Get your car ready for the winter

Winter tires, anti-freeze… prepare your vehicle now for the cold months ahead.

Editor’s note: This article has been newly updated.

Here are 10 tips to get your car ready for the rigours of our icy roads.

1. Install winter tires

Designed to grip better on cold, snowy and icy roads, with better elasticity and deeper grooves, winter tires offer much safer driving and shorter braking distances than four-season tires.

All Canadian provinces and territories have recommended dates for having winter tires installed. In Quebec, you must drive with winter tires between December 15 and March 15 or face stiff fines. It’s the law. To check the wear on your winter tires, use a depth gauge or insert a quarter into a groove in the tread. If the tip of the caribou’s nose protrudes beyond the rim of the groove when it’s facing the bottom of the tread, the tire is worn out and needs replacing.

2. Verification and repair

Check the spark plugs, brakes, suspension and belts to ensure that everything is in working order before you head onto the slick roads. Replace parts where needed and make the necessary repairs. Consider wax or anti-rust treatment to prevent problems down the line. Do not hesitate to count on a qualified mechanic to inspect and repair your car.

3. Change the oil

Using an oil adapted to winter weather conditions reduces engine wear and avoids the inconvenience of breakdowns that could be much more expensive than an oil change!

4. Check the antifreeze

Have your vehicle’s cooling system checked. The time between these checks varies from one car brand to another depending on the antifreeze used. Consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle for the manufacturer’s recommended interval.

5. See clearly

In winter, the ice, snow and slush splashing on your windshield and rear window can seriously affect your vision. It’s important to check that your windshield wipers are not dry, cracked or worn out. If they are leaving streaks or showing signs of wear, switch them out for new blades. Frequently check your washer fluid level and make sure the front and rear defrosters work perfectly.

6. Be visible

Freezing rain, storms and gusts of snow, along with much longer nights, can make your vehicle virtually invisible after sundown, especially if it’s a darker colour. You must see and be seen. Make sure your front and rear lights, and your turn signals, work perfectly – and if a light is burned out, replace it immediately.

7. Check the battery

A battery that is old (or in bad shape) is all but guaranteed not to start in cold weather. In Canada, a battery lasts about five years. Check and replace it as needed. Clean the cables and terminals.

8. Tire pressure

Air contracts in the cold and your tire pressure may decrease considerably. This affects how they grip the road and it accelerates their wear and tear and increases fuel consumption. Make sure your tire pressure is as specified by the manufacturer.

9. Electric cars

If you own an electric car, plan for a longer charging time and leave your car plugged in when the battery is charged to maximize battery life. To preserve its charge, lower the heating when driving.

10. Emergency kit

Be prepared for the unexpected. Here is what to keep in your emergency kit:

• Jumper cables
• Washer fluid
• Ice scraper
• Traction aid
• Shovel
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Flares
• Reflective jacket
• Matches and candles
• Blanket
• Food (protein bars, nuts)
• Water
• Cell charger

Have a good trip and be safe this winter!