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Winters are harsh in Manitoba. Preparing your car for winter is essential to ensure your safety and your vehicle’s performance. Here's a guide to help you get your car winter-ready:
Manitoba’s cold weather puts extra strain on your battery. If your battery is between three to five years old, it might fail during winter. Look for signs of corrosion, wetness, or bulging. Consider replacing a weak battery before winter sets in. Are you plugging in your car battery over night to keep it charged and ready for morning? Make sure the plug-in is working properly.
Inspect the condition of your ignition components, including spark plugs, wires, and the distributor cap. These are critical for dependable starting, especially in cold weather.
Tire pressure tends to drop as temperatures decrease, which could lead to under-inflated tires. Regularly check your tire pressure and don't forget to check your spare tire as well.
Ensure all your lights, both interior and exterior, are in working order. Properly aimed headlights are crucial for safe winter driving, especially during the long, dark evenings.
If you’ve noticed any unusual noises like squealing or grinding, or a change in how your brakes feel, it’s time for a service. Good brakes can be a lifesaver when driving on icy roads.
Make sure your fluids are topped off and in good condition. If it’s been more than six months since your last oil change, now is a good time to get one. Also, ensure your engine coolant is suited for the colder temperatures in your area and flush it if it’s been over two years. Do you have enough windshield wiper fluid to clear your windshield to combat snow and slush?
Test your heater and defroster to ensure they work well before winter hits. Visibility is key, and a malfunctioning defroster can put you at risk.
Apply a wax coating to protect your car’s exterior from road salt, which can cause rust. Waxing also makes it easier to brush off snow and ice. Touch up any scratches to prevent further damage over the winter.
Consider protecting your vehicle with a rust proofing treatment, particularly if your winter conditions are harsh.
Stock up on essentials like heavy-duty gloves, a snow brush, and an ice scraper. You may also want to keep road salt or cat litter in your trunk to help gain traction if you get stuck in snow or ice.
Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include items such as a blanket, gloves, hats, a flashlight, a first aid kit, booster cables, a small shovel, and any other essentials you might need if you find yourself stranded in the cold.
Here’s what the CAA recommends keeping in your emergency kit.
In Manitoba, studded tires can be used only between Oct. 1 and April 30.
Studded tires have metal or hard plastic studs that provide better traction on packed snow and icy roads. They’re ideal for those who frequently drive on frozen surfaces and have heavy winter conditions on the regular.
On the other hand, ordinary winter tires (without studs) are effective in a mix of slush, snow, and ice and are generally suitable for most winter driving conditions close to the border.
Ask your insurance provider if there is a discount in your province/territory for winter tires.
If you opt for buying used tires from Kijiji or another seller, always check the date stamp to avoid purchasing tires that are more than five years old. Older tires may be dry-rotted or unable to hold pressure.
Always get your alignment checked to avoid uneven tire wear.
It’s worth it to take the time to make sure that your car is well-prepared for the winter season and ready for the best safety and performance on snowy, icy roads. Good luck and safe driving!
Ask your Wyatt Dowling car insurance expert for a car insurance quote.
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