It’s that time of year again! The weather has turned cold, and we have already seen our first light snowfalls. If you haven’t done so already, it is time to start thinking about getting your car ready for winter. The following is a checklist to help you stay safe and ensure your vehicle is in good running condition during the winter months.

Tires

In Canada, putting winter tires on your car is the smart thing to do. Winter tires are made from a different kind of rubber than all season tires. The rubber on winter tires stays softer in cold temperatures allowing you to have more traction on snow and ice.

Windshields and Wipers

Winter can be a messy time of year for driving. Whether snow and sleet are falling or you’re being splashed by slush, you want to be able to see out your windshield. That means it is time to replace your summer washer fluid with winter washer fluid.

Before the winter, you should inspect your windshield for any minor chips and cracks so that they don’t become more significant. At Waterdown Collision, we have a chip repair special on until the end of November to help you do just that.

Check your windshield wipers. If they are no longer properly removing moisture from your windshield or if they are “skipping” spots, it’s time to get a new pair.

Lights

Just like it is essential to be able to see, it is also important to be seen. Check the headlights, tail lights and brake lights on your car and replace any bulbs that have dulled or burned out.

Oil

You know that you need to have enough oil in your car to keep it running properly, but did you know that you need to have the right kind of oil for the climate and season. Oil tends to get thicker in viscosity the colder it gets. That means that some oils are more appropriate for colder climates. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine what type of oil you should be using.

Battery

Being stuck out in the cold with a car that won’t start can be incredibly frustrating. Before the real winter weather hits, take some time to inspect your battery to ensure all the connections are free of corrosion.

And if your battery is older than three years, have it tested at a repair shop to see how well it can hold a charge.

Defroster and Heater

The time to check these is now – before you need them. If there is a problem, you can get them repaired before the weather turns too frigid.

Emergency Kit

Even if you have done everything right and tested everything there is to check, there is still a chance of being stranded at some point. For this reason, you should keep an emergency kit in your car that includes items like blankets, flashlights, traffic cones, and granola bars.

Winter can be a challenging time for drivers, but if you are prepared, you can make it much easier on yourself – and your car.