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Service guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Winter Car Care Checklist for Lake Effect Snow
With lake effect snow, heavy snow can be falling in one spot while the sun shines a mile or two away. This checklist covers how to get your car, truck or SUV ready before the first band rolls in, what to keep in the car, and what to do if a storm catches you, using National Weather Service guidance and the service know-how of Michigan City Ford.
2-3 in.of lake effect snow per hour, or more (NWS)
4-5 yrstypical battery replacement window
Monthlytire pressure check, same gauge
10 minper hour to run the motor if stuck (NWS)
The short answer
Before lake effect season, have the battery tested and look for corrosion or a swollen case, check tire tread and pressure, top off the fluids, and make sure the lights, heater and wipers are in proper condition. Pack a winter survival kit and keep the gas tank near full. Michigan City Ford's service center can test the battery, check tire pressure and top off fluids, and Ford Mobile Service can replace wipers.
Why lake effect snow changes the checklist
The National Weather Service says lake effect snow is common across the Great Lakes region during late fall and winter. Cold air passing over the unfrozen lake water picks up warmth and moisture, rises, and builds narrow bands that can drop 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more.
Those bands are narrow: heavy snow may be falling in one location while the sun shines just a mile or two away. For drivers, that means road conditions and visibility can change quickly, so tires, wipers, lights and the battery need to be ready before the season starts, not after the first storm.
From the National Weather Service, "What is a Lake Effect Snow?", read October 26, 2026.
Winter car care checklist
Work through this list in the fall. Your owner's manual has the exact specifications and intervals for your vehicle.
| Item | What to check | Source of the advice |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Have it tested; look for corrosion at the terminals, a bloated or swollen case, an unpleasant smell or a damp, sweating battery. | Michigan City Ford battery service page |
| Tires | Look for bulges, gouges, cracks and worn tread; check pressure monthly against the door sticker. | Michigan City Ford tire service page |
| Fluids | Make sure all fluid levels are full; the store's maintenance list includes oil, radiator, transmission, power steering, windshield washer and brake fluid. | National Weather Service; Michigan City Ford general service page |
| Lights, heater and wipers | Make sure they are in proper condition before you head out. | National Weather Service |
| Fuel | Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. | National Weather Service |
| Snow and ice | If you must drive in a storm, clear the whole vehicle of ice and snow before the trip; flying snow from cars causes accidents. | National Weather Service |
| Winter kit | Pack a winter survival kit (list below). | National Weather Service |
National Weather Service winter safety pages, read October 26, 2026; battery and tire guidance from Michigan City Ford's own service pages, checked the same day.
Battery and tires: the two big winter checks
Battery age
Many automotive experts say a car battery should be replaced every four to five years, though one showing unusual wear may need replacing sooner.
Signs of a leaking battery
An unpleasant smell, visible corrosion around the terminal connectors, a bloated, swollen or distorted case, or a battery that looks damp or sweating.
Cold and the battery
FuelEconomy.gov notes that battery performance decreases in cold weather, making it harder for the alternator to keep the battery charged.
Tire warning signs
Bulges, gouges or cracks, constant tire pressure issues, worn tread, and unusual vibration or thumping while driving all point to tire service.
Tire pressure
Check it monthly with the same gauge, before long drives or carrying extra weight, and while the tires are cool. FuelEconomy.gov notes that pressure decreases in colder temperatures.
Where to find the number
The recommended pressure is on the sticker on the driver's door, or in your owner's manual.
From Michigan City Ford's battery service and tire service pages and FuelEconomy.gov, "Fuel Economy in Cold Weather," read October 26, 2026.
Pack a winter car kit
The National Weather Service says that, on average, more than 5,000 people are killed and more than 418,000 are injured each year in weather-related vehicle crashes. Its winter storm survival kit for vehicles includes:
- Mobile phone, charger and batteries
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Knife
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
- Extra clothing to keep dry
- Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
- Shovel
- Windshield scraper and brush
- Tool kit
- Tow rope
- Battery booster cables
- Water container
- Compass and road maps (do not depend on a phone with limited battery life)
Before you leave, the National Weather Service suggests letting someone know your timetable and your primary and alternate routes, and calling 511 for road conditions.
If a snow band catches you on the road
Slow down: the National Weather Service warns that even roads that only look wet could be slick. If you start to skid, stay calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn the wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. With anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure and never pump the pedal. If you cannot see, pull over and stop until visibility improves.
- Stay in the vehicle. Leaving it in wind-driven snow and cold can leave you disoriented quickly.
- Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, with a window open a little for fresh air.
- Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Be visible: turn on the dome light at night while the engine runs, tie a bright cloth to the antenna or door, and raise the hood once the snow stops.
From the National Weather Service, "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm," read October 26, 2026.
Winter checks at Michigan City Ford
Our Michigan City service center covers several of the checks on this list: battery service, tire service, fluid top-offs and inspections. The Works® checkup includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Two ways to skip the drive: Ford Mobile Service can handle routine maintenance away from the dealership, such as oil and filter changes, brakes, batteries, tire rotation and wiper replacement, and Ford Pickup & Delivery picks your vehicle up at home or work, services it here and brings it back. Both are offered by participating dealers and may be limited by availability, distance or other dealer criteria; Pickup & Delivery requires a drivable vehicle.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 26, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Winter car care FAQ
What is lake effect snow?
The National Weather Service says lake effect snow happens when cold air, often from Canada, moves across the unfrozen, relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes. The air picks up warmth and moisture, rises and forms narrow bands that can produce 2 to 3 inches of snow per hour or more. It is common across the Great Lakes region in late fall and winter.
How do I drive in a lake effect snow band?
Slow down, since the National Weather Service warns that even roads that only look wet could be slick. Heavy snow may be falling in one spot while the sun shines a mile or two away, so be ready for conditions to change quickly. If you cannot see, pull over and stop until visibility improves.
What should be in my winter car kit?
The National Weather Service list includes a phone and charger, blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, high-calorie non-perishable food, dry clothing, sand or cat litter for traction, a shovel, a windshield scraper and brush, a tool kit, a tow rope, booster cables, a water container, and a compass and road maps.
How often should a car battery be replaced?
Many automotive experts say every four to five years, though a battery showing unusual wear may need replacing sooner. Signs of a leaking battery include an unpleasant smell, corrosion around the terminals, a bloated or swollen case, or a damp, sweating battery.
How often should I check tire pressure?
Check it every month with the same gauge, especially before long drives or carrying extra weight, and check it before a trip while the tires are cool. The recommended pressure is on the sticker on the driver's door or in your owner's manual.
What if I get stuck in the snow?
Stay in the vehicle, the National Weather Service says. Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat, crack a window for fresh air, and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Get ready for lake effect season
Book a battery test, tire check or fluid top-off at Michigan City Ford, or ask about Ford Mobile Service (including wiper replacement) and Pickup & Delivery.
Sources
Lake effect snow, winter driving, vehicle checks and the survival kit are from the National Weather Service; the cold-weather battery and tire pressure notes are from FuelEconomy.gov; both read October 26, 2026. Battery, tire and service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle. Photo is illustrative.
- What is a Lake Effect Snow?, National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise (vehicle checks, winter storm survival kit, crash statistics), National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm (in vehicles), National Weather Service, read October 26, 2026
- Fuel Economy in Cold Weather, FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), read October 26, 2026
- Ford battery service FAQs, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- Ford tire service FAQs, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- General service: fluid list and The Works checkup, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- Ford Mobile Service, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- Ford Pickup & Delivery, Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 26, 2026