4 Crucial Car Checks for Illinois Drivers This Winter

Winter weather troubles have started early this year in Illinois. With temperatures expected to remain below freezing again over the next week, here are some important things you need to check your car for today.

Illinois Winter Expectations

For the most part, the last few winters have been pretty mild in Illinois. Sure, we experienced bitter cold spots and some snow, but seeing facts like this has me dreading what winter 2025/2026 has in store for us.

The first day of winter may be officially Sunday, December 21, but I think we could all use some winter car safety reminders right now.

Things To Avoid Leaving In a Freezing Car

When temps dip well below freezing, bad things happen in a hurry to items left inside a car that aren't made to withstand the cold.

READ MORE: Is Your Christmas Tree Slowing Down Your Wi-Fi?

Common sense will tell you that leaving a person or an animal inside a freezing car is always dangerous, but here are some more things you should never leave in your car during the winter:

1. Cell Phones, Tablets, and Laptops

Extreme cold can damage lithium batteries which can lead to the entire device freezing up.

2. Canned Liquids and Foods

Liquids expand when they freeze and containers will burst under high pressure, leaving you with one heck of a mess to clean up.

3. Glasses 

Do have a pair of glasses that you leave specifically in your car? Leaving eyeglasses in a freezing car for an extended period of time can warp the frames, especially if they are plastic.

4. Medications 

Many medicines lose effectiveness when they freeze, plus liquid medicines can expand and burst just like other liquids.

Can I offer one more piece of winter safety advice? Always keep your car's gas tank half full so you don't run the risk of your gas line freezing. My dad will be so proud of me for remembering that.

Be safe out there and stay warm!