5 Tips to Preparing Your Car For Winter

Winter weather is fast approaching so it is important to make sure your car is prepared to properly take on the elements. Preparing and maintaining your car is especially important approaching a Canadian winter because they can be incredibly hard on your vehicle. Here are 5 tips to prepare your vehicle for the winter season.

1. Check Your Battery

   The chemical reaction required to generate power in a car battery slows down in extremely cold temperatures. This means that if your car is battery low, your car may not start on cold mornings. Before we reach consistent freezing temperatures, get your battery checked to ensure it is strong enough to start on even the coldest of mornings.

2. Fill Your Wiper Fluid

   Visibility is a big issue during Canadian winters with ice, snow, salt, slush, and mud constantly getting on your car. Wiper fluid is more frequently used and needed in winter, so to prepare your car for the upcoming season, fill your wiper fluid to the top to avoid the risk of running out when you may need it most. As below freezing temperatures approach, opt for the anti-freeze wiper fluid to help break down ice that may accumulate on your windshield.

3. Change Out Your Tires

   All season tires are advertised to offer a smooth, quiet ride in most conditions, while winter tires are specially designed for temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius and prolonged winter conditions including ice, snow, and slush. It is best to have two sets of tires – all season tires for fall, spring, and summer, and a winter set to help you safely drive through the harsh Canadian winter conditions. A huge part of preparing your vehicle for the winter season is switching out the tires. When doing so, check if any of the tires need to be replaced. This can be done by checking for bulges, cracks, and tread depth.

4. Replace Windshield Wipers

   The only thing worse than being caught in a snowstorm, is being caught in a snowstorm with stingy windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are necessary for visibility during snowstorms, ice storms, and when slush is splashed. Most blades are only good for 6 months – 1 year, so chances are, they’re due for a replacement anyway. When replacing the blades, it is beneficial to go for the heavy-duty wipers that work well in snow and ice. If you don’t want these all year round, a good trick is to have two sets of wipers, one set for winter and one set for all season and switch them out at the same time you switch out your tires. This will also help them to last longer.

5. Pack an Emergency Kit

   Getting stranded on the road in summer is inconvenient, but in the winter, it becomes extremely dangerous, and you need to be prepared. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season means being ready for the unexpected by equipping your car with emergency supplies. Some emergency essentials include:

   • Blankets
   • Water
   • Food
   • Ice Scraper
   • Shovel
   • First Aid Kit
   • Sand (helps with traction)

CLG Injury Law has over 35 years’ experience representing Atlantic Canadians who have suffered injuries following a motor vehicle accident. For more articles and safety tips, go to https://cantiniinjurylaw.ca/blog/ or subscribe to our newsletter.