How to prepare your car for winter driving

With files from joelkranc

This article was originally published on January 24, 2019 and was updated on December 5, 2025.

When you think of winter, do you think of skating rinks, hot chocolate, and holiday cheer? Or does your mind turn to snow, slush, and slippery, icy roads?

Winter driving means a higher chance of collisions, which can lead to an insurance claim and a major increase in your auto insurance premiums. Early-season storms often cause hundreds of accidents, and so far in 2025, it's no different. In fact, 220 collisions were reported in Ontario and Quebec during 2025’s first major snowfall. 

The good news is, in addition to taking your time and driving safely, preparing your vehicle now can help you stay safe on the road and avoid a claim. Here are some practical winter driving tips to get your car ready for the season.

10 ways you can prepare your car for winter

Winter weather puts extra stress on your vehicle, so it’s important to get it ready to handle cold, icy roads. While some of this prep may involve taking your car to a mechanic, it doesn’t need to be expensive. If getting your car ready for winter helps prevent even one small fender-bender, it’s worth every cent.

Here are some things you can do to stay safer, avoid insurance claims, and prevent breakdowns when temperatures drop.

1. Install winter tires

One of the best ways to improve your safety during winter (and qualify for an insurance discount) is to use winter tires. Winter tires use a different rubber compound than all-seasons, helping them grip the road better in cold weather and improving braking, handling, and traction. A new study from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) reveals that 84% of Canadians say driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from an accident or loss of control.

2. Check your tire pressure

Cold temperatures cause the air inside your tires to contract, lowering pressure and reducing traction. Tire pressure can drop by 1–2 PSI for every 5°C drop in temperature. Check your tire pressure weekly during cold months, especially before long drives.

3. Replace your windshield wipers

Similar to winter tires, winter windshield wipers are built using a different rubber compound than regular wipers. They are designed to resist freezing and keep your windshield clear during snow and slush. Having good working windshield wipers is a key part of your winter driving safety. Ensure your wipers clean your windshield properly; there’s nothing worse than being on the highway with a smudgy view.

4. Check the coolant and winterize your washer fluid

Adding windshield washer fluid and flushing your coolant system (to avoid overheating during a deep freeze) should be done right off the bat. This check will also help detect any leaks in the system and determine whether you need to install fresh coolant. Use the -40°C blend so your washer fluid doesn’t freeze on contact. For extra preparedness, keep a second bottle in your trunk.

5. Test your battery

Car batteries lose strength in the cold, and a weak battery can die without warning, especially after a night of freezing temperatures. Check when your battery was last replaced to see whether you need a new one.

6. Check your brake condition

Reliable brakes are always essential while driving, but they’re especially important when it comes to winter driving safety. If you notice grinding or shaking, get them inspected before the snow falls. 

7. Inspect headlights and taillights

Days are shorter in winter, and visibility is often poor, making it especially important for you to see and be seen. One way to do this is by cleaning cloudy lenses and replacing burnt-out bulbs. Make sure both your headlights and taillights are working properly before you start driving.

8. Check your oil

Even if you’ve had it changed recently, it may be something to ask your mechanic about. A low-viscosity oil can flow more rapidly through the system and provide better protection to your engine in colder weather. 

9. Keep your gas tank at least half full

Avoid running on empty – having fuel in your tank reduces moisture buildup and keeps you warm if you get stuck in traffic during a snowfall. The last thing you want is to be stranded without gas during a winter snowstorm.

10. Clear all snow and ice before driving

Driving with snow on your roof or windows is unsafe and can lead to fines. Clearing it off also helps you see better, which is always a win.

How to prepare your car for winter emergencies

Even well-prepared drivers can face surprises like sliding on black ice, getting stuck on an unplowed side street, losing headlights, or dealing with a dead battery. Winter weather also means you might be stranded longer than expected, so it’s important to have what you need to stay warm, fed, and hydrated until help arrives. A winter emergency car kit gives you the tools to handle these moments safely.

What to include in your winter vehicle emergency kit:

• Jumper cables for sudden battery failures
• A compact snow shovel for digging out tires
• A blanket or warm clothing to stay warm until help comes
• A flashlight with extra batteries for dark roadside stops
• A first-aid kit for minor injuries
• Road salt or sand to get out of spinning tires
• Snacks and bottled water in case you’re stuck for a while
• Windshield fluid to top up if you run out on the road
• De-icer in case doors, locks and latches get frozen

Should you buy roadside assistance?

Winter breakdowns are never fun, especially during extreme cold. Roadside assistance is a small investment in peace of mind, especially if you have a long commute, drive an older car, or aren’t comfortable changing a flat tire on your own. Services like CAA, Canadian Tire Roadside Assistance, and manufacturer programs can help with towing, lockouts, dead batteries, and flat tires. 

More things to think about when preparing your car for winter

Beyond mechanical checks and emergency supplies, a few extra habits can make winter driving easier and safer:

• Use winter car mats to keep snow and salt away from your pedals and flooring. Some drivers layer thick heavy-duty mats on top of carpeted ones, but layering mats can cause the gas or brake pedals to get stuck or make it harder to position your feet properly while driving. Give yourself as much room and space to drive as safely as possible.
• Check that your heater and defroster are working to keep your windshield clear while driving.
• Clean the seals on your doors and trunk to prevent them from freezing shut.
• Park your car in a garage or a protected space to keep it clear of snow and ice. If that’s not an option, give your vehicle a few minutes to warm up before driving so your engine and fluids can adjust to the cold. 
• Plan for longer travel times to avoid rushing on slippery roads.

The bottom line

Driving in winter comes with added risk, but a bit of preparation helps keep you safe and lowers your chances of an accident and a claim. Simple steps like checking your brakes, installing winter tires, building a winter vehicle emergency kit, and replacing your winter car wipers can make a real difference.

Before winter hits, make sure your car is ready and take a moment to compare car insurance quotes to help protect your budget this season.

Also read:

• Does insurance cover damage from extreme cold?
• 10 tips for safe winter driving
• What is seasonal vehicle insurance in Ontario?