Here on the Island, we’re lucky enough to (usually) have our winter delayed until around late November, still it’s better to be prepared for the cold weather before you’re caught in a snowstorm. Here are some easy steps that you can take to take care of your vehicle, so it can take care of you this winter.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏: Seasonal Maintenance Check Up

Vehicle Maintenance isn’t seasonal, but as the weather get’s colder and the rain get’s heavier- it’s important to take extra care.

At your next oil change, ask your regular service department to checkout your:

– Battery Strength

– Electrical Systems

– Belts and Hoses

– Heating and Cooling System

– Brakes and Braking System

– Fluids (Antifreeze, Brake Fluid, Wiper Fluid etc.)

– Lights

– Fuses

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐: Make sure your tires are up to the task.

In BC Winter Driving Laws go into effect on October 1st, on some highways that means you’ll need winter tires.

Winter tires provide shorter stopping distance and better traction control when the roads are hazardous, but they wear down faster during warmer days. When you make your appointment for a 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠-𝙐𝙥 let them know you want to install your winter tires, if you don’t have winter tires most service departments can find some for you!

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑: Keep it Clean

We know washing you car in the winter isn’t fun, but it’s important to keep your vehicle in top shape. slushy snow and rock salt can damage the bodywork and paint on your car, to prevent this- make sure you’re cleaning the painted part of your car and the underside to prevent rust and paint damage, to keep it protected longer consider a wax or an undercoat.

Check our our guide to cleaning your own ride.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒: Replace your wiper blades

Snow is heavy, and winter blades make pushing snow and ice much easier. Check your owners manual for which types of winter blades are the best fit for your car, or swap your blades during your 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠-𝙐𝙥. As an added bonus they heavier duty blades will be helpful for fall and spring showers.

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟓: Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

All the steps mentioned above can be helpful for avoiding breakdowns, flat tires, and collisions but in the event that something happens you and your passengers can be left stranded out in the cold waiting for help.

At minimum your vehicle should have:

• -Jumper Cables or Booster Pack
• Jerry Can with Extra Fuel
• Water or Antifreeze (for the car)
• Bottled Water and Granola Bars
• Flashlight
• Warm Blanket, Gloves and Extra Socks

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞!

Visit us at www.VIDrives.ca to get started today!