The Hamilton Driver's Winter Car Prep Checklist

Ontario winters can be brutal. Getting your vehicle ready before the first snowfall isn't optional — it's a safety requirement. Here's your complete checklist:

1. Winter Tires The single most important thing you can do. All-season tires lose effectiveness below 7°C. Winter tires have a special compound and tread pattern designed specifically for cold, snow, and ice. In Ontario, winter tires are strongly recommended and can reduce insurance rates.

2. Battery Test Cold weather significantly reduces battery capacity. A battery that's fine in summer may fail at -20°C. Have your battery tested — if it's over 3 years old or showing signs of weakness, replace it before winter.

3. Antifreeze/Coolant Check your coolant concentration. It should be rated for at least -40°C. Old, contaminated coolant loses its freeze protection. A flush and refill is recommended every 2–3 years.

4. Wiper Blades Switch to winter wiper blades designed to handle heavy snow and ice without clogging. Check that your washer fluid is rated for -40°C.

5. Brakes Have your brakes inspected before winter. Stopping distances increase dramatically in snow and ice — you need full braking capacity.

6. Lights Days are shorter, and snowstorms reduce visibility. Check all lights — headlights, taillights, turn signals, and fog lights. Replace any dim or burned-out bulbs.

7. Tire Pressure For every 10°C drop in temperature, tires lose about 1 PSI. Check and inflate tires to the recommended pressure (found in your door jamb) once temperatures drop.

8. Emergency Kit Keep a kit in your trunk: ice scraper, snow brush, jumper cables, blanket, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a small shovel.

Book your winter prep appointment at Super Auto Shop. We offer winter tire changeovers, battery testing, and full pre-winter inspections. Don't wait until the first snowfall — book now.