Preparing your Vehicle for Winter
The days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling from the trees and as much as I don’t want to admit it, Winter is coming. Winter on the prairies can be harsh and long. There are a number of things we need to do to be ready for it. As I sit here making my “to do” list (furnace check up, clean up the yard, clean and put away the canoe, etc.) I realize that there is one big item that I keep overlooking… my vehicle. No matter how reliable your vehicle has been, it will still require a check up before winter to help ensure it makes it through the long cold winter months.
Battery – I have my battery checked to make sure that the terminals are free of corrosion and that the battery is receiving the correct charge so I can feel confident that my vehicle will start on those cold mornings. The average battery life in our climate is five years.
Engine Coolant – I have learnt that engine coolant is a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water and it should provide you protection up to a minimum of -35C. I have my coolant tested before winter to confirm it can handle the cold temperatures
Visibility – With the days getting shorter we are spending more time driving in the dark. I check all the lights around my vehicle so that I can see and other drivers can see me. I have the heat and defrost inspected to make sure that any frost will clear from the windows. I also check my wiper blades to confirm that they are clearing the windshield properly so that my vision is not impaired.
Tires – A good set of winter tires is one of the best ways to improve traction and control during winter driving. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber compound and deeper grooves to give you better traction in snow and ice. Once the temperature drops below 7C I have my winter tires installed. See our 2017 Winter tire special
Winter Front – I have just started using a winter front and I am amazed at how much it helps the engine retain heat. Check out the Benefits of Winter Fronts here.
Emergency Kit – One thing that can be easily overlooked is an emergency kit. It can be a lifesaver to have one of these stored away in the back of your vehicle. Some of the items I make sure to pack are:
A warm blanket
Extra warm clothes
A flashlight and extra batteries
Jumper cables
A shovel
Candles and matches
A first aid kit
Drinking water and snacks
For additional information on Emergency kits please take a moment to read CAA Manitoba’s information for Emergency Preparedness.
For a winter check up or for any of your vehicle maintenance needs the team at Frank Motors is happy to help. Contact us by phone at (204) 987-2461 or by e-mail at service@frankmotors.ca.We hope you have a safe and warm winter.