Is Your Car Ready For Winter? This Checklist Will Tell You
As much as we don't want to admit it, winter is quickly approaching here in Montreal. As the summer winds down, so do the warm temperatures, which means one thing: imminent snow. While this can be great for a variety of reasons, when it comes to driving, it can cause quite a few problems. And the best way to combat all of the issues that winter can bring is to take every possible precaution against any potential hazards. I mean, do you remember how cold it was last year? The last thing you want is to be having car troubles in that kind of weather.
Here are 7 things that you can do to get your car ready for winter in Montreal:
1. Get yourself some winter tires
It's no secret that the roads in Montreal can become nothing short of a mess during the winter. Between the excessive amount of snow and patches of ice, you want to stay as safe as you can. Plus they're mandatory after December 15, so that's a pretty good reason to get yourself a set.
2. Update your wiper blades
Regular windshield wipers don't exactly cut it once winter is in full swing in Montreal. Make sure you have some quality winter blades to keep any falling snow from impeding your vision. It doesn't hurt that having good blades will help you clear you windows more quickly in the morning.
3. Make sure you have a solid battery
By the time winter rolls around, you want to make sure your battery isn't too old - so get your mechanic to check it. If you've had to jump start it within the last year, chances are you should replace it. The last thing you want is to end up with a dead battery, having to wait in the cold for a cab driver or CAA agent to come give you a boost.
4. Put together an emergency kit
Now, just because you've taken every precaution, it doesn't mean nothing will go wrong, and when it does, you want to be prepared. Putting together a winter emergency kit for your car can be a real life saver - literally! Some good things to include are: water, food, a blanket, maps, flashlights, a whistle and candles (which surprisingly can keep your car pretty warm when lit).
5. Top up your winter washer fluid
Keeping your windshield clear is key at all times, but it can be tricky to do during the winter. With all the snow and gross slush that gets flung onto your car, those windows get dirty in no time. Keeping your washer fluid tank full with winter specific fluid (which won't freeze in cold temperatures) will make your life a whole lot easier.
6. Fill up on anti-freeze
Like the name implies, it keeps things from freezing. In particular, it stops your engine from seizing up and helps it start in the morning, so it's a pretty important thing to have during winter in Montreal. Make sure your tank is full before the cold weather sets in!
7. Get your oil changed
Once the temperature starts to dip, your choice of oil becomes even more important. Cold weather can cause oil to either flow too slowly or not at all, which can really take a toll on your engine. Using an oil like Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy is key. It's been designed to perform in some of the most extreme conditions you can find on Earth. The synthetic motor oil will still flow at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius so that your car gets the oil it needs immediately at startup.
