winter car maintenance tips for a safe winter
Winter driving is getting ready!
As the cold season approaches, here's a list of 10 items to inspect your car to make sure your car survives the worry-free winter.
Tire wear
Of course, installing winter tires is the most important step in the preparation of your vehicle. But before putting on your old tires from last winter, make sure they still have a secure sole.
According to the Société de l 'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the depth of the tread of a tire must be at least 4.8 mm (6/32 in.) At the time of installation in order to pass the tire. winter safely.
The date of manufacture of the tires
In addition to wear, it is important to check the date of manufacture of a used tire before installing it. It is identifiable by a four-digit numerical code on the sidewall of all tires sold in North America. The first two digits refer to the week of manufacture while the last two digits indicate the year of the factory.
For example, a 1415 tire was manufactured in the fourteenth week of 2015. After six years, the tread of a tire hardens and no longer has the same grip on the road.
Battery
During the winter, the battery of your vehicle will be put to the test. To prevent her from getting loose on a beautiful February morning, consider having her condition checked by a professional. This could save you a lot of trouble!
Windshield wipers
We often talk about tires, but not enough wipers. However, it is very important to replace your windshield wipers with models adapted to winter. Armed with a Teflon coating, they will give you better visibility when needed.
The heating system
It has been a few months since the cabin heating system of your vehicle was not used. Remember to make it work before the big cold winter storms, just to make sure everything is still functional.
Liquids
Make sure that all fluids that allow your vehicle to operate properly are still in sufficient quantity under the hood. Antifreeze will be particularly stressed during the winter. Also fill the washer reservoir frequently.
In winter, your engine also needs a less viscous oil to work well in freezing temperatures.
Headlights and turn signals
While in the checks, go around the vehicle and inspect the headlights and turn signals to make sure everything is functional. To see and be visible is essential on the road, and it is even more true during the winter.
Good rugs
Winter mats may not make your car safer, but they will prevent the accumulation of water and salt on the floor. In the long run, your car will tell you thank you.
A snow broom
Do not wait for the first flakes to think about starting to drag a snow broom into your car again. Clearing a windshield with a coat sleeve is very ordinary!
An emergency kit
In winter, breakdowns and exits are frequent. It is therefore strongly recommended that you keep an emergency kit in your trunk with a flashlight, warning lights and the necessary equipment to apply first aid.
As the cold season approaches, here's a list of 10 items to inspect your car to make sure your car survives the worry-free winter.
Tire wear
Of course, installing winter tires is the most important step in the preparation of your vehicle. But before putting on your old tires from last winter, make sure they still have a secure sole.
According to the Société de l 'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the depth of the tread of a tire must be at least 4.8 mm (6/32 in.) At the time of installation in order to pass the tire. winter safely.
The date of manufacture of the tires
In addition to wear, it is important to check the date of manufacture of a used tire before installing it. It is identifiable by a four-digit numerical code on the sidewall of all tires sold in North America. The first two digits refer to the week of manufacture while the last two digits indicate the year of the factory.
For example, a 1415 tire was manufactured in the fourteenth week of 2015. After six years, the tread of a tire hardens and no longer has the same grip on the road.
Battery
During the winter, the battery of your vehicle will be put to the test. To prevent her from getting loose on a beautiful February morning, consider having her condition checked by a professional. This could save you a lot of trouble!
Windshield wipers
We often talk about tires, but not enough wipers. However, it is very important to replace your windshield wipers with models adapted to winter. Armed with a Teflon coating, they will give you better visibility when needed.
The heating system
It has been a few months since the cabin heating system of your vehicle was not used. Remember to make it work before the big cold winter storms, just to make sure everything is still functional.
Liquids
Make sure that all fluids that allow your vehicle to operate properly are still in sufficient quantity under the hood. Antifreeze will be particularly stressed during the winter. Also fill the washer reservoir frequently.
In winter, your engine also needs a less viscous oil to work well in freezing temperatures.
Headlights and turn signals
While in the checks, go around the vehicle and inspect the headlights and turn signals to make sure everything is functional. To see and be visible is essential on the road, and it is even more true during the winter.
Good rugs
Winter mats may not make your car safer, but they will prevent the accumulation of water and salt on the floor. In the long run, your car will tell you thank you.
A snow broom
Do not wait for the first flakes to think about starting to drag a snow broom into your car again. Clearing a windshield with a coat sleeve is very ordinary!
An emergency kit
In winter, breakdowns and exits are frequent. It is therefore strongly recommended that you keep an emergency kit in your trunk with a flashlight, warning lights and the necessary equipment to apply first aid.