How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter in Calgary

Tire Pirates Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Your vehicle is put to the test in winter due to snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures. It has to work harder to perform daily. Preparing your vehicle to face the inclement winter weather in Canada is critical. Our Tire Pirates team is here to help you get your vehicle prepared for winter weather in Calgary with our comprehensive auto services. We’ll explain the best ways to maximize your car’s performance to help keep you safe in cold weather. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Check Your Battery 

You don’t want to get stuck in cold weather with a dead car battery. Frigid temperatures put added strain on car batteries, causing them to die. Motors work harder due to the thickened oil caused by cold temperatures. It’s important to test your battery to ensure there is no corrosion to the terminals and it is working at optimal levels. Our Tire Pirates team can assist you with any car battery replacement needs.

Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure drops during cold temperatures. Once the temperatures fall below 32 degrees, the tires simply start to deflate. It’s critical to check your tire pressure on a weekly basis as the lower tire pressure often causes tire wear and decreases your gas mileage. Proper inflation is vital for control of the car in all weather conditions.

Check Your Antifreeze Levels & Engine Coolant

Check your engine coolant and antifreeze levels before winter. Without antifreeze, your engine easily freezes. You can check your engine coolant levels using a kit that informs you if your coolant mix is perfect for the winter.

Invest in Winter Tires

Snow tires in Canada are critical for safety and driving control. Investing in a set of snow tires that prevent your vehicle from skidding in all weather conditions is important. Without winter tires, high-technology safety systems don’t do enough to keep you safe. We’ll help you find the best snow tires for your vehicle and conditions.

Assemble A Winter Survival Kit

If you ever get stuck on the side of the road in the cold, a winter car survival kit could save your life. Some of the best things to include in a winter survival kit include a lighter, flashlight, jumper cables, blanket, tool kit, and first aid kit. While you may never need these items, it’s important to be overly prepared in inclement weather.

Lubricate Window Tracks

Freezing ice and snow seep into your window cracks, creating a drag that can damage your window regulator cables. You can easily prevent this damage by lubricating the window tracks with spray silicone. We can help lubricate your window tracks and any other areas of your vehicle to ensure they don’t freeze in cold conditions.

Get Your Brakes Inspected

We offer free brake inspections at our shop and will help with your brake repairs if necessary. Winter puts more strain on your brakes. We recommend even getting your brakes checked twice during the harsh weather conditions in Canada. Snow, moisture, and salt often lead to rust spots on your rotors and reduce their performance. Your brakes face different types of cold and slushy weather conditions on a daily basis in winter, so they need more attention.

Use Winter Windshield Wiper Fluid

It’s important to know that not all windshield wiper fluid is the same. Standard fluid you use during warmer times is almost useless in winter because it freezes too quickly. It’s vital to switch your windshield wiper fluid to winter fluid that is designed for the cold temperatures. The specialized fluid will help loosen ice and snow on your windshield.

Pack a First Aid Kit

It’s important to always have a first-aid kit in your vehicle. The most essential first aid products include flashlights, blankets, and warning triangles. You should always brush up on your first-aid skills to ensure you know basic emergency techniques in a crash. It’s also good to always have essential over-the-counter medicines with you.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Standard windshield wiper blades are destroyed quickly in snow and ice. Starting with new wipers at the beginning of winter is vital to prepare for the snow and ice. Our Tire Pirates team will install premium-grade windshield wipers with specialized blade designs and wiper arms. We can also apply a unique windshield treatment that repels sleet, snow, and rain while driving.

Heating Maintenance

Driving a vehicle in Canada during the winter without proper heating can have deadly consequences. We offer heating maintenance services to ensure your heater is working at optimal levels. If you notice any decline in your heating power, come in for an appointment as soon as possible. During our heating appointment, we will:

• Inspect hoses and lines for corrosion and leaks
• Check high and low-pressure readings
• Evaluate every part of your heating and AC system

Check Your Gas Tank

One of the worst things in the winter is getting stuck in the cold without any gas. You should always keep your gas tank more than half full. Moisture begins to build in your gas tank when there is ample empty space. This moisture dilutes fuel and puts strain on your vehicle’s pumps. If the moisture freezes, you face significant damage.

Store Seasonal Tires

Seasonal tire storage is a safe and convenient way to ensure your tires will be ready for the next season. You don’t need to worry about storage when Tire Pirates offers the perfect opportunity and space. Our tire professionals will change your tires for you after we store them during the winter or summer months.

Get Your Oil Changed

We understand that every vehicle is different regarding the frequency of oil changes. We offer oil change services annually to ensure your vehicle is ready for every season. Most vehicles perform better with thin oil in cold weather. We’ll determine the best type of oil for your vehicle throughout the year.

Why Choose Tire Pirates?

Tire Pirates is proud to help Canadians get their vehicles ready for winter. We’re committed to ensuring you have the best tires for optimal safety levels. We offer fast and efficient auto services and tire repairs throughout the year. Our comprehensive automotive services give you peace of mind and the highest quality products on the market. We have over 25 years of experience helping get vehicles ready for winter in Chinook and Foothills. We’re here for you!

Visit Tire Pirates Today!

We’ll help prepare your vehicle for winter, from placing your winter tires and installing wiper blades to checking your battery levels and changing your oil. We’ll review your vehicle for all winter preparations to ensure you’re ready for the cold temperatures. We’re always here to answer questions and address concerns about preparing your car for the cold Canadian winter. Visit us in Calgary at our Foothills or Chinook location today!