We've navigated fall's gusting winds and torrential downpours for a few weeks now, which means just one thing: winter, and winter driving, is on the way.
With temperatures dropping to around 0°C in the coming days, now is the time to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it – waiting too long can not only leave you stuck without wheels, but with a far more expensive fix, says Mani, manager of Mission Automotive & Tread Pro Tire Centre.
What are Mani's must-dos this time of year? Here are his 6 winter driving essentials:
- Visibility: During these darker days, you need to see and be seen – walk around your vehicle to ensure all the lights are working and check that your windshield wipers are up to the job of clearing rain, sleet and snow. Bulbs and wipers are an easy fix that can make a big difference when you need them, Mani notes. Also, be sure you have a snow and ice scraper in the car!
- Battery: Cold weather takes a toll on your battery, and one that served you perfectly well through the summer can suddenly fail once the mercury drops. To avoid being stuck in the mall parking lot in a blizzard, make battery testing part of your winter maintenance.
- Antifreeze: Too many people assume the coolant they topped up with in summer is also fit to face sub-zero temperatures; when it's not, they can end up with an expensive cracked engine block if the coolant freezes and expands. Filling up with weather-appropriate coolant is one of the least expensive, but most important, winterizing steps, Mani notes.
- Heating: You haven't really needed to use your heating system for awhile ... when you do, will it work? Testing it before you venture out in the cold will make for a more comfortable trip.
- Brakes: Many of us put a lot of miles on our vehicles in the summer, from cross-country roadtrips to visits to a favourite campsite. Ensuring your brakes will be able to stop when you want them to is essential.
- Tires: And speaking of stopping, the best brakes in the world won't help if you use the wrong tires on ice and snow. While all-seasons with the M+S (or mountain and snowflake) symbol might get you by, anyone who drives more than 5,000 kilometres a year, really should commit to a dedicated winter tire, Mani advises. Once temperatures reach 7°C, non-winter tires harden, reducing their grip on cold pavement when you need it most.
To help you get your wheels ready for winter, the team at Mission Automotive is featuring several seasonal specials, including an oil change for $59, winter tire installation and balancing for $98, and a winter check-up for $49.
Don't get left out in the cold! Learn more at missionauto-downtown.com To book your next servicing, call 604-826-3669 or text 604-332-0367.