Is Your Car Winter Ready?
A vehicle breakdown is never good news but it’s even worse in the winter.
Don’t wait until the first frost to get prepared. Follow these tips to winterize your car.
- Check, change and top up all fluids, from oil to windshield wiper fluid. Keep a spare bottle of wiper fluid and antifreeze in your car for emergencies.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times. This will help keep condensation inside the tank to a minimum and allow you have fuel for unexpected accidents and longer commutes.
- Check the battery, lights, windshield wipers, and brakes to ensure they’re all in good working order. If you live in an area that receives a lot of snow consider installing winter windshield wipers that prevent ice from collecting on the blades.
- Install proper tires. Ensure that your tires are in good condition, properly inflated and have ample tread. Mud and snow tires may be appropriate in warmer climates but colder ones will require winter tires with better tread to handle snowy and icy roads. Check local regulations for more details.
- Check heating and cooling systems to ensure you can defrost windows and keep warm. If you spot any problems, see your mechanic as soon as possible to avoid the last minute rush.
- Check the trunk for the essentials - jumper cables, ice scraper and snow brush.
- Put together a winter emergency kit including blankets, extra clothes, gloves, matches, a flashlight, water, snacks and a first aid kit. If you travel long distances or through remote areas, consider adding flares, safety cones and tire chains to your kit.
Sources:
Bridgestone tire: https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/how-to-winterize-a-car
Carproof: https://www.carproof.com/resource-centre/articles/how-to-winterize-your-car
ICBC: https://www.icbc.com/brochures/Pages/winter-tires.aspx
The content in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as professional or expert advice.