We all know how brutal Nebraska winters can be, especially with icy conditions, blizzards, winter storms, the list goes on. With that said, making sure you are safe while operating a vehicle this winter should be a top priority. Collisions become more frequent, and vehicle breakdowns as well. So let these local businesses help you out to keep you safe and your vehicle up to par.
A1 Automotive (A1AutoLincoln.com) is here with expert advice to help you get your car ready for the winter season. We all know how tough Nebraska winters can be on your vehicle. But there are several things you can do to prevent complications during the bitter season. At the top of your list for ensuring your vehicle is ready for winter should be your battery and electrical system.
Cold weather can take a toll on your car, so winter prep is essential. Start by checking your battery; cold temps strain it, so clean any corrosion and test the voltage. Replace it if it’s old. Check your tires using the penny test: if you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new ones. Keep your tire pressure up, as cold air can lower it. Ensure your cooling system has enough antifreeze to prevent freezing.
When driving, slow down, keep extra distance, and brake gently on icy roads. Steer into skids, not against them, and watch for black ice.
Always carry a winter car kit with a shovel, ice scraper, blankets, warm clothes, and emergency food and water.
Don’t forget: check washer fluid (use winter-grade), wipers, and tire pressure often. Keep fuel above half and your car’s undercarriage clean from salt. Safe, steady driving helps you avoid winter breakdowns.
Vivian Clough – AAA (Linkedin.com/in/VivianTaClough) says preparation is everything when it comes to the winter season. Making sure you are safe this season is a priority. Vivian Clough Agency is here to make sure you have everything you need before the first snowfall. Schedule your oil change early and ensure your tires have proper tread and air pressure. Plan, slow down, and give yourself extra time when driving in wintry conditions. But, most importantly, keep your AAA membership current so you’re never stranded without support.
Winter is when AAA really shines. Members can request roadside assistance 24/7 for jump starts, tows, lockouts, or flat tires. You also get discounts on travel, hotels, and car care, and access to trip planning services if you’re heading out of town.
Always carry an emergency kit including:
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Ice scraper and small shovel
• Sand, cat litter, or traction mats
• Nonperishable snacks and bottled water
• Phone charger and first-aid kit
And don’t forget your AAA card!
Review your insurance and membership before winter starts. A quick call or visit to the office ensures you have the right protection, know how to access AAA roadside help, and are fully prepared for Nebraska’s unpredictable weather. Being proactive now means staying safe and stress-free later.
Automotive Solutions (AutoMotiveSolutionsLincoln.com) states that during the winter months, the most common car issues include dead batteries, low tire pressure, inadequate tire treads for cold and snow conditions, heater malfunctions, and windshield wiper problems. So, keeping all of these in mind, let Automotive Solutions help you prepare for the icy season.
Before the colder, unforgiving Nebraska winter begins, you should start by prepping your car with essential maintenance to have your car up to par. Essential maintenance includes checking and replacing batteries, brakes, and windshield wipers.
Remember that it is crucial to make sure the antifreeze/coolant is at the proper level of mix for the temperature, replacing tires if worn or damaged. Check that all headlights, taillights, and hazard lights are working properly to ensure you can see and be seen. Additionally, make sure the heater and defroster are working, and top off fluids with winter-specific washer fluid.
Automotive Solutions also shared their expert tips on how to be safe while operating your vehicle in the winter:
1. SLOW DOWN
Reduce your speed significantly. Speed limits are for dry roads.
Increase your distance: Leave 8-10 seconds of space between your car and the one ahead in snow or icy conditions.
Avoid using cruise control.
2. MOVE GENTLY
Be smooth. Accelerate, brake, and steer as slowly and gently as possible. Quick movements cause skids.
Brake Smart: Use a steady press with ABS; gently pump the brakes without it.
Steer into a Skid: If you slide, ease off the gas/brake and steer the wheel toward the direction you want the car to go.
