Maintenance Checklist: Preparing for Winter

Here in Canada, you never know when winter will begin, but it’s always smart to start thinking about it before the snow falls. There are many things that you should do to your vehicle before the temperature drops below freezing and the snow starts piling up on the roads. Here are some tips to follow to help get your vehicle prepared for the long winter season:

Install Your Winter Tires

Winter tires perform best in temperatures below 7°C, so when the temperature starts to drop, it’s a good idea to get your winter tires installed. The lines at our shops will also start to form out the door for winter tire changeovers at the first sign of a snowfall, so it’s a good idea to beat the rush and get them installed before it snows.

When you are bringing your winter tires out of storage, you should check them to ensure that there are no cracks, bulges, or holes in them. You can also check your tread depth to ensure that they are going to give you optimal traction this winter season. Use a tread depth gauge, if one is available, or insert a toonie into the tread. If the tread reaches the bear’s paws on the toonie, your tires have plenty of tread life left. If the tread reaches all the way across the silver, they still have some tread life left and will still last you this winter driving season. If your tire tread reaches only about half-way into the letters, it’s time to shop for new tires. Our team at your local Signature Tire can find you the best winter tires for your vehicle.

Check Your Fluids

Check your windshield washer fluid to ensure that it is full. Also make sure that it is winter certified washer fluid. Windshield washer fluid designed specifically for winter conditions often contains more methyl alcohol than regular fluid. As a result, it has an extraordinarily low freezing point and will not harden in your car’s reservoir or on your windshield. If you aren’t sure if you have winter windshield washer fluid in your reservoir, visit your local Signature Tire location, and they can ensure that the correct type is used.

You should also check your oil levels to make sure that your reservoir is adequately full and that the oil is clear. It is also a good idea to use synthetic oil in the winter months because synthetic grade automobile oils do not thicken like conventional oil, allowing them to flow more freely, reducing engine wear and extending engine life, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Check Your Battery

Extreme cold depletes battery power, making it more difficult to start your vehicle. In fact, at -18°C, battery output declines by nearly half. Keeping your battery fully charged is exceptionally important in the winter months. First, visit your local Signature Tire to have your battery tested to ensure that it has enough voltage to make it through the winter. If your battery doesn’t need to be replaced, then be sure to drive your vehicle regularly to keep it charged. Your alternator works to charge your battery, so driving your vehicle regularly will help keep it charged.

Get Winter Wiper Blades

Winter wiper blade rubber is designed for adverse weather conditions and will help protect your windshield from ice, sleet, and snow, allowing you to view the road well. Most wiper blades are simple to change out, but if you need assistance, then visit your local Signature Tire.

Following these winter prep tips for your vehicle will help to keep you, your family, and the roads safe all winter long. If you need any help with prepping your vehicle this winter, give your local Signature Tire location a call today!

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest Signature Tire dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.

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