1. Prepare An Emergency Car Kit
You should always keep an emergency kit in your car during winter. A proper kit should help you stay warm, free your car from snow, handle basic roadside issues, and stay safe if you are stranded.
2. Purchase A Set Of Winter Tires
Winter tires are a must in Canada. Unlike all-season tires, they are made with:
- Softer rubber
- More aggressive tread
- Tread patterns that funnel slush away
These features improve traction and control in icy conditions and reduce the risk of skidding. Winter tires should be used whenever temperatures fall below 7°C.
Most insurers offer winter tire discounts, which often offset much of the cost. Combined with the safety benefits, winter tires are well worth the investment.
3. Change Your Oil Before Winter
Cold temperatures cause oil to thicken, making it harder for your engine to lubricate properly. Changing your oil before winter helps your engine warm up faster and run more smoothly in cold conditions.
If your vehicle struggles to start on cold mornings, an oil heater can help keep oil warm overnight.
When getting an oil change, it’s also a good time to check your battery, as cold weather drains battery power and increases electrical strain. Ensuring proper battery fluid levels is a quick step that can prevent winter no-start situations.
4. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure affects fuel efficiency, handling, and braking. As temperatures drop, tire pressure drops as well — typically by one PSI for every 10°F decrease.
Even vehicles with tire pressure monitoring systems can develop under-inflated tires in winter. If your dashboard warning light turns on, checking tire pressure should be one of the first steps.
Here’s a quick guide to the top winter tire brands to consider.
5. Check Your Wiper Blades and Visibility Systems
Clear visibility is essential during winter. Wiper blades that work fine in summer often struggle with snow, slush, and freezing rain.
Before winter:
- Make sure wiper blades are in good condition
- Keep the windshield washer fluid topped up
You should also:
- Confirm your defroster works properly
- Keep dashboard vents unobstructed
- Learn how to adjust temperature controls to prevent fogging
- Keep a snow brush and ice scraper in your car at all times
It’s easy to forget these items until you need them, so make sure they’re in your vehicle before the first frost.
Key Advice from MyChoice
- Get your car ready before the first big storm, not after. Breakdowns and crashes often increase early in the season when drivers aren’t prepared.
- Use proper winter tires and verify that your insurance company applies the discount. Winter tires significantly improve traction, and choosing a car that handles well in Canadian winters can further reduce your risk.
- Keep emergency supplies in your car all winter, especially if you drive outside the city or travel early or late in the day.
- Learn which vehicles perform best in winter conditions in our guide.
- Understand how to reduce risk when roads glaze over with ice in our guide on how to drive safely in freezing rain.