Here’s How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

We all know there’s prep to be done to our vehicles before winter. There’s a lot to do and missing a key inspection or maintenance item can be dangerous. Here’s a detailed rundown of everything you should check, update or replace before the first snow hits.

Battery Check Up

Extreme temperatures (high and low) can be hard on your car battery. You can use a car battery charger to test and charge your battery, and even boost your vehicle if necessary. Jump starter power banks are also available. These can do all the above plus charge your smartphone, tablet, or other electronics via USB outputs. Check the cable connections to ensure good contact with the terminal and remove any corrosion with steel wool. If your battery is four years old, you should consider replacing it before the onset of winter.

Anti-Freeze

Fresh engine coolant is less likely to freeze and will inhibit the buildup of rust and corrosion. The ratio of anti-freeze coolant to water should be 50:50 or higher. If you’re not replacing your coolant, then be sure to check the levels before winter. You should also consider adding gas line anti-freeze during fill-ups to help prevent your gas lines from freezing. If you use water as washer fluid during the summer you’ll need to swap it out for windshield wiper fluid with anti-freeze for the winter. Make sure it’s rated down to -40⁰C and carry an extra jug in your vehicle at all times!

Car Tune-Up & Maintenance Check

An oil change and tune-up are essential before heading into winter. If you’re a handy DIYer and have the right tools you can do much of this yourself. Otherwise, take your vehicle to get serviced and make sure the following items are checked or replaced:

• Brakes and brake fluid 

• Engine oil, oil filter, and fuel filter 

• All belts and hoses 

• Spark plugs and ignition system 

• Defrosting and heating systems (consider adding a ceramic heater) 

• Engine coolant and cooling system 

• Transmission fluid and power steering fluid 

• Headlights, brake lights and signal lights 

• Fuses and electrical system 

• Exhaust system

Keep Your Windows Clear

Windshield wiper blades break down over time so you should check them for wear and tear. Heavier winter wiper blades will push snow and ice more easily and stand up better to freezing temperatures. You’ll want a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush with a long handle for reaching across your windshield. Remember to clear snow and ice from your windows, lights, mirrors, and hood. Winter windshield covers are also available to lessen the work before driving.

Digging Yourself Out

You should also be prepared to dig your vehicle out after a winter storm. Carry a car snow shovel with telescoping handle in your trunk in case you need to dig out when away from home. Traction aids can also help by placing them in front of your tires to prevent the wheels from spinning.

Winter Car Emergency Kit

If you don’t already have an emergency roadside safety kit, now is the time to get one. Breakdowns in summer are an inconvenience, but winter temperatures can make them life-threatening. Here’s some basic items along with some winter essentials to add on: 

• First aid kit 

• Jumper cables 

• Spare tire, lug wrench, and car jack 

• Car escape tool if snow prevents your doors from opening 

• Road flares so other motorists can see you 

• Flashlight with extra batteries 

• Blankets and winter clothing like mittens, socks, and toques 

• Several full water bottles 

• Non-perishable snacks

Switch to Winter Tires

All-season tires lose flexibility and traction in cold temperatures, whereas winter tires provide better control in snow, ice, and slush, even on cold, dry, pavement. Look for the mountain/snowflake winter tire symbol for optimal safety. Tires marked M+S (Mud and Snow) are acceptable but don’t provide the same level of performance in severe winter conditions. A portable car air compressor will ensure proper air pressure in your snow tires for safer driving.

Replace Carpets with Rubber Car Floor Mats

Rubber car floor mats will help to hold melting snow that you track into your vehicle. They’re easy to clean and should be drained often to avoid spilling water onto your carpets when the snow melts.

Winter Driving Tips

Months of summer driving can make you forget some of your winter driving skills. Here’s a few refresher tips to safely hit the icy roads: 

• Always Steer into a Skid: If your vehicle starts to slide out of control ease off the gas, release the brakes and gently steer in the direction you want to go 

• Don't Tailgate: It takes longer to stop in icy conditions so always keep extra room between you and the vehicle ahead of you 

• Drive Slowly: Most winter accidents occur because the driver is going too fast 

• Drive Smoothly: Avoid hard braking, abrupt turns, and quick acceleration as these actions can cause your vehicle to skid 

• Keep Your Headlights On: You want to be as visible to other drivers as possible 

• Avoid Cruise Control: Using cruise control in slippery road conditions may reduce your reaction time and your ability to control the vehicle 

• Watch for Black Ice: It’s hard to see, especially at night, so drive slowly and stay alert 

• Stay Clear of Snowploughs: The snow pushed or thrown out from a snowplough can reduce visibility and cause an accident 

• Keep Mobile Device Charged: You may need it to call for assistance if you get stuck or are involved in an accident 

• Top Up Your Tank: A full gas tank helps inhibit ice from forming inside the tank and entering the gas lines 

• Check the Weather: Always look at weather conditions before heading out to avoid storms or poor driving conditions

Prepping your vehicle for cold weather will help ensure a safe winter for you and your family. It can also help you avoid costly maintenance or repairs come springtime. Try to avoid getting caught short when the first snow falls. Choose a sunny fall day and prepare your vehicle at a leisurely pace to make sure you don’t miss anything.