Safety First: The Importance Of Seasonal Maintenance In Canada

Winters in Canada can be scary for driving. Harsh Canadian conditions like cold temperatures, icy roads and snow can take a toll on your car. To ensure your vehicle remains in pristine condition and to guarantee you are confident in your safety, it’s crucial to give your car a proper checkup.

Here’s our TIRECRAFT FAQ checklist for getting your winter car or truck ready for the snowstorms ahead.

Anti-Freeze Levels

Coolant, also known as “anti-freeze”, is an essential part of protecting your car for winter.  Rule of thumb, be sure to consistently top off your coolant. If it’s running low, there’s a good probability that water will freeze in the cold weather. This could essentially damage many parts of your vehicle, including the engine, and cause bigger problems. Use a coolant tester to check if the levels are within range, and stay proactive.

Reliable Snow Tires

Snow tires are Optional, but we highly recommend this step as all-season tires don’t always do the trick. Make sure you are looking for tires in advance. Don’t delay and wait for the first snowstorm. Depending on how harsh winter is in your city, higher traction tires are a game-changer. Areas with colder, snowier conditions may deem winter tires necessary.

Air Pressure / Tread Of Tires

It is important to have good traction, even if you have winter tires, tread depth can decrease if tire pressure isn’t maintained correctly. The importance of proper tire pressure is vital for your safety. Over-inflated, or under-inflated tires can also harm your gas mileage while hindering the safety of your driving. Ensure tire pressure is optimal for winter conditions. Regularly inspect your tire pressure, and don’t forget about your spare!

Windshield Wiper Blades

Winters mean Wipers. Whether it’s snowing, or slush splashing off the road, making sure that you have full visibility out of your windshield is crucial. We use wipers frequently and sometimes get used to our older, lower-quality wipers that don’t work like they used to. The average wiper blade lifespan is about six months. The easiest way to ensure your wipers are in great condition is by replacing them. If you feel your wipers are in sub-par condition, we recommend new ones. Just wait and see what a difference this will make on your winter drives. TIRECRAFT TIP: Don’t forget about your rear wiper!

Windshield Washer Fluid

Speaking of windshields, just as we use wipers, we also frequently use windshield washer fluid.  We recommend keeping an eye on it and top it off every 2 weeks, depending on the frequency of use. You don’t want to have a surprise on the road and find you’ve run out. Driving without visibility is next to impossible. Clear visibility is a massive factor related to road safety, and directly impacts your ability to drive.

Battery Health

Cold weather puts a real strain on your battery. In order to ensure your car starts this winter, check that your battery posts are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. Check for signs of wetness, or bulges as well. If you notice your battery is weak in the summer, it will likely let you down in the wintertime. Make sure to replace your battery when necessary and don’t wait for the day your car won’t start.

Headlights

Make sure all the interior and exterior lights are functional. Properly working and correctly aligned headlights are vital components of safe winter driving. If you have any headlight-related questions, TIRECRAFT is here to help.

Brakes

Proper Brake Performance is essential when faced with icy roads. If your brakes feel off, or produce squealing or grinding noises, they likely need servicing. At TIRECRAFT we provide full brake servicing to ensure you’re road ready.

Engine Coolant

If it’s been roughly six months since your last oil change, consider doing it before winter. The proper fluids ensure your car operates proficiently. If it’s been over two years since any coolant check, make sure you get this item looked at and serviced.

For Your Seasonal Maintenance Needs: Contact TIRECRAFT

To learn more about high performance winter tires and getting your car winter-ready with the items on our personalized checklist, contact your local TIRECRAFT using our online shop finder.

Proper winter vehicle maintenance not only ensures safety but can extend the lifespan of your car. Regular checkups can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, saving you time and money. Visit a TIRECRAFT Centre near you and let us get you ready for winter!

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