Well, it’s officially scarf, mittens, and jacket season! The cold weather seemingly snuck up on us Reginians this year! From strolling leisurely in a bunnyhug to abruptly bundling up with the first snowfall, the changing of the seasons can easily be seen and felt! Today we’ll run you through the top four things to do to ensure that your vehicle is ready for winter!
Tire Check
Tire Pressure
As it gets colder outside, you may notice that your tire pressure is looking a little bit lower. This is because for every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tire pressure can decrease about 1 PSI (pound per square inch). It may not seem like a lot but it can definitely affect the way you feel on the road. Most newer vehicles will have an indication light signalling that your tire pressure is low. However, if you don’t, make sure to always be cognisant of this and fill up your tires at least once a month.
Winter Tires
Another important factor in driving and surviving the let’s be honest, sometimes brutal winter driving conditions, is to have winter tires. All-season tires can suffice, but the grip, control, and response time associated with winter tires can make all the difference. If you are someone that loathes winter driving, winter tires provide that extra piece of mind and safety while you’re on the road. Getting your winter tires put on before the first snowfall is ideal, but when you live in a city with unpredictable weather conditions mid October to Early November is always a safe bet!
Replace Your Wiper Blades
This one may be complete oversight, however replacing your wiper blades when the cold weather rolls in is vital! When it comes to those early mornings with freezing rain or those thick snow flakes that make it tough to see through as your wipers wipe in fury, you’ll want a good pair of wiper blades. Cue winter wiper blades. Some benefits of winter wiper blades include their tensile strength, durable frame, and quality hinges. Winter wipers are specifically designed to be effective in freezing temperatures. The strong levers will persevere in icy conditions and the rubber wrap exterior can aid in preventing ice build up!
Update Your Winter Emergency Kit
First and foremost, if you don’t have an emergency kit, you should probably invest in one! It’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if you get a minor papercut that is completely unrelated to any sort of vehicle collision or accident, it’ll come in handy.
This is also a great opportunity to assess what you already have in your emergency kit. Did you have to use any materials since the last time you stocked up your kit? Is there anything that has expired or that needs to be replaced. Beyond your standard emergency kit it’s important to pack other emergency supplies such as booster cables, extra oil, a flashlight, and a shovel.
Assess The Body of Your Vehicle
Did you have a bit of a fender bender over the summer? Or maybe you’ve had a small dent or paint scratch that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. Before the temperature continues to drop, call or stop by UCC to get a free repair estimate. We’ll help you drive into the season ahead -dent free!
Safe & Sound
When you’re looking for a body shop to repair your vehicle, only look for the best.
For any more questions about our process, or to book a free estimate, call us at (306)525-6000 or visit us at one of our 3 convenient locations.
