Winter already is here, and it will outstay its welcome in most provinces and territories. Our vehicles sometimes suffer as a result of the long winter, but this does not have to be the case! Here are a few easy winter auto maintenance suggestions to help preserve your vehicle from the bitter cold of the True North.
Is the defroster on your windows working? Great! Do you have a nice snow brush and ice scraper on hand? Awesome! You're off to a good start, but there are a few additional quick tests and do-it-yourself projects you can perform to winterize your automobile.
This brief checklist will assist you in winterizing your car and might save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run. As usual, consult your owner's handbook for detailed information regarding your vehicle's components and how to do these checks properly.
1. Change your wiper blades.
When driving, visibility is critical. Wiper blades, however, lose their efficiency sooner than most people believe.
When you see streaks on your windshield after every swipe, it's typically time to replace your blades, but you can always try washing off the rubber with a towel to see if that helps performance.
Wipers come in regular lengths and sizes, so it all depends on what your vehicle can accommodate. Replacing the wipers is a straightforward task, but you should refer to your owner's handbook for precise instructions.
When starting your vehicle in very cold weather, conserve your windshield wipers and clear ice from your windshield using an ice scraper or de-icer. Fold your wipers out when you park your vehicle outdoors to keep them from freezing and sticking to the windshield.
2. Get your tires ready
Winter tires are required in certain areas (B.C. and Quebec) at this time of year. In just about every other province and territory, having the proper tires is highly advised if you want to drive in winter conditions.
However, whether you opt to replace your normal tires with snow tires or not, you should check tire pressure on a frequent basis as the temperature cools. Low tire pressure is typical in cold weather because temperature fluctuations cause the air in your tires to expand or contract. This may result in increased wear and tear, decreased performance, and potentially an accident.
You can bring your automobile to Prospect Lake Auto Care in Victoria, BC for a comprehensive winter vehicle check!