How to winterize your car

Winter is quickly approaching. And while that means that you can soon build a snowman and sip hot chocolate, it also means that driving conditions could soon get slightly more dangerous. There is no denying that driving in the winter months is much different than driving during any other season. Here is a loo at some of the things that you can do now to ensure that your car is ready for the winter.

Check the Battery

Car batteries have a bad habit of losing power when the temperature starts to drop. There are a few reasons for this, but generally, it is because the battery is required to work a little harder to crank the engine in freezing temperatures.   Before the weather gets too cold, you should take your car to a service department to have the battery checked. The first thing that a technician will do is check the battery for any corrosion or other damage. Next, they will check the voltage of the battery to make sure that it is getting enough power. If your battery is several years old, it may be a good idea to replace it before the freezing temperatures hit.

Purchase a Set of Snow Tires

All-season tires are not going to cut it when the temperatures drop below freezing. For Canadian winters, the best kind of tire that you can have on your car is a snow tire. These tires are specially designed to provide maximum traction in the snow and ice. In some parts of the country, snow tires are legally required to be on all street-legal vehicles from December through March.

Check the Tire Pressure Often

In addition to getting new tires, you will also need to make sure that there is plenty of air in them. It is very common for the air pressure in the tire to go down whenever the temperature starts to drop below freezing. Once winter gets here, make sure to keep an eye on the tire pressure. Once the tire pressure gets too low, the tire could start to sustain damage.

Pack an Emergency Kit

You never know what can happen when the roads start to become treacherous. If you happen to get stuck on the side of the road, it is always a good idea to have a few necessities on hand. You need to pack things like an extra change of clothes, a flashlight, water, snacks, blankets, etc.

Replace the Windshield Wipers

Having to move snow and ice off of your windshield can take a toll on your wiper. You should check your windshield wipers often and make sure there are no cracks or tears on them. If you do notice any damage, you should have them replaced soon.   It is important that you get your vehicle ready for the winter before the temperatures get too cold. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us today.