off to save fuel. That is when the blanket, water, and snacks matter more than anything in the toolbox. Check road conditions on COtrip, the state road conditions site, before you head up toward Purgatory or Silverton, and tell someone your route.

Do I need jumper cables if my battery is new?

Yes, keep them anyway. Cold mornings at about 6,512 feet are hard on any battery, and the cables also let you help someone else. A battery that already struggles is a different problem, covered in why car batteries fail in Durango cold. A slow crank, dim lights when you start the car, or needing a jump more than once are reasons to get it tested, not to keep jumping it until spring.

Next step: see our battery and electrical repair in Durango page. Ace AutoFix tests the battery and the charging system together before recommending a replacement.

What should I check on the car before winter?

A kit helps after something goes wrong. A pre-season check helps keep it from going wrong. Before the first storm, have these looked at:

• Battery and charging: a load test, not a guess.
• Coolant: the right level and condition for cold overnight soaks and heat on long grades. See our cooling system page.
• Brakes: pads, rotors, and fluid before steep, slick descents. See brake repair in Durango.
• Wipers and washer fluid: blades that clear the glass, covered in when to replace wiper blades in Durango.
• Lights: headlights, brake lights, and turn signals for short, dark days.
• Tire pressure: set cold, to the sticker inside the driver door. Our post on why tire pressure changes in the mountains explains why it drops in the cold.

If you are planning ski trips north, our post on how to winterize a car for Purgatory walks through that trip.

Should I keep my gas tank full in winter?

Keeping the tank at least half full is a good habit in winter. If you get stuck in a closure, fuel lets you run the engine for heat in short stretches. Before you do, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, and crack a window, because a blocked exhaust can push carbon monoxide into the car.

Who checks a car for winter in Durango?

Ace AutoFix is a locally owned shop at 320 Wilson Gulch Dr, Durango, CO 81301, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We check the battery and charging system, coolant, brakes, wipers, and lights on any brand of car and on gas or light-duty trucks. We do not work on diesel vehicles. We tell you what we found and what can wait before any work starts, and nothing gets added without your OK.

Book with Ace AutoFix

Call (970) 317-2009 or Book appointment online. Ace AutoFix is locally owned at 320 Wilson Gulch Dr, Durango, CO 81301, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Cars and gas or light-duty trucks. No diesel.