Every Canadian knows the pain that can come with driving in the winter. From the slippery roads to the frosted windshields, it’s safe to say it’s not always easy. However, winter has reared its ugly head, and there’s not much we can do to stop it. So, getting your car winter ready as soon as possible is crucial. Luckily for you, isure has a list of top tips on how to get your car winter ready! These will help you drive safer, arrive sooner, and make you more comfortable, no matter how treacherous this winter may be.
1. Start with an oil change
If you have found yourself slacking when it comes to getting an oil change, now is the time to do it! The oil in your engine keeps many parts of your car lubricated to ensure they are working properly. With the cold weather upon us, nobody wants their car to stop working in minus-degree weather. In the winter months, the colder temperatures result in a slight thickening of the oil. This happens more so when the oil in your car is old and hasn’t been changed in a while. This is an easy and inexpensive way to get your car winter-ready and is a great car maintenance practice overall! You can read more about isure’s common car care myths here.
2. Install winter tires
Most people are already aware of the importance of winter tires, but many do decide to skip out on investing in them. This is a huge mistake! Winter tires not only help you maintain control while driving in snowy or icy conditions, but they also save you money in the long run. Many people may not know that they are also eligible for a winter tire insurance discount. Winter tires provide better traction due to the rubber material that is used compared to all-season tires. They remain flexible during the colder months, which enables a better grip on the road when put against ice and snow. If you want to save even more money on winter tires and car insurance, request a no-obligation quote from isure today!
3. Check your tire pressure
Checking the pressure on your tires regularly is a key component of car maintenance, not just in the winter! However, cold air will do a number on the pressure in your tires, causing them to drop. This will result in less traction on ice and snow. To be safe in the winter, make sure to regularly check the pressure on your tires after every 5-7°C drop or rise in temperatures. Also, don’t forget to check the pressure on your spare tire to ensure that your car is completely winter-ready! The last thing you want is to be in a situation where you need your spare, but it is unusable.
4. Get new wiper blades
One thing we often forget about is our wiper blades. In the winter, the rubber on your wipers can easily crack or break. If you have exposed hinges on your blades, they can also easily get clogged with snow and ice. If you have been slacking on changing your blades within the last year, the winter is a great time to do so! Nobody likes clearing off an overnight snowfall with just their brush.
5. Top up your windshield washer fluid
Although it’s something you may use sporadically in the warmer months, now would be the time to check your washer fluid! Even if you seem pretty full, its much easier to top up now before the weather gets even colder. Having to replace or refill in the winter can be a unattractive task. Remember to use actual Antifreeze and not water, as it will freeze.
6. Inspect your battery
Jumpstarting your car in the middle of a snowstorm is never fun, but it happens to the best of us. Before the temperatures drop, check your battery to see if there are any warning signs that it might be on its last legs. If the connections are showing signs of corrosion, that can be an issue. You should also check out the water levels to ensure that they are in good standing. Batteries are rated for about four years, so if you’re past that, consider a new battery as an early holiday gift to yourself!
7. Put a winter emergency kit in your trunk or back seat
To top off our list, we highly recommend building yourself isure’s emergency winter kit. Having one handy will make sure you are always prepared, no matter what the season throws at you. From extra windshield fluid to non-perishable food and water, our kit will make any tricky situations easier and stress-free:
- A blanket
- Gloves
- Candles
- Matches
- Non-perishable food/energy & protein bars
- A shovel
- Flashlight
- Road flares
- Small tool kit
- Duct tape
- Caution signs
- A First-Aid kit
- Sand/salt
- Tow rope
- Jumper cables
- Fire extinguisher
We hope that our list provides you with a better idea on how to get your car winter ready. For further savings, did you know that you’re entitled to a winter tire discount with your insurer? Contact us today to learn more!
