Although the calendar still says its fall, much of Canada has already experienced winter driving conditions already. Winter driving conditions can be very dangerous sometimes because of extreme snow, black ice, and slush. Cold temperatures make starting your vehicle more difficult. Less daylight and weather make visibility a challenge, even on the best of winter days. Ensure that your vehicle is ready to take on the winter season and ensure you have the starting power, visibility and stopping power you need. . Here is a quick list of items to keep in mind to get through this winter with ease.

The battery is an integral part of your vehicle’s starting and charging system, and you should be aware of your vehicle’s battery health. The battery takes more power to start the car in winter because its strength drops due to low temperatures. You don’t want to be stuck in the middle of a trip because of a dead car battery. If you don’t remember when the last time was you checked your car battery an expert from PartSource is here to help. You can visit your local PartSource store, and we will check your vehicle battery for free.  Not only that, our experts will help you find replacement battery for your vehicle if it needs to be replaced.

The next thing that you need to check is your vehicle’s fluids which include Engine Oil, Washer fluid, Coolant, Brake fluid, and Transmission Fluid. It is highly recommended that you should change the engine oil every 5000 km of driving (or as per your vehicle’s owners manual) and make sure you do that before the winter season as well. This will assist in improving the car’s performance, and fuel mileage. Topping up or replacing your engine coolant will help protect your radiator and engine block, and ensure you have heat inside the cabin. Ensure your windshield washer fluid is filled with a quality washer Fluid rated to at least -40° Do not use water or summer washer fluid that may freeze and damage the reservoir and tubes. Ask a PartSource expert which antifreeze is a perfect fit for your vehicle to avoid potential freezing. Keep your brake and transmission fluids topped up as well, and ensure each system is functioning properly. Keep an extra washer fluid on hand for visibility in case you run out while you are driving.

Visibility is so important during the winter months. Replacing your wiper blades is a good idea to make sure you have the best visibility. Worn wiper may streak or chatter. A new set will give you months of clear visibility. Switch to winter wiper blades as they come with thicker rubber and are more suitable to clear away snow and ice compared to normal all season blades. Find the suitable wiper blades for your vehicle here.

The braking becomes difficult in winter weather. Replace your brake pads and rotors to keep your vehicles stopping power at its best. We highly recommend to check your vehicle’s brake pads and rotors with an expert.

For optimal traction, install 4 Winter tires on your vehicle. PartSource has the tools you need from jacks to torque wrenches to help with this task. We also have several tire storage solutions to help keep your garage organized. Winter tires have a special tread design that helps in removing snow from the tires and are made of special pliable rubber material that ice improves your traction at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius.

Make sure you check the tire’s air pressure regularly.

Winter car floor mats are made of thicker rubber that helps in melting snow, and rain dirt and keeps your car floor clean. Winter car mats also prevent rust and corrosion over time.

You can find different winter car mats available here.

Hopefully, you will never need to use them, but in case you need them they should be in your car during the winter.

A good snow brush is a winter essential have in your car. Check out our assortment of snowbrushes here.

This winter emergency kit might be different for each driver depending upon their driving routine and their personal preferences. Your winter emergency kit includes a tow rope, Sand/Salt, Shovel, Booster Cables, First-aid Kit, Rechargeable flashlight, Whistle, Snowbrush, Hats & Gloves. Ensure your emergency kit includes a blanket. Keep your fuel tank above ½ - this helps prevent moisture build up and fuel line freezing. Keep an extra washer fluid on hand for visibility