Top ways to prepare your car for winter

Winter in Ontario brings unique driving challenges. Picture this: swirling snow obscuring road lines and black ice lurking beneath a thin layer of frost. With harsh cold weather and tricky conditions, preparation is crucial to stay safe on the roads.  

As snow falls and roads become icy, it's essential to winterize your vehicle so you're ready for whatever winter brings. Here's a comprehensive guide based on expert advice and recommendations to help you get ready for winter conditions. 

Test your car battery 

A dead battery can ruin your day, especially in winter. Before the cold hits, test your battery to ensure it is fully charged—look for a reading of at least 12.6 volts.  

If it's struggling, it might be time for a replacement to avoid those frustrating morning start-up issues. 

Don't forget  CAA's Mobile Battery Service will come to your location to test, replace, and recycle your battery on the spot. CAA Members also get up to 25 per cent off when purchasing a CAA Premium Car Battery.  

Perform necessary maintenance 

Winter can be harsh on your vehicle, so don't wait until the first snowfall to address those regular maintenance needs.  

Check your oil, coolant, and other fluids, and replace worn-out parts. A well-maintained car is your best ally for safe winter driving. 

Use your CAA Membership with CAA Rewards® partners and receive great discounts such as: 

• Car parts need replacing, or don't have winter wiper blades yet? NAPA Auto Parts offers CAA Members 10 per cent off on retail-priced parts and accessories. 

• Winter tires are essential and, in some places, legally required. Get your Pirelli tires on and earn 20 CAA Dollars®* with the purchase of four eligible tires. The offer is valid until Dec. 15, 2024. 

• Are you in search of storage space? PODS offers CAA Members 10 percent off* on winter car storage with the promo code CAA. 

• CAA Members save $10* on Krown rust control applications and save 20 per cent* on all other Krown products. 

Check fluid levels 

Ensure your antifreeze is topped up to prevent freezing and that your windshield washer fluid suits winter conditions.  

Keeping your fluids in check is essential for maintaining visibility and engine performance when temperatures drop. 

Inspect wipers and lights 

Visibility is critical during winter, so ensure your windshield wipers are in good shape. Replace them, if necessary, as worn wipers can leave streaks or fail to clear snow and ice effectively.  

Additionally, check all your vehicle lights—headlights, taillights, and turn signals—to ensure they function correctly. A clear view of the road ahead can make all the difference, especially when driving in poor weather conditions. 

Prepare an emergency kit 

Winter travel can be unpredictable, so having an emergency kit in your vehicle is a wise precaution.  

Here are some essentials that the Government of Canada recommend for your winter emergency kit:  

Food and drinks

• Non-perishable snacks (e.g., energy bars) 

• Durable plastic water bottles 

Safety gear

• Warm blanket 

• Warm winter gloves, hat and boots  

• First aid kit with a seatbelt cutter 

Tools 

• Compact shovel 

• Snow brush and ice scraper 

• Wind-up flashlight 

• Jumper cables and tow rope 

Emergency supplies

• Candle with matches 

• Whistle for signalling 

• Sand, salt, or cat litter for traction 

• Fire extinguishers and warning flares 

• Extra windshield washer fluid 

• First aid kit 

• Flashlight and batteries 

• Battery jumper cables 

• Phone charger 

Being prepared for emergencies can significantly improve your safety and comfort on the road. 

Clean and protect your car 

Don't let winter weather take a toll on your vehicle's appearance. Give your car a thorough wash to remove road salt and grime that can cause corrosion.  

Consider applying a coat of wax for extra protection against the elements. A clean car not only looks good but also stands up better to winter's harsh conditions. 

Inspect your brakes 

Winter roads can be slippery, so it's essential to ensure your brakes are in top shape.  

Have a mechanic inspect your brake pads and rotors for wear and tear and replace them if needed. Strong brakes are essential for avoiding accidents in icy conditions, making this an important step in your winter car maintenance routine.