3. PREP YOUR CAR
Clear It All: Scrape all windows, lights, and the roof completely.
Check Your Tires: Ensure they have good tread and are properly inflated.
Get Gas: Keep your tank at least half-full to prevent fuel line freeze and keep the heat running if you get stuck. For Diesels, make sure to get quality blended fuel at high-volume filling stations.
Treat your diesel fuel if temperatures drop to single digits or lower.
Stay Home if possible when the weather is severe.
When winter rolls around, many vehicle owners do not feel the need to wash their vehicles because they get dirty so quickly due to the colder weather conditions. Salt, ice, slush, etc., can erode your vehicle’s paint, metal, and its undercarriage. So let Jetsplash take care of you this winter season with their premium car washes that can regularly remove contaminants before they can cause rust and or permanent damage to your vehicle. Maintaining a clean vehicle during the winter months is also vital for wintry conditions because washing your car helps visibility by keeping mirrors, lights, and cameras clean.
So you may be wondering how salt can cause damage to your car. Jetsplash has you covered. “Salt is corrosive and attracts moisture, accelerating rust and corrosion on metal parts like brake lines and suspension components. Sand acts as an abrasive, dulling paint and wearing away protective coatings. Together, they can shorten the life of your car’s finish and underbody if left untreated,” said Kinsey Bauer, Jetsplash’s sales manager.
Jetsplash (JetSplash.com) recommends their Underbody Wash, which they believe is critical for flushing away salt from the underside of your vehicle, where corrosion often starts. They also hand-dry every vehicle, even when the temperature drops!
Here are some tips that Jetsplash has for you:
1. Wash once a week in winter (easy to do with a monthly membership from JetSplash).
2. Use a protective coating like Jet Gloss (now fortified with nano graphene).
3. Dry your car after washing to prevent freezing (hand towel finish comes standard with every wash at JetSplash).
4. Vacuum mats and wipe interiors regularly to remove salt residue (vacs, air and mat cleaner come standard with every wash at JetSplash).
With that said, winter care for your vehicle has never been easier. Jetsplash is convenient for you. With 9 locations, even with slower traffic due to winter festivities and conditions, you can get in and out quickly with a sparkling car. Jetsplash also has a new location located off 27th and Vine.
During the winter months, Shelter Insurance says that the biggest spikes in claims are collision claims due to the road conditions, as well as comprehensive claims due to deer and animal hits.
Once it is time to bring out your winter coats, you should also be making sure your vehicle is ready for the months to come. You should be checking your tires, windshield wipers, defroster, etc.
Beyond your car, you need to be prepared for anything to happen. Icy roads mean plenty of sliding and collisions. You do not want to be stranded in pajamas and flip-flops. So, making sure you are in proper clothing for the weather should be your priority before stepping into a vehicle.
However, to fully protect yourself from these occurrences, you must have the proper coverage. Shelter Insurance recommends both comprehensive and collision coverage. No matter how much you prepare, sometimes accidents still happen. If you depend on a single vehicle, make sure you have a rental reimbursement under your hat. This would allow you to rent a car while yours is getting fixed up! Cause life does not just stop, it keeps going no matter what happens. Do not let an accident get in the way of any winter festivities!
Matthew Moorhead of Moorhead Agency LLC (ShelterInsurance.com) has some tips on how to be prepared for this season:
“As with any accident, the more information you can provide, the better. If more than one person is involved, calling the police can be very helpful especially if the drivers have different opinions of what caused the accident, the police are not able to respond to certain accidents and in that case, I suggest taking pictures of the vehicles positions before moved, the license plates, insurance cards, and drivers licenses of all who is involved. If there are any 3rd party witnesses, you would want to get their names and contact information as well.
The best advice is to plan. Winter driving can be tedious, but it is not a time to try to be in a hurry. Give yourself plenty of time to make it to your destination because you never know what you may encounter. When it is bad out, only drive if necessary. If you have to drive in horrible conditions, be sure to have plenty of clothes and a fully charged cell phone.”
