Preparing Your Car for the Winter Season

Taken from www.insurancehotline.com/preparing-your-car-for-the-winter-season/

​In most areas of Canada, the winter season can significantly affect driving conditions, leaving you more prone to accidents. During the winter, even more so than other times of the year, it’s important to focus on defensive driving to protect yourself and keep your family safe and sound. Driving safely also helps keep your insurance rates down, while minimizing wear and tear on your vehicle. A big part of staying safe in the winter is making sure that your car is adequately prepared to handle whatever driving conditions you may face. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your vehicle and give yourself the best chance of staying safe over the winter months.

​1. Make sure you have the right oil for your car.

Check your owner’s manual for the right oil for your specific vehicle, but in general oil like 5W30 works better in cold weather conditions than thicker 10W30 or 10W40. The thinner the oil, the more easily it circulates to lubricate your engine in colder temperatures.

2. Make sure your battery is in good condition.

The last thing you need is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere and not be able to start your car.   Make sure your battery’s connections are free of corrosion and if your battery is more than 3 years old, consider having a repair shop test its ability to hold a charge.

​3. Check your tire pressure.

​Due to the colder air, your tire pressure tends to drop a little bit in the winter. Keeping your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure makes your car easier to handle, making you safer on the roads and will even save you money by improving fuel economy!

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