Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

It’s no secret that the winter is harsh on vehicles, which is why many vehicle owners want to prepare their cars, trucks and minivans for winter driving.  How to go about preparing a vehicle, however, isn’t something that everyone knows how to do. Check out the tips below and help ensure your vehicle is ready to face sleet, ice, snow, and freezing cold temperatures.

Get a Winter Inspection

A winter inspection or maintenance checkup is really the first thing you should do when preparing your car for the winter. This will help prevent any maintenance issues, major damage, or breakdowns during the winter. For safety, the best service, and the most thorough vehicle inspection Edmonton has to offer, have your vehicle inspected by a reputable service provider like Computerized Auto Pro. And, remember that a complete checkup should include an inspection of your vehicle’s tires, battery, cooling and heating systems, lights and fuses, brakes, belts, and electrical and exhaust systems.

Install Some Winter/Snow Tires

Winter or snow tires are a necessity for Canadian drivers. In fact, it’s very difficult to drive safely during the winter without them. Not only do these tires help you navigate the snow, ice, and sleet, they prevent vehicle damage and help keep you safe in dangerous conditions. Just be sure to check the air pressure and tread wear often. Furthermore, to choose the best snow tires, follow these four general guidelines:

1. Make sure the tires match the style and size of your vehicle, as well as your vehicle’s drive (i.e. 4WD, AWD, FWD)
2. Only install Mud and Snow (M+S) tires if you live in an area that doesn’t experience severe winter weather
3. Look for tires with the mountain/snowflake symbol
4. Make sure the tread is 3.5 mm or higher

Install Winter Wiper Blades and Pack a Survival Kit

Snow and ice are heavier than rain, so it takes specialized window wiper blades to remove them easily and efficiently. Thus, you should switch to winter wiper blades before the season starts. Moreover, keep your windshield washer reservoir full or keep some extra fluid handy. This extra fluid can be kept in your survival kit. A winter emergency kit should always be packed and kept in your car. For security, this kit should contain:

• Blankets
• A snowbrush and windshield scraper
• Antifreeze
• A shovel
• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• Flares, a lighter or matches, and a flashlight and batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tire chains and a traction mat
• A first aid kit and supplies
• Sand or kitty litter, and sandbags
• Extra clothing, boots, and heavy gloves
• A spare tire, jack, and tire wrench

It’s not too late to get your vehicle ready for winter. Call us to book an inspection or to learn more about snow tires today!