November Navigations: Preparing Your Vehicle For Winter With TIRECRAFT

November Vehicle Maintenance

November is a funny month for much of Canada. Thanksgiving and Halloween have passed, but we’re not fully into the Winter Holiday season. Depending on where you live, most of the leaves may have already turned and fallen by November and yet the real cold temperature and snow haven’t come yet.

This makes November a month of transition and, therefore, a great time for vehicle preparation.

Effective winter preparation not only extends the lifespan of your vehicle but also helps you save money in the long run while enhancing safety for you, your passengers, and fellow road users. Given this, what do you need to do to prepare your car for winter?

Winter Tires

The most direct step you can take for proper vehicle winterization is to install winter tires on your vehicle. At TIRECRAFT, we always recommend driving on appropriate winter tires. Tires cost money, it can be a hassle to find the time to have your tires changed, and you have to do something with the set of tires that aren’t in use.

The specialized rubber compounds on winter tires remain pliable in low temperatures, providing enhanced grip on icy or snow-covered roads. The unique tread patterns of winter tires are designed to bite into snow and slush, improving traction and reducing the risk of slipping or sliding.

Seven Degrees

Many places in Canada have daytime highs in November that are above seven degrees Celsius. Many other places don’t. No matter where you are, the temperature will almost certainly dip below seven degrees routinely in November. This is key because this is the temperature at which rubber compounds in all-season and summer tires stiffen. Even though seven degrees is mild, these tires can’t grip the road properly and provide you with the traction you need. Imagine how compromised they are at negative seven degrees.

Winter tires are built different. They can withstand much colder temperatures than seven. Tire engineers also design winter tires with special tread patterns and siping to help them deal with snow, ice, and slush. Switching to winter tires makes you safer and can save you money on your insurance. At TIRECRAFT, we have a wide selection of winter tires. Our tire experts can recommend a set of winter tires that are perfect for your vehicle and driving habits.

All-Weather Tires

All-weather tires are not the same as all-season tires. All-weathers are suitable for all weather conditions. The Rubber Association of Canada rates them safe for winter driving which is why tire manufacturers emboss them with the snowflake and mountain pictogram. Both winter and all-weather tires are effective snow tires.

Tire Storage

What do you do with your tires when they’re not in use? If you have space in your garage or storage locker, you can put your spare set of tires there during winter, but this may not be your best option. These are often not great environments for tires. TIRECRAFT can guarantee safe storage at optimal temperatures for your tires. We offer professional tire storage at affordable rates. Contact a TIRECRAFT location near you to learn more about tire storage.

Other Winter Prep For Your Vehicle

November is also a great time for a full vehicle tune-up. A TIRECRAFT technician can examine your vehicle for anything that might be amiss. Small problems can become big problems in the harsh conditions of winter, so deal with them as soon as possible. We can conduct an oil change, a transmission fluid flush, a tire rotation and/or balancing, a wheel alignment, and any other maintenance or repair your vehicle might need to stay prepared for winter.

Some common winter vehicle preparation services include:

• Battery inspection
• Brake inspection and maintenance
• Diagnostic scans
• Preventive maintenance
• Rustproofing

Contact TIRECRAFT

If you’re looking to prepare your vehicle for winter, trust TIRECRAFT. We offer an array of automotive services to ensure your vehicle is in tip top shop shape for the coming winter. We also offer a wide variety of winter tires and tire brands from which you can choose. Contact your local TIRECRAFT today to get your winter preparation started.

Back