Are you Ready for Winter Driving? CAA Manitoba shares winter weather readiness tips

As the cold weather begins to roll in, CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitobans to prepare themselves and their vehicles accordingly for the winter season.

“All too often, motorists wait until the first snowfall before preparing their vehicles for winter driving,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “Now is the time to get your winter tires on and check that your car battery will last the winter months. Even a fully charged battery can lose power when the temperature dips below 0° Celsius.”

CAA Manitoba has compiled a list of winter readiness tips for Manitobans to help them prepare for the winter season.

• Install winter tires for better traction – On cold and snowy roads winter tires can help reduce your breaking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Nov. 15 to have our mobile tire service change them for you at home for a fee.

• Test your car battery – If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call.

• Ensure you have an emergency car kit – Your kit should have water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. Add extra mitts, hats, socks and footwear to your emergency kit.

• Have your brakes checked – If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding.

• Check your block heater- When you park– is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires?

• Check your lighting system – Make sure all your interior and exterior lights are working. For safe driving, ensure your headlights are aimed correctly.

• Top up your fluids – Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full.

• Inspect your wiper blade – Check the condition of your blades if you notice streaking on the windshield. Check for fraying or cracking and remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones.

• Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools – Keep an ice scraper, small shovel and snow brush handy in your car at all times.

While it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go, it’s also important for drivers and passengers to be prepared in case of an emergency or if you are stranded.

Some additional ways to be prepared include:

Have a cell phone battery bank and keep it on you, as well as a charging cable that connects your phone to your vehicle.

• Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded.

• Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area.

• Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving on a longer trip in your vehicle.

“Member safety is always our top priority at CAA Manitoba,” says Matos. “There’s no better time than the present to ensure you, your loved ones and your vehicle are ready to drive safely this winter season.”

For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our Safe Winter Driving page at caamanitoba.com.