Winter car maintenance checklist

Canadian winters can be unforgiving. Frigid temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snowfall can take a serious toll on your vehicle’s performance. Cold weather reduces your battery’s power, causes tire pressure to drop, and can thicken essential fluids, making everything from starting your engine to stopping safely more difficult. Skipping winter prep could leave you dealing with dead batteries, poor traction, frozen wipers, or even a roadside breakdown when you need your car the most.

That's why we've put together this Canadian car maintenance guide for Canadian drivers facing our tough winter conditions. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get your car ready for winter driving conditions, from battery checks and tire tips to fluid changes and emergency kit essentials.

Winter car maintenance tips

To ensure you're well-prepared for any and all conditions a Canadian winter may throw your way, take a look through some of the most essential winter car maintenance we’ve outlined below:

1. Swap to winter tires

Unless you live in Quebec, winter tires are only a recommendation in Canada. But suitable tire traction is essential for driving in the winter in Canada. That's why it's important to invest in a good set of winter tires for better traction on snow-covered roadways.

Winter tires have unique grooves for tread and rubber alloys that remain adaptable in frigid temperatures, meaning you'll have better control over your vehicle. You should switch to your winter tires once the temperature consistently drops below 7°C.

Furthermore, you should check your tire pressure on a regular basis in order to maintain proper inflation and traction. Cold temperatures can cause your tire air pressure to drop by about 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Transport Canada warns that driving with underinflated tires can wear out your tread faster, reducing your grip on wet, snowy or icy roads.

2. Conduct a battery test

The frigid weather can put additional strain on your car's battery, which can make it more prone to failure. Canada Drives notes that when the temperature hits 0°C, your battery can lose around 35% of its power. By the time it drops to -17°C, that loss jumps to 60%. In many parts of Canada, like Alberta and Saskatchewan, those chilly temps are common during winter.

Before winter arrives, have your battery tested so you can be sure it is in a good state of operation, as a faulty battery can leave you stuck in the cold. Also, if your battery is over three years old, it might be time to replace it.

3. Replace your windshield wipers and washer fluid

Winter driving frequently experiences slush, snow, and salt-sprayed roads, leading to decreased visibility for drivers. To stay safe and maintain visibility, check your wiper blades regularly and swap them out if they start streaking.

Also, don’t forget to update your windshield washer fluid. Make sure to switch to a winter-grade formula that won’t freeze when the temperature drops. All you have to do is drain any leftover summer fluid and refill the reservoir with a cold-weather washer fluid rated for at least -30°C. Make sure to check it periodically throughout to winter and top it up if it gets low.

4. Check the antifreeze

Antifreeze, also known as coolant, keeps the car's engine from freezing and protects it from below-freezing temperatures. In winter, it’s important to make sure your coolant is properly mixed and rated for cold temperatures. If it’s not, it can repeatedly freeze and expand, which could lead to serious damage like a cracked radiator or even a cracked engine block.

5. Clean your fuel injectors

Clogged fuel injectors can hurt your engine’s performance and reduce fuel efficiency. Having them professionally cleaned can help prevent your car from stalling, especially in the winter. Winter makes stalling more likely because cold temperatures thicken engine oil and slow fuel vaporization, both of which put extra strain on your engine.

6. Have your oil and filter changed

While this isn't necessary for an electric vehicle, it's important to include an oil change as part of your gasoline-powered vehicle maintenance checklist. CARFAX Canada suggests changing your oil every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres, or about every six months. As such, we recommend including oil and filter changes as a key part of both your summer and winter vehicle maintenance routines.

Cold weather can cause motor oil to thicken, which makes it harder for the oil to flow through the engine. When that happens, starting your car becomes more difficult, and your engine’s internal components can experience more wear and tear.

To help your engine run more efficiently in the winter, consider switching to a lower-viscosity oil for your winter maintenance oil change. Check your owner’s manual to see which type is recommended for cold temperatures.

7. Prepare your locks, latches, doors, and more

Locks and latches can freeze in the winter, making it more challenging for you to get into your vehicle. Lubricant should be applied to the doorknobs, hinges, and latches to prevent ice buildup. A little silicone spray should do the trick, as they perform well when the temperature drops and do not freeze.

Remember, performing these winter car maintenance measures will not only ensure that your car is ready to face the hazards of driving during the winter season but will also improve both safety and peace of mind.

8. Protect against salt damage

According to the Government of Canada, about five million tonnes of road salt are used in Canada each year. While road salt is essential for winter safety, it can be tough on your vehicle. It accelerates rust and can damage key areas like the undercarriage, body panels, wheel wells, brake lines, fuel lines, and even the fuel tank. To protect your vehicle, consider applying rustproofing treatments or protective coatings before winter hits.

9. Prepare a winter emergency kit

If you become stranded in rough winter weather conditions, having an emergency kit in your car can save your life by supplying you with all the gear and supplies you need to stay comfortable, warm, and safe until aid arrives. A well-equipped winter emergency kit should include items such as:

• A flashlight with a second set of batteries

• Cold-weather clothing, like hats and gloves

• Extra blankets

• Nonperishable food and water

• A shovel

• An ice scraper

• A first-aid kit

• Battery cables

• Road flares

• External phone charger

Contact BrokerLink today

Are you looking for affordable car insurance to protect you, not just through the winter, but all year long? If so, the team at BrokerLink is here to help. You can get a competitive insurance quote in minutes by using our online quote tool, which gives you access to top insurance companies across Canada.

Or, if you prefer, you can also reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Winter vehicle maintenance FAQs

What should I check in my car in the winter?

First, inspect your tires; if you need better traction, think about making the switch to winter or snow tires. Air pressure should be checked because it tends to drop in the wintertime. Look at your car's battery and make sure it's in good working order to avoid starting problems. To prevent freezing, examine the antifreeze levels and think about employing winter-grade windshield washer fluid. Inspect your brakes and brake lights on a regular basis to ensure they work correctly on slick roads. Finally, inspect your wipers and swap them if they are streaky. By performing these checks, you will help ensure that your vehicle is adequately prepared to safely navigate the hazards of winter driving.

What is winter car maintenance?

Winter car upkeep is a critical set of steps that assists in preparing your vehicle for safe and dependable operation during the winter season. It ensures that your car is in top shape to deal with the unique challenges posed by cold weather conditions, snow, ice, and slick roads. You are essentially taking proactive measures to protect yourself and others on the road by performing winter maintenance and practicing good driving habits.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.