How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Winter’s here. We all love the holiday feel and festivities of the winter season, but we can’t say the same for our cars. From the freezing temperatures to the slippery roads, we drivers in Canada have it ho-ho-horrible.  Here are some ways to “winterize” your vehicle so you can enjoy this holiday season.

First things first, check your tires. Cold weather can cause your tire pressure to drop, so it's crucial that your tires are properly inflated. Making sure that your tires have enough tread is also vital. Proper tread ensures that your tires will provide good traction on snow and ice, and you can take on the frozen roads of Calgary. 

If you see that your tires are in need of a change, winter tires could be the way to go. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction on snow and ice compared to regular tires. They carry a deeper tread design with softer rubber, so they stay flexible in cold temperatures.   Installing winter tires helps to keep you safe on the roads. 

Finding winter tires in Calgary is simple with the WiDrive app. With mobile mechanics available at the touch of a button, you can get a winter tire installation in Calgary just in time for the season. 

Check out your car fluids as well. Regularly maintaining your car’s oil, brake and transmission fluid, and antifreeze is essential. Engine oil specifically thickens in colder temperatures, which risks the possibility of inefficiently lubricating your engine. Switching to a thinner oil, such as synthetic oil, helps your car run smoother during the winter months.

WiDrive’s easy access to mobile mechanics makes getting oil changes or getting a coolant flush simply effortless. It’s best to have people well-skilled to do the job, and our technicians know the struggles of “winterizing your vehicle” because they also experience this every season. 

Do you hate cleaning the snow and ice off your car? Who doesn’t. It might be a wise decision to replace your windshield wipers. New wipers are more effective at handling the winter weather. Switch them to winter-specific wipers, which are designed to handle snow and ice, and could save you time cleaning off the snow in the morning. 

Finally, keep an emergency kit in your car. It's imperative in the winter because car parts need special attention. Cold weather really takes a toll on your car’s battery. Making sure it’s charged is important, but it’s best to stay prepared in case with jumper cables. You can also include other things in your kit like a shovel, a flashlight, and anything else you think you need.

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