Transportation and Infrastructure
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Weather
Do you drive as part of your job?
Winter weather is hard on your vehicle and its engine. Here are some tips to help you make sure your ride is up to the challenge:
Install winter tires. Use four matched winter tires that carry the winter tire logo – even when driving a 4 X 4. Winter tires improve driving safety by providing better traction in snow, slush and icy conditions. Check for wear before installing the tires and check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.
Get your car winter ready with a maintenance check up. Preventative maintenance is key. Make sure your battery, brakes, lights and fuses, cooling and heating systems, electrical and exhaust systems, and belts and hoses are in tip-top shape.
Change your wiper blades to winter blades. TThey are heavier and push snow and ice more easily.
Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, hood and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the window to defrost completely to allow clear visibility all around.
If you have a cell phone, make sure it's charged and bring it with you. A car charger for the phone is a smart device to have on hand. Cell phone batteries can freeze in very cold weather. Don't leave your phone in the car for extended periods of time.
Make sure your water reservoir is full, and carry extra windshield washer fluid in your vehicle.
Be prepared by packing a winter survival kit. Recommended items include:
- blankets and rst aid supplies
- Windshield scraper and snow brush
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Fuel line antifreeze
- Flares and matches or lighter
- Tire chains and gloves
- Shovel and traction mat, sand or kitty litter
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery jumper cables
- Spare tire, wheel wrench and jack
- Extra clothing and footwear
- Sandbags for extra weight
Keep your gas tank topped up. This will help to avoid condensation and moist air on the inside of the tank, which can cause fuel lines to freeze and other serious issues.
If you get stuck in a storm, don’t panic. Avoid overexertion and exposure. Stay in your
vehicle and open your window slightly to make sure
you have a supply of fresh air. Use a survival candle
for heat. Set out a warning light or flares.
Keep winter
under surveillance
Don’t know?
DON'T GO
Download a printable
version of this brochure
This information is intended to provide general information only. Nothing is intended to provide legal or professional advice or to be relied on in any dispute, claim, action, demand or
proceeding. Participants in the Shift Into Winter campaign do not accept liability for any damage or injury resulting from reliance on the information in this publication. (10-2011)
Top