Winter car maintenance tips for Canadians in 2026

Winter in Canada is upon us. And with that comes cold weather, heavy snowfall, icy roads and a feeling of being overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be. Being prepared for winter driving can really make a difference.

Cold weather conditions reduce tire traction, weaken your battery, thicken fluids and make visibility difficult. That’s why a solid winter prep routine is needed to help your vehicle perform better and safely on the road. Below, you’ll find practical winter car maintenance tips, province-specific rules, checklists and everything else you need to make your vehicle winter-ready. Key takeaways:

• Winter tires begin to outperform all-season tires at approximately 7 °C.

• Cold weather drains battery power, so testing your battery’s cold cranking amps and cleaning the terminals is essential.

• Use winter washer fluid (antifreeze) rated for −35 °C or colder.

• Always fill your fuel before it gets too low. It’ll be your source of heat in an emergency and help you make it to the next gas station.

Pre-winter service checklist

Take note of this checklist before winter weather begins:

• Tires: Install winter tires on your vehicle. Tread depth should be at least 4mm, as advised by Transport Canada. Look for a three-peaked mountain snowflake symbol when shopping to confirm tires are meant for winter driving. Check your cold tire pressure often.

• Battery: Confirm your battery age. Request a cold cranking amp load test. Ensure the block-heater cable is working.

• Fluids: Check your owner’s manual for engine oil grade and change it if needed. Test your coolant freezing point. Use −35 °C windshield wiper fluid as recommended by Transport Canada. Test brake fluid levels.

• Visibility: Replace wiper blades, clean your headlamps and test all bulbs.

• Emergency kit: Pack blankets, traction aids, a shovel, jumper cables, flashlights, snacks, water and more (full list below).

Winter tires and wheels

In the wintertime, roadways are a lot more slippery than usual and having winter tires will give you better control over your vehicle. Winter tires offer better traction on snowy or icy roads than all-season tires below 7 °C, given that all-seasons lose elasticity, which directly impacts your stopping time. When shopping, look for a three-peaked mountain snowflake symbol.Transport Canada reports that tires with this symbol have been tested for their winter driving performance. Aim for a tread depth of at least 4mm to ensure optimal traction in harsh winter conditions. Let's take a closer look at tires and wheels:

Tire pressure

Tire pressure drops as temperatures drop, approximately 1 psi per 6 °C. Check tire pressure often during the winter season, especially when you’re driving on the highway or planning a longer trip. Properly inflated tires aid in tire traction and increase fuel efficiency.

Issue solver

Here's what you can do to solve problems that may arise with your tires:

Ask a BrokerLink advisor about winter tire insurance discounts to lower your premium!

Battery, starting and block heater

Car batteries can quit on you at any time of year, but it’s certainly more common during the winter. According to Canada Drives, once the temperature drops to around 0°C, your battery can lose about 35% of its power. By -17°C, you’re looking at a 60% loss. Checklist:

• Get your battery tested before winter hits, as a weak battery will struggle in the cold.

• Make sure to keep the battery terminals clean and free from corrosion, which can affect the battery’s performance.

• If your battery is over three years old, it might be time to replace it.

• Connect a block heater to your battery posts in cold temperatures to warm your battery and engine before driving.

Fluid levels and oil viscosity

In cold temperatures, motor oil can thicken. When oil gets too thick, it doesn’t circulate properly, making it harder for the engine to start and increasing wear on internal parts. Switch to a lower-viscosity oil to help your engine run more smoothly in the winter. Here's what you should know about fluids in your car:

Brake fluids

Brake fluid moisture should be tested and replaced according to your service interval. Most owners’ manuals recommend testing brake fluid annually and replacing it every 2 to 3 years. Have a technician perform a moisture test to ensure your brakes remain in good condition.

Windshield wiper fluid

To prevent freezing, drain summer washer fluid from your vehicle and replace it with a winter antifreeze rated for −35 °C.

See and be seen: wiper blades, glass and lights

If your wipers leave streaks, skip spots or squeak across the windshield, it’s time for a new set. Toyota Canada recommends replacing your blades at least twice a year (or sooner if they’re showing signs of wear). Ideally, replace your wipers with winter blades. Let's take a closer look at how you can maintain your windshield:

Windshield and glass

Clean the inside of your glass with a microfibre towel and isopropyl to reduce glare and fogging. For your outside glass and lights, remove all snow and ice. According to SGI, approximately 21 collisions occur in Saskatchewan due to defective lights. When driving in the snow, consider using your low beams instead of your high beams, as they can reduce your visibility and create a glare.

HVAC, defrost and fog management

To defog your vehicle quickly, turn your A/C on, set the heat on for comfort and make sure recirculation is off. That way, fresh air will continue to flow through your interior. Direct the airflow toward your windshield to clear fog or frost efficiently. Toyota Canada recommends changing your cabin air filter once a year or every 16,000 kilometres, depending on your specific vehicle and driving conditions.

Winter emergency kit

In your emergency kit, pack the following and store them in your trunk:

• Thermal blankets

• Gloves

• Toque

• Hand warmers

• Shovel

• Traction aids/sand

• Battery booster pack with spark plugs

• Tow straps

• Flashlight

• First-aid kit

• Power bank for your phone

• Non-perishable foods

• Water

Fuel, doors and corrosion protection

Road salt can speed up rust, eat away at your undercarriage, body panels and shorten the life of important components like the wheel wells, fuel tank, brake lines and fuel lines. You should do the following:

• Get regular undercarriage washes, and consider applying rustproofing treatments or protective coatings before the first snowfall.

• Keep your fuel tank as full as possible to mitigate condensation and optimize fuel efficiency during the wintertime.

• Lubricate your door seals with silicone and your door locks with graphite to prevent freezing.

Provincial-specific rules

Rules surrounding winter tires vary across provinces:

• Quebec: Winter tires are mandatory between December 1 and March 15.

• British Columbia: Winter tires or chains are required on signed roadways between October 1 and April 30.

Contact BrokerLink

Are you ready for the colder months? Use our checklist to prepare your vehicle and stay safe on snowy and icy roads. If you install new tires on your car in the winter months, let a BrokerLink advisor know, as you may qualify for a car insurance discount!

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