Winter Car Prep: A Simple Guide for a Safer Season

Winter brings colder temperatures, slippery roads, and busier commutes. A little preparation now can help you avoid breakdowns, improve safety, and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here is a straightforward guide to get your car ready for the season.

Start with tires and traction. If the daily temperature is at or below 7°C, switch to winter tires. Their rubber stays flexible in the cold and provides better grip on wet, slushy, and snowy roads. Check tread depth and aim for at least 6 mm for winter. Set pressures to the specification on the driver's door sticker, and remember that pressure drops by about 1 PSI for every 5°C. 

Look at the battery and starting system next. Cold weather is hard on batteries, especially if they are more than three years old. A quick battery test can reveal weakness before it leaves you stranded. Clean any corrosion on the terminals and make sure the connections are tight. It is also smart to carry booster cables or a compact jump pack.

Check your fluids. Fresh engine oil provides better cold start protection and helps your engine warm up smoothly. Confirm that your coolant level and strength are correct for local temperatures. Fill the washer reservoir with winter formula fluid so it will not freeze. Top up brake and power steering fluids and keep an eye out for leaks around the vehicle.

Inspect brakes and suspension for wear. If you hear squealing or grinding, or if stops feel longer than usual, book a brake inspection. Worn pads, thin rotors, or tired shocks and struts can reduce control and increase stopping distances on winter roads. Addressing these items early makes a noticeable difference in safety.

Restore visibility and lighting. Replace worn wiper blades and confirm that all exterior lights work, including low and high beams, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Keep a scraper, snow brush, and a small bottle of de-icer in the car so you can clear glass quickly before you drive.

Verify heat and defrost. Make sure the cabin heater and both front and rear defrosters clear the glass promptly. If airflow feels weak or the cabin smells musty, the cabin air filter may be clogged. Replacing it can improve defogging and overall comfort.

Build an emergency kit and leave it in the vehicle. Include a warm blanket, gloves, a toque, hand warmers, water, non-perishable snacks, a phone charger for the 12V outlet or a power bank, a flashlight with spare batteries, a small first-aid kit, a traction aid such as sand or cat litter, a tow strap, a multi-tool, and a reflective triangle or vest.

Finish with a few habits that make winter easier. Refill washer fluid weekly during messy weather. Keep the fuel tank above half to reduce the chance of line freeze and to maintain range if traffic stalls. Save www.Bettchers.ca, our number, 780-465-5571, and your roadside numbers in your phone so help is easy to reach.

If you would like a quick seasonal check or help with any of these items, book a visit and we will take care of it. A little preparation now can make winter driving safer and far less stressful.