In addition to a seasonal tune-up, take these steps to get your car winter-ready:
Get Winter Tires
Most people don't know it, but all-season tires start losing traction at 7( C), so replace them with winter tires with larger grooves and tread blocks that grip the road better to avoid sliding in cold, snowy, icy or slushy conditions.
Test Your Car Battery
Get your car battery tested if it is more than three years old. The average life of a battery in Canada is less than five years, with most battery failures occurring during the cold winter months.
Restore Headlights
Improve the clarity of cloudy or dull headlights. Products like the 3M Headlight Lens Restoration System not only brighten headlights to improve route visibility, but make your car more visible to other drivers, too.
Check Wiper Blades
Visibility is crucial to safe winter driving. Choose wiper blades like Canadian Tire's new Reflex Hybrid wiper blades that are designed to resist ice and snow build up.
Use Synthetic Oil
Use synthetic oil formulated for cold conditions to protect your car's engine, ensure good engine start-up and circulation and help minimize winter wear and tear on your engine.
Prepare a Winter Road Kit
Keep emergency items in your trunk including a snow brush, snow shovel, emergency kit, booster cables, flashlight, windshield washer fluid, blanket and extra clothing.
More information on winter automotive must-haves and buying guides can be found online at www.canadiantire.ca.
The folks at Canadian Tire have in depth knowledge of winter driving and winter road conditions. Listen to these simple car care tips and make safe driving a priority this winter. Learn about which are the best winter tires you can buy for your vehicle today.
