Fleet Farm's Top 10 Car Care Products for Winter Readiness

The best winter wiper blades are just one of the essentials your car needs to handle Midwest winters. Freezing temperatures and snowstorms pose significant challenges to both safety and performance. Getting ahead of the cold ensures you avoid getting stuck or stranded. Below, we’ll highlight ten must-have car care products that prepare your vehicle for winter, from reliable cold starts to better visibility and protection against salt and ice. 

Before the First Freeze: Why Your Car Needs a Winter-Ready Kit

Midwest winters are brutal on vehicles, even before the first significant snowfall. Cold weather lowers battery performance, and at just 32°F, a car battery can lose up to 35% of its strength. At 0°F, that number jumps to 60%. That’s why a reliable winter kit is absolutely vital. It keeps you comfortable and ensures you don’t get stuck in a tough spot. Tools like a windshield cover for snow and ice and all-weather floor mats make a sizable impact when snow and slush begin piling up.

Related Article: Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Snow Learn practical ways to prepare your car for snowy conditions, including tire maintenance, visibility tips, and essential gear for staying safe on the road.

Our Top 10 Car Care Products for a Midwest Winter

Here’s your cold-weather car care checklist. These items keep your car running smoothly, your view clear, and your hands off a snow-covered windshield when temperatures drop quickly. 

The Best Winter Wiper Blades

Regular wiper blades can freeze, streak, or even crack in the cold. That’s because the rubber stiffens, and ice builds up in the moving parts. The best winter wiper blades address this issue by utilizing flexible synthetic rubber and a sealed beam-style frame. This design prevents ice from collecting and remains flexible in low temperatures, ensuring a clean, streak-free view, even during a snowstorm.

How can I keep my windshield from freezing? Use a windshield cover overnight to prevent frost from forming. Don’t pour hot water on the windshield, as sudden heat change can crack the glass.

Sub-Zero Winter Windshield Washer Fluid

If you’re using regular washer fluid, you may notice it turning slushy. This can block your view fast. A winter windshield washer fluid is made for cold temperatures, often rated for -20°F or below, and it won’t freeze in the lines or on glass. Many also contain de-icing agents that break up thin layers of frost and road salt, allowing you to quickly de-ice your windshield without needing to scrape it.

What's the fastest way to de-ice a windshield? Start your car and turn on the defroster to warm the glass from the inside. While it’s heating, use a commercial de-icer spray on the outside of the windshield. These sprays are designed to melt ice quickly without damaging the glass. If needed, follow up with a plastic ice scraper to clear remaining slush. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the windshield to crack.

A Heavy-Duty Ice Scraper & Snow Broom

That little glove-box scraper won’t cut it when there’s an inch of ice on your windshield. Using proper snow removal tools, such as a heavy-duty ice scraper with a snow broom and chipper blade, gives you more power to clear thick ice without breaking the tool. Look for an extendable snow broom, like the Sub-Zero Avalanche Extreme, to reach over trucks and SUVs and clear large areas quickly. 

All-Weather Floor Mats

Snow, mud, and salty slush get tracked in and melt, sinking into your carpet and leaving behind white stains and rust. All-weather floor mats keep that mess contained. With deep channels and raised edges, these mats catch the water before it spreads. They’re easy to rinse off and are a simple way to keep your interior clean through the worst of winter.

How do I remove salt stains from my car's carpet? Use a cleaner made for automotive carpets to break down salt residue. Spray the area, scrub with a brush, and blot dry with a clean towel. Repeat as needed for heavy buildup.

A Portable Jump Starter with Air Compressor

Car batteries tend to fail more frequently in cold weather, especially those that are older. In fact, AAA saw a spike in battery-related roadside calls during cold snaps in January 2025. That’s because cold slows down the chemical reaction needed to start your engine. A portable jump starter with an air compressor gives you a quick fix if your car won’t start. The lithium-ion jump starter packs enough power to crank most engines and fits easily in your glove box. The built-in air compressor also comes in handy when your tires lose pressure in the cold.

Related Article: Winter Tire Buying Guide: Our Top Picks Cold weather can drop your tire pressure fast. Pairing a jump starter with a built-in air compressor and the right winter tires helps you stay safe and ready for icy roads.

A Smart Car Battery Charger

A car battery charger is different from a jump starter. Instead of a quick boost, this tool slowly charges your battery and keeps it healthy. It’s particularly useful for vehicles that sit overnight in a garage or take short trips that don’t fully recharge the battery. A smart charger detects when the battery is fully charged and stops charging, eliminating the risk of overcharging or damage. It’s a simple plug-in solution to avoid surprise cold starts.

What are the signs of a weak car battery in cold weather? Watch for slow engine cranking, dim headlights, and electronics that don’t function properly. Batteries older than three years may also struggle to hold a charge, especially after cold nights.

