Winter is here: 8 things to do before the next big snowfall

There’s nothing like waking up to a foot of snow covering your car, bundling up for the cold, and tackling a 40-minute commute to work ⁠— oh the joys of winter in Calgary.

Snowstorms here are, well… unpredictable. Just last month, our winter-like weather was partially responsible for 171 non-injury collisions in the city over a single weekend, according to police.

Investing in a little automotive maintenance is a smart way to lower your chances of getting into a collision, which will save you time, money, and maybe even your life when the cold weather hits.

If you’re like some of us and have left this type of thing to the bitter last minute, Mr. Lube has you covered. They offer same-day tire service, and their vehicle technicians are on hand to identify your automotive pain points and help get your vehicle working at peak condition.

Winter tires/Mr. Lube

Here are eight things to check off your to-do list when getting ready for the next snowpocalypse (which is likely coming sooner than we’d want to admit!).

Get your tires checked (and changed)

According to Transport Alberta, once the temperature reaches 7 degrees Celsius or below, it’s time to switch to your winter tires. Winter tires are marked specifically to meet snow traction performance and are designed to work in cold conditions with ice and snow.

This month, Mr. Lube is even giving away a free set of winter tires to help Calgarians stay safe on the road. Contest entry details can be found below. You can stop by any Mr. Lube in Calgary for same-day tire service – no appointment needed! Find one here.

Tire installation/Mr. Lube

Get your vehicle filters cleaned