Getting Your Vehicle Ready for a Canadian Winter

Don't wait until the first snowfall

Every fall we see vehicles come in that should have been in weeks earlier. Waiting until roads are slippery means you're driving on summer tires, weak batteries, and brakes that haven't been checked since spring. A little prep goes a long way.

Tires first

Winter tires are the single biggest safety upgrade you can make. All-season tires are a compromise. They work in mild conditions but lose grip quickly once temperatures drop below 7 degrees Celsius. A proper set of winter tires on steel rims gives you a clear difference in braking and handling on snow and ice.

Battery check

Cold weather reduces battery capacity significantly. A battery that holds a charge fine in September may not start your vehicle in January. If your battery is three or more years old, have it load-tested before winter. We can do that in minutes.

Brakes and front end

If you've been putting off your brakes, winter is the worst time to have worn pads. Stopping distances increase on slippery roads. Check your brakes before the cold hits, not after. Front end components like tie rods and ball joints are also worth inspecting since cold weather tightens up any existing looseness.

Fluids

Make sure your coolant is mixed correctly for cold temperatures, your washer fluid is rated for winter, and your oil is the right viscosity for low temperatures. Thin oil at startup in January is hard on engines.

Book early

We get busy in late October and November. If you want a timely winter tire swap or a pre-winter inspection, give us a call at 613-354-4200 and book a slot before the rush hits.