Stay safe this winter when travelling on the road. Follow these seven tips and learn how to conquer Canadian winter by preparing your vehicle for the cold weather.

Hitting the Road

1. Winter Tires and Chains

If you plan a mountain trip this winter, be prepared and ensure you have winter tires. In British Columbia, winter tires are required by law when travelling  designated routes from October to April. If you're heading to the ski hill, check the requirements, as some hills, like Mt. Washington and Sasquatch Resort, may require passenger vehicles to carry tire chains.

Though Alberta Transportation does not legally require winter tires, it recommends vehicles have four winter or all-weather tires for improved traction and control.

The only exceptions are Hwy #93N / Icefields Parkway (Banff National Park) and Hwy #93S / Banff-Windermere Highway in Banff National Park, where Parks Canada legally requires vehicles to have snow tires or chains between November 1 and March 31, or any time snow or ice covers the highways.

2. Clear Snow for Safety and Legal Compliance

Did you know it’s against the law to drive with snow on your car in most provinces? Not only can it obstruct your view, but snow and ice on your vehicle can fly off and create a hazard for other drivers. Always clear your car of snow and ice before hitting the road to stay safe and compliant. Be sure to use the right tools for the job, such as a reliable scraper for your windows, a snow brush for the car body, or even a credit card in a pinch.

It’s a good idea to warm up your vehicle before scraping, as the heat helps loosen snow and ice, making it easier to remove. Most importantly, never use a scraper on your car’s paint—only on the glass—to avoid scratching the exterior. You could also try treating your windows with de-icer to melt ice quickly and make removal easier.

Emergencies are unpredictable, but with careful preparation and planning, you can respond effectively. Tailor a safety kit to your specific environment, ensuring it includes the essential items needed for an emergency. The Government of Canada offers a recommended list of supplies for various situations. Don’t wait until disaster strikes—take action now to be prepared for anything.

We recommend carrying a candle to provide warmth if you’re caught in severe weather. A bag of kitty litter or road salt can also be helpful in slippery conditions. Spread the kitty litter or salt on the ground around your tires to gain extra traction. If you're really stuck, an emergency roadside kit that includes a shovel can also come in very handy. 

4. Wipers and Washer Fluid

Maintaining clear visibility on the road during winter is a safety necessity, and wiper blades are the season's unsung heroes. Standard wiper blades can stiffen, crack, or become damaged in subzero temperatures, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of accidents. Upgrade to winter-specific wiper blades from Trico to ensure they remain flexible and perform well in snow, ice, and slush. These blades offer superior durability, resist freezing, and help keep your windshield clear, ensuring safer driving throughout the colder months.

Metal-framed wiper blades are especially effective in handling harsh winter conditions. Their sturdy construction ensures reliable performance in snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, keeping your windshield clear when it matters most.

If snow is in the forecast, consider lifting your wiper blades off the windshield overnight. This simple precaution prevents them from freezing, keeping the blades clean, ice-free, and ready for a smooth start to your morning drive.

Preparing for the Road

5. Battery Maintenance

Winter weather can be tough on your car battery. At 0℃, it loses about 35% of its strength, and at -17℃, it loses up to 60%. As a result, your car may struggle to start on those frigid mornings. Ideally, you should park your vehicle in a garage or another sheltered spot to help protect the battery from the cold. When that's not possible, use a battery tender to keep your battery charged and ready for action, even in low temperatures.

If you don't use a battery tender, it’s crucial to have a backup plan. Always keep jumper cables or a portable jump pack in your car so you're ready to respond quickly if your battery fails. Not only will this help you get back on the road in a pinch, but it can also be a lifesaver for others in need. Whether you're stuck in a remote location or helping a fellow driver, having these tools on hand ensures you can lend a hand when needed, keeping everyone safe and moving.

6. Lighting

Upgrading to LEDs not only improves your visibility but also enhances the safety of everyone on the road. Don’t wait for winter—switch today for added peace of mind behind the wheel. Before heading out, test your high and low beams to ensure they’re at full brightness. Also, check inside the headlight housing for signs of condensation. If you spot any, you likely have a leak that could eventually cause your headlights to fail.

Use a headlight restoration kit to clean up hazy headlight lenses. Avoid using home remedies (like toothpaste) as they can cause unexpected damage.

Keep track of how old your headlights are. Over a lifespan of five years, you can expect them to dim by 20%. If you need headlight replacements, we recommend installing premium LED bulbs.

7. Winter Car Up-Keep

Winter can be tough on your vehicle, especially its oil. Synthetic oils perform better in extreme temperatures, unlike conventional oils. Synthetic blends flow more easily in cold weather, reducing engine friction and preventing wear during cold starts.

Using the right oil in the winter not only improves your start performance but also offers better protection throughout the season. If you want year-round performance, consider switching to synthetic oil for smoother operation in both cold and warm climates.