Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter? What Long Island Drivers Need to Check Before the Cold Hits

You know the sound — or lack of it — when you turn the key on a freezing morning and your car hesitates… or worse, says nothing at all. Just a dull click. The engine doesn’t turn over, and now you’re standing in your driveway, coffee in one hand, frustration in the other. That’s how winter introduces itself around here: cold, blunt, and unforgiving.

At Sonny’s Auto Repairs in Hicksville, we see this scenario every year. The good news? Most winter car problems are totally avoidable with a little early attention. Before the temps drop for good, here’s how to make sure your vehicle can handle whatever Long Island weather throws at it.

Why Winter Maintenance Matters on Long Island

Cold weather stresses out your car. Fluids thicken, tires deflate, batteries get sluggish, and worn-out parts are more likely to fail. Waiting for something to go wrong — whether it’s on the LIE or your own block — turns a small fix into a big expense, fast.

And here’s the thing: most winter problems don’t come out of nowhere. If your brakes felt a little soft in the fall, they’ll only get worse once you’re driving in snow and slush.

That’s why winter prep is less about “just in case” and more about “absolutely necessary.”

Your Winter Vehicle Readiness Checklist

1. Test the Battery

Cold temperatures kill weak batteries. If yours is more than 3–5 years old, don’t risk it. We’ll test the battery, check for corrosion on the terminals, and replace it if needed. Better in our garage than in your driveway at 6 a.m.

2. Check Tires and Tread Depth

Cold air lowers tire pressure, which hurts fuel efficiency and traction. Combine that with worn tread, and you’re sliding through winter instead of driving. We’ll check pressure and tread depth, and rotate your tires — including your full-size spare if you’ve got one (Jeep drivers, that means you).

See our tire services here.

3. Inspect the Brakes

Stopping on ice or wet pavement takes longer — especially if your brakes are already worn. Squeaking, grinding, or a soft pedal? That’s your car telling you to get your brakes checked. We’ll inspect pads, rotors, and fluid to make sure you’re ready to stop when it matters.

Learn more about our brake services.

4. Top Off Antifreeze and Coolant

Antifreeze isn’t just about keeping things from freezing — it also protects against engine overheating. We’ll make sure your coolant levels are right, check the fluid mix, and look for leaks.

5. Replace Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid

Old blades streak instead of clear. Not great when freezing rain hits. Winter blades are stronger, and winter-grade washer fluid won’t freeze up in the lines. Visibility is everything in a snow squall.

6. Test Your Heater and Defrosters

Nobody wants to find out their heater doesn’t work when it’s 20 degrees outside. We’ll test your heat, front and rear defrosters, and get your system working before you need it.

7. Inspect Belts, Hoses, and Fluids

Cold weather makes rubber parts like belts and hoses brittle. Low or dirty fluids can thicken and slow everything down. We’ll check everything under the hood and flag anything that might become a problem.

8. Protect Against Salt Damage

Long Island roads get coated in salt during storms. It’s great for traction, terrible for your undercarriage. A pre-winter wash and protective spray can help prevent rust and corrosion on the parts you can’t see.

Bonus: Snow Blower or Generator Acting Up?

We don’t just fix cars — we repair snow blowers and generators too. If your snow blower hasn’t started since last winter or your generator’s acting sketchy, bring it in before the next storm. We’ll get it running so you’re not stuck shoveling by hand or losing power during a blackout.

Let Sonny’s Get You Winter-Ready

For over 25 years, Sonny’s Auto Repairs has helped Long Island drivers stay safe when winter hits. We know what the cold does to vehicles — and we know how to keep yours running strong through it. Whether you need new wipers, a fresh battery, or just peace of mind, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll only recommend what your car actually needs. No upsells, no nonsense — just honest work from certified mechanics who live where you live.

Here’s the difference winter prep can make:

Without Prep: Your battery dies in the driveway during a snowstorm, your heater isn’t working, and your tires are bald. You’re late to work, cold, and calling for a tow.

With Prep at Sonny’s: You start up with confidence, defrost in minutes, and cruise to your destination with solid traction and peace of mind.

Schedule your winter prep today, or call 516-822-3671. Stop by the shop at 499 East Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY. Appointments fill quickly after the first cold snap — don’t wait until your car leaves you out in the cold.