A Long-Term Car Battery Tender

If you’re parking a vehicle for the season, such as a boat or RV, you’ll want a car battery tender. Unlike chargers or jump starters, a battery tender provides a steady, low-level charge over weeks or months to prevent the battery from draining. Batteries naturally lose power when unused, and prolonged storage can cause permanent damage. A battery tender keeps the charge topped off so the vehicle starts when you need it.

Product Spotlight: Battery Tender Plus Perfect for vehicles that sit during winter, this smart charger maintains battery health without overcharging. A great pick for seasonal storage or occasional use.

Protective Wax or Sealant (To Fight Road Salt)

Salt and brine dirty up your car as well as eat away at the paint and metal underneath. Road salt is a leading cause of vehicle rust, especially in cold-weather states, and repairs can cost hundreds of dollars. According to AAA, the average rust-related repair is around $500. Applying a protective wax or synthetic sealant before the snow flies gives your vehicle a barrier that repels salt and grime. The slick coating makes it easier to rinse off dirt and protects your paint and undercarriage through the winter.

What's the best way to wash a car in the winter? Choose a warm day above freezing, use lukewarm water and a mild car wash soap, and dry the car thoroughly — especially door seals and locks — to prevent ice and salt buildup.

Silicone Spray (To Stop Car Doors from Freezing Shut)

When water seeps into the rubber seals around your car doors and freezes, it can cause the door to become stuck shut. Pulling too hard may even rip the seal, resulting in leaks, wind noise, or expensive replacements. To prevent this from happening, apply a small amount of silicone spray to the rubber weather stripping before the temperatures drop. It creates a water-repellent coating that prevents ice from sticking, saving you the frustration of being locked out on a cold morning. 

A Collapsible Emergency Shovel

A collapsible emergency shovel is the tool that you’ll be glad to have, so you don’t get plowed in at work or stuck in a snowbank. A full-size shovel often won’t fit in your trunk. However, a foldable model can be stored easily and still works well for cleaning around tires or under bumpers. It’s a practical choice for digging out of deep snow or clearing the packed wall left behind by the snowplow. 

Your Complete Winter Car Care Shopping Checklist

Here’s a simple way to get everything you need before the snow hits. Use this list to check what you already have and stock up on any items that are missing.

Tires & Automotive

• Winter-Rated Windshield Wiper Blades
• Sub-Zero Windshield Washer Fluid
• Antifreeze/Coolant
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Emergency Tire Sealant/Inflator

<div class="rt-cta"><a class="cta-link-button inline-link" href="https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/splash-ultimate-all-season-windshield-wash-1-gal/0000000383807">Featured Product: Splash Ultimate All Season Windshield Wash</a></div>

Ice Scrapers & Snow Brushes

• Extendable Snow Broom with Squeegee
• Heavy-Duty Ice Scraper with Chipper
• Windshield Cover for Snow/Ice
• Lock De-Icer

<div class="rt-cta"><a class="cta-link-button inline-link" href="https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/sub-zero-avalanche-extreme-52-in-black-green-extendable-snow-broom/0000000312227">Featured Product: Sub-Zero Avalanche Extreme Extendable Snow Broom</a></div>

Battery Chargers

• Portable Jump Starter/Power Pack
• Smart Battery Charger (For maintenance)
• Battery Tender (For long-term storage)
• Battery Terminal Cleaner & Protector

<div class="rt-cta"><a class="cta-link-button inline-link" href="https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/noco-g1100-2a-smart-battery-charger/0000000335575">Featured Product: NOCO G1100 2A Smart Battery Charger</a></div>

Floor Mats

• All-Weather Deep-Channel Floor Mats (Front Seats)
• All-Weather Floor Mats (Rear Seats)
• Waterproof Cargo/Trunk Liner
• Automotive Carpet Cleaner (For salt stains)

<div class="rt-cta"><a class="cta-link-button inline-link" href="https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/dickies-trimmable-all-weather-black-floor-mats/0000101719825">Featured Product: Dickies Trimmable All-Weather Black Floor Mats</a></div>

Get Your Vehicle Winter-Ready at Fleet Farm

Midwest winters are harsh, but the proper gear makes all the difference when the snow and ice roll in. Here’s a quick recap on what’s most essential and what to do next. 

Key Takeaways:

• Cold weather weakens car batteries and reduces visibility.
• A few reliable tools, like all-weather floor mats, winter washer fluid, and a portable jump starter with an air compressor, go a long way.
• Taking small steps now can help you avoid problems later, especially during extreme cold snaps.
• Prepping early means less time scraping, fewer roadside surprises, and a safer ride all season long.

Next Steps:

• Check what winter items you already have on hand.
• Replace anything worn out or missing.
• Pick up cold-weather tools before the first hard freeze.
• Store everything in one spot so it's easy to grab when you need it.

<div class="rt-cta"><a class="cta-link-button inline-link" href="https://www.fleetfarm.com/">Shop the complete winter car care collection at Fleet Farm now!</a></div>