Winter is our busiest season by a wide margin. From the first hard freeze in November until the snow finally melts in March, drivers across Oak Creek, Franklin, Greenfield, Cudahy, South Milwaukee, West Allis, and the rest of southern Milwaukee County deal with dead batteries, frozen locks, slide-offs, and cars buried by plows. Many of those calls could have been prevented, and almost all of them are easier to handle with a little preparation. This guide collects what our technicians have learned from years of winter calls.

Before winter: a ten-minute checkup

A little attention in the fall prevents a lot of trouble in January. Before the cold sets in:

  • Test the battery. Many auto parts stores do it free. Batteries more than three or four years old are the most likely to fail.
  • Check the tires. Tread depth matters far more on snow than on dry pavement. Consider dedicated winter tires if you commute daily.
  • Top off washer fluid with a winter-rated blend. Road salt spray can blind you in seconds.
  • Replace worn wiper blades. Streaky wipers make freezing rain dangerous.
  • Check the coolant so it is rated for sub-zero temperatures.
  • Look at the lights. Short winter days mean more driving in the dark.

What to keep in your car

A winter kit does not need to be elaborate. A plastic tub in the trunk with these items covers most situations: an ice scraper and snow brush, a small shovel, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, a blanket, gloves, a hat, a flashlight, a phone charger or battery pack, a few snacks and water, and reflective triangles. Add a written card with our dispatch number, (414) 520-7264, in case your phone dies and you have to borrow one.

The most common winter calls — and how to avoid them

Dead batteries. Cold slows the chemical reaction that produces power, while thick oil makes the engine harder to turn. Parking in a garage helps. If you must park outside, avoid leaving accessories on, and do not let a weak battery go unchecked.

Frozen locks and doors. After freezing rain or a car wash, doors can freeze shut. Use a lock de-icer, never hot water, which can crack glass and then refreezes.

Slide-offs. Most happen at low speed on ramps, curves, and hills. Slow down more than feels necessary, leave extra following distance, and brake gently before the curve, not in it.

Buried cars. After a big storm, plows can bury street-parked cars in heavy, packed snow. Dig out around the tires and tailpipe before trying to drive away.

Running out of fuel. A fuller tank adds weight for traction and reduces condensation in the tank. Keep it above a quarter.

If you get stuck in the snow

Do not floor the gas. Spinning wheels polish snow into ice and dig deeper ruts. Instead, straighten the wheels, clear snow from around the tires, and pour sand or cat litter in front of the drive wheels. Accelerate gently. If the car does not move after a few tries, stop. Check that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow before you sit with the engine running, because a blocked pipe can fill the car with carbon monoxide. Then call for a winch-out.

If you slide off the road

First, check whether anyone is hurt; if so, call 911. If your car is in a ditch or snowbank and you are safe, stay inside with your seat belt on, especially on a highway, where other cars may slide too. Turn on your hazards. Call us with your location and a description of how the car is sitting. Our operator will usually winch the car back onto the road and check it for damage before you drive away.

Staying warm while you wait

Run the engine for about ten minutes each hour for heat, with a window cracked and the exhaust clear. Wear the hat and gloves from your kit. Keep moving your arms and legs. If you are on a remote road, tie something bright to the antenna or the door, so others know you need help.

Road salt and your car

Wisconsin's road crews use a lot of salt, and it keeps roads usable, but it is tough on vehicles. Salt spray clings to brake lines, exhaust parts, and the underbody, where it speeds up rust. It also coats your windshield and headlights, which cuts visibility at night. Wash the car, including the underside, during warm spells in winter, and keep plenty of washer fluid on hand. Corroded battery terminals are another common winter culprit: if you see crusty white or green buildup, cleaning it can restore a connection that was keeping the car from starting.

Electric vehicles in the cold

Electric vehicles lose range in cold weather, sometimes significantly, because the battery chemistry slows and the cabin heater draws power. Precondition the car while it is plugged in, plan charging stops with a margin, and do not assume the summer range applies. If your EV runs out of charge, call us for a flatbed to the nearest charger.

Frequently asked questions

Do response times get longer in a snowstorm?

They can, because roads are slow and calls spike. The dispatcher will give you an honest estimate and prioritize anyone in a dangerous position.

Should I put chains on my tires?

Chains are rarely needed or practical on plowed Wisconsin roads. Good winter or all-season tires with deep tread are the better investment.

Which areas do you cover?

All of southern Milwaukee County and nearby communities, including Oak Creek, Franklin, Greenfield, Greendale, Hales Corners, Cudahy, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, West Allis, New Berlin, Muskego, and Caledonia.

Winter caught you off guard? Call (414) 520-7264 24/7. Learn more about our roadside assistance.