Car care tips to keep your vehicle purring through fall and winter! The Washington winter brings rain, snow, sleet, and possible subzero temperatures. With this in hand, it is no surprise that leaving your car out in this weather can cause some serious damage and put it under strain. Complete these 10 car maintenance tasks before the cold snap hits so that you have safe (and reliable) winter transport: 1. Get the engine check for performance and drivability problems. 2.