How to prepare your car for winter driving
Let’s be honest: Canadian winters can be harsh. Cold winds, huge snowfalls, and dark grey skies can definitely take their toll on us – and our cars. As we say good-bye to the warm summer weather and hello to the brisk winter climate, ask yourself if your car is ready to take on the snow and ice.
If the answer is no, you still have some time to get your car ready for the winter road conditions. But don’t wait too long because it’s impossible to predict when the first snowfall will drop.
Here are five tips to get your car ready for winter driving:
1. Put on your winter tires
All season tires are good, but winter tires are better when driving on icy roads. Although they’re mandatory in only a few provinces such as Quebec and British Columbia, winter tires can help prevent slips, slides and accidents. In British Columbia all cars must have winter tires from October 1 to March 31. If drivers are spotted without them it could lead to big fines.
2. Make sure the window wipers are working
Hail, snow, and slush can all wreak havoc on your windshield. Keep it clean with new windshield wipers to avoid having an accident while driving in the winter. The last thing you want to do is be stuck in a snow storm and not have a clear line of sight while on the road. Visit your local mechanic to check your wipers and make sure they’ll keep your windshield clean during the winter months.
3. Check the breaks
Breaking on ice isn’t a safe driving habit, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your brake maintenance during the winter. Take your car in for a winter check-up before it gets too cold and ask the mechanic to check your complete brake system including the linings, fluid rotors, and drums.
It’s also a good idea to review your car insurance policy before the winter arrives. Make sure your coverage is up to date because you don’t want to have an accident and not be able to file a claim.
4. Fill up the fluids
In addition to the brake fluid, it’s a good idea to make sure all the other fluids in your car are topped off. This includes your engine oil, power steering and transmission fluids, windshield washer, and antifreeze. Since you probably use your windshield wipers more in the wet winter months than other times of the year, it’s a good idea to keep a jug of windshield washer in your trunk – just in case you run out while on the road.
5. Check the battery
The battery is the heartbeat of your car. Before you head out into freezing cold temperatures, it’s a good idea to look under the hood. Ensure all the connections are clean, tight, and corrosion-free to help prolong your battery life. It’s always better to be proactive when it comes to maintaining your car because an unplanned financial emergency can be harmful to your wallet.
While there’s no way to completely avoid the hazards of winter driving in Canada, you can reduce the chances that you will end up in a bad position when you perform winter card maintenance.