There’s probably nothing more challenging to drivers in Canada than the harshness of winters. With icy temperatures, huge snowfalls, and freezing ice on roads, winter may pose a special bundle of challenges to Canadian drivers.
Proper vehicle maintenance becomes necessary for safety, vehicle longevity, and smooth performance of the vehicle during this season. Keeping your car in its top form will work wonders while driving in the concrete streets of Toronto, the highway streets of Alberta, or the snowy streets of Manitoba.
This article will walk you through some essential tips for car maintenance during winter, but keeping a focus on rust prevention, slippery road handling, and more. Tips specific to Winnipeg drivers – surely needed there the most – are also provided.
1. Check Your Battery
Cold weather is quite harsh on your car’s battery. Just like the temperatures, your battery’s ability to generate power also drops. A week’s battery can leave you stranded on a cold day, and this is why it’s crucial to check up on its health before the winter comes.
How to check your battery:
- Have it tested by an expert to confirm it has enough charge.
- Clean any corrosion on the terminals for effective conductivity.
- Replace your battery If over three years old. This can lead to surprising car failure.
2. Fit Winter Tires
All-season tires are adequate for the months outside of winter, but with the Canadian roads freezing to 7°C plus, it’s another story. Winter tires is specially designed for really cold and icy conditions that guarantee better grip and better braking ability.
Why you need winter tires:
- They are compounded with rubber that retains a softer surface at lower temperatures; better traction is achieved because of that.
- Winter tire tread features are designed to sweep snow and ice away from the tire for reduced chances of sliding.
- They have a diminished stopping distance compared to all-season tires on snowy lanes.
Check your tires. Ensure you have four winter-ready tires and that their tread is not excessively worn. In provinces like Manitoba, snowdrifts can quickly accumulate, thus, winter tires are not only a smart investment-they may save you a little bit of money on your insurance.
3. Check Your Brakes
One of your car safety features is brakes. You would especially need them in slippery conditions. In regions that go through the cold, brake parts may speed up wear; thus, proper functioning is important.
Brake Safety Tips
- Schedule a professional inspection of brake pads, rotors, and calipers.
- Listen for grinding or squealing when stopping-the sound could be an indicator of problems.
- Make sure your brake fluids are at the right levels and top them off if necessary.
4. Protection of Your Car from Rust
Winter is the season when rusting begins on your car, particularly in cities such as Winnipeg in Canada, where salts and sands are highly used to remove the ice from roads. The underside of your car body with the undercarriage can be severely damaged by rust, resulting in expensive repairs and potential hazards.
Rust Preventive Measures
- Clean the car regularly and pay special attention to the undercarriage. This is where ammonium salts in road salt and moisture will wreak havoc if not stopped.
- Put on a protective wax or rust inhibitor coat before winter for that extra layer of defense against corrosion.
- Do you see rust but haven’t yet had a chance to bring it to a professional for Rust Repair Winnipeg? Quick rust can spread rapidly. Taking care of it early will save you money and extend the useful life of your car.
5. Top Fluids Off
Winter can drive your car’s fluids crazy. Some may be thick as honey, and some might freeze up if they are not properly maintained.
Important fluids to check
Engine oil: With the cooling nature of the weather, the engine oil turns thick. So, by switching to a winter-grade oil for your engine, you will have good enough lubricant in place. Generally, people switch to synthetic oil during the winter because it flows much better with cold temperatures.
Coolant: Fill up the coolant of your car with the right mixture of antifreeze. This way, your engine will not freeze up when it’s very, very cold.
Washer fluid: Use a washer fluid that’s rated for sub-zero temperatures. This way, your windshield stays free from ice and debris.
6. Test Your Heating and Defrosting Systems
Driving in a freezing car is pretty frustrating, and an inadequately functioning defrosting system can make your ride unsafe because of poor visibility. It will be great to test your heating and defrosting systems before the onset of winter so that you may ensure they are in good working condition.
How do you test these systems?
- Ensure the heater is turned on and warm air flows through the vents once the car has warmed up.
- Check that there is clear defrosting coming through the front and rear windshields.
- If you note low airflow, unusual sounds, or a feeling that there is a flow of cold air into the car, then have your HVAC system checked.
7. Check Your Wiper Blades
Visibility is vital in winters when snow and ice have to be tackled. Wiper blades do deteriorate with time and should be changed if they streak or are not clearing the windshield correctly.
Winter wiper blade tips:
- Get wiper blades that are specific for winter. They are designed for a better grip on ice and snow than standard blades.
- Always see to it that your windshield washer fluid reservoir has winter-grade fluid inside to keep it away from freezing.
- Use a quality ice scraper to remove snow and ice from your windshield before you drive which saves wear on your wipers.
- Get wiper blades that are specific for winter. They are designed for a better grip on ice and snow than standard blades.
- Always see to it that your windshield washer fluid reservoir has winter-grade fluid inside to keep it away from freezing.
- Use a quality ice scraper to remove snow and ice from your windshield before you drive which saves wear on your wipers.
8. Look after Your Car Exterior
A serious wintertime might cause dullness in your car’s exterior and can even harm it due to minor scratches in the paint. Performing routine car maintenance can help preserve your car’s look in the winter.
Tips for Exterior Car Care:
- Wash your car frequently to remove salt, grime, and dirt. Focus on cleaning undercarriage surfaces to prevent rust from occurring.
- Applying a good coat of car wax before the start of winter will keep your paint safe.
- If you have to leave your car in the open, invest in a good car cover that will keep it free from snow and ice accumulation.
9. Have an Emergency Kit
Winter driving is quite unpredictable- you never know when you might hit something that you did not anticipate, so it will be good to be equipped with this emergency kit right in the car that may help you out in case you break down or end up in an accident.
What to Keep in Your Emergency Kit:
- Blanket, warm clothing, and gloves to keep you warm should you get stuck outside while freezing temperatures persist.
- A flashlight with spare batteries as well as a first-aid kit
- Snow shovel, ice scraper, and sand or kitty litter for traction;
- Nonperishable snacks and bottled water because no one knows when he or she might end up stranded.
Drive Smart and Stay Safe This Winter
Winter driving is as much about preparation as it is about caution and vigilance. By following these winter car maintenance tips, you are better prepared to face the Canadian roads. Maintenance, rust prevention, and the perfect winter gear for your vehicle will make all the difference.
If you are based in Winnipeg, then you need to look for efficient Rust Repair Winnipeg services without delay. Corrosion sets in faster in winter seasons due to salted road conditions. So, the treatment needs to be given sooner rather than later.
And if you want an upgrade for your car or just something you can count on this winter, filled with extreme cold and bad weather in Canada, Cars24x7 has great news in store for you. Connect today! So, stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy hassle-free driving this winter.