When snow and ice hit, body shops often see an increase in rear-end collisions, many of which are caused by drivers following too closely on slick roads. Another common issue is bumper damage. What starts as soft snow can quickly turn into solid chunks of ice, cracking or ripping bumpers as vehicles move through it.
Taking your time on winter roads is crucial. Plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and stay off your devices. Pay attention to how your car feels and responds, and make sure it’s serviced before the first storm hits. Tires, fluids, and other maintenance checks can make all the difference once snow and ice start to fly.
Even small collisions should be inspected. Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors such as blind spots sensors, parking assistance sensors, and forward radar that can become misaligned even if they seem to function properly. If they’re not aimed correctly, they could fail when you need them most.
That’s where Midtown Body and Paint (MidtownBodyandPaint.com) can help. Their experienced technicians work with all insurance companies and can assess damage, both big and small. They pre-order parts in advance to help repairs move quickly and provide accurate estimates before taking the car apart to ensure times and parts are correct.
After any winter accident, check that all parts are secure, no fluids are leaking, and the car is safe to drive. Then, have the experts at Midtown Body and Paint evaluate your vehicle to make sure it’s ready to get back on the road safely. No matter what winter throws your way.
When temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, insurance companies see a familiar pattern of an increase in weather-related claims. During the winter months, accidents caused by icy roads, snow, and reduced visibility become more frequent. Homeowners also experience more claims due to frozen pipes, ice dams, and roof damage from heavy snow. Collisions with wildlife, such as deer, tend to rise as visibility decreases and animals are more active.
Before winter sets in, drivers should review their auto insurance policies to make sure they have the right protection. Comprehensive and collision coverage are especially important, covering damage from accidents, weather events, and animal collisions. Roadside assistance is also valuable, helping with dead batteries, breakdowns, or getting stuck in the snow. Checking liability limits and uninsured motorist coverage can ensure you’re ready for unexpected situations.
That’s where Ashley Freese with American Family Insurance (AmFam.com) can help. She works with drivers to review policies, explain coverage options, and make sure each customer is protected before winter weather hits. Ashley can help identify any gaps in your policy, assist with claims after an accident, and ensure your deductible and coverage limits fit your needs.
If you’re involved in a winter accident, prioritize safety. Move to a safe spot, check for injuries, document the scene, and exchange information. Notify law enforcement, then contact your insurance company with all the details.
Finally, prepare an emergency kit with blankets, snacks, a flashlight, and a phone charger. Keep your insurance information handy, and schedule a winter maintenance check for your tires, brakes, and battery. With the right preparation and the right insurance support, you can stay safe and protected all season long.
Cold weather puts extra stress on your windshield. Glass naturally contracts in low temperatures, and if you already have a chip or crack, that stress concentrates around the damaged area. Add freezing moisture and sudden temperature changes from defrosting, and even a small chip can quickly turn into a long crack.
SuperGlass Windshield Repair (SuperGlassNebraska.com) gives some advice and knowledge about protecting your glass in the winter. It is important to repair chips or cracks before temperatures drop.
When water gets into a chip and freezes, it expands, making the damage worse. Winter temperature swings also accelerate crack growth. Early repairs help prevent cracks from spreading, saving you money and keeping your factory seal intact.
The safest way to remove ice and snow without damaging the glass is to use a soft-bristle snow brush for snow and a plastic scraper for ice. Never pour hot water on the glass. Start your car and let the defroster gradually warm the windshield before scraping.
Temperature changes can cause existing cracks to spread. Sudden shifts, such as blasting the defroster on high, cause glass to expand and contract rapidly, which can worsen cracks. To prevent this, warm the windshield slowly, get chips repaired before winter, and avoid slamming doors, as vibrations can make cracks worse.
During winter months, the most common glass-related issues include chips turning into long cracks overnight, moisture freezing inside chips, damage from improper ice removal, and new chips from road salt and gravel.
The top piece of advice for keeping windshields clear and safe is to repair chips early to avoid a costly replacement, since once a windshield is replaced, the original factory seal is gone for good.
Winter in Nebraska brings snow, ice and slippery roads. Even the most cautious driver can find themselves dealing with a fender-bender, a slide into a guardrail, or paint damage from road salt and debris. That’s when it pays to know a trusted repair partner.
Tracy’s Body & Paint (TracysBodyShop.com) in Lincoln is ready for just that. With their full collision-repair and painting services, they handle the after-effects of aggressive winter driving: from frame and structural repairs to restoring flawless paint finishes that have been marred by salt-covered roads and scrape damage.
They make the repair process smooth: working with major insurance providers, offering accurate estimates, and communicating clearly. Whether the damage is cosmetic or structural, their team is equipped and experienced for the job.
For drivers prepping for winter or recovering from an incident, a few key steps make a difference:
• Ensure your tires are in good shape and your brakes respond cleanly.
• Remove built-up salt and slush from your vehicle’s undercarriage and body panels.
• If you’re in an accident or even just suspect paint or structural damage, take it seriously and get an inspection.
With a reliable repair partner like Tracy Body & Paint, Lincoln area drivers can face winter with greater peace of mind: knowing that if the unexpected happens, help is close by and professional.
Nebraska winters put cars to the test, and In Motion Auto Care sees the effects every year. The most common issues include dead batteries, low tire pressure, vehicles that won’t start in the cold, and frozen door locks or washer fluid lines. Cold temperatures expose weak spots in a vehicle, especially if routine maintenance has been delayed.
Preparing your car before the first snowfall can prevent headaches later. A winter check-up should include an oil and filter change, a full vehicle inspection, battery testing, and ensuring tire tread and air pressure are in good condition. Check wiper blades, fluids, particularly antifreeze and washer fluid, brakes, and confirm the heater and defroster are working properly.
Some drivers overlook small but important items, such as washer fluid and coolant. Summer washer fluid freezes quickly, and coolant not rated for low temperatures can seriously damage the engine.
During winter, tires should be checked at least weekly, and wipers every couple of weeks. Batteries a few years old should be tested at least once during the season. Small inspections now can save bigger problems later.
On the road, safety is key. Slow down, leave extra space between cars, keep your lights, windows, and rearview camera clear, and carry an emergency kit with blankets, jumper cables, a flashlight, sand or kitty litter, snacks, and water. And when conditions are severe, sometimes the safest choice is to stay home until roads are cleared and treated.
Winter driving in Nebraska can be tough, not just for you but for your vehicle. Weather specifically in Nebraska can change quickly, making consistent maintenance and awareness essential. But preparation makes all the difference. Being prepared not only improves safety… It also reduces stress, and saves time, so you can have confindence when unpredictable conditions hit.
As Nebraska drivers know all too well, conditions can shift quickly, clear pavement can turn icy within minutes, temperatures can drop sharply overnight, and rural stretches often demand extra caution. Schedule routine checks before the first major freeze or storm to stay ahead of common winter issues. Local professionals are ready to assist when unexpected weather hits, so you will not navigate winter alone.
Preparedness is more than a checklist; it’s a mindset. Taking the time to winterize your vehicle reduces the risk of unexpected repairs, long waits for roadside assistance, or accidents caused by poor visibility and slick roads. It also provides peace of mind, knowing that both you and your passengers are safer during every trip, whether it’s a quick drive across town or a long holiday visit with family.
From checking batteries, tires, and fluids to keeping a fully stocked emergency kit, businesses like A1 Automotive, Vivian Clough Agency, Automotive Solutions, and others have you covered.
Taking steps now can prevent costly repairs, accidents, or delays later in the season. With the right maintenance, safe driving habits, and insurance in place, you can stay protected, avoid breakdowns, and enjoy a safer, stress-free winter on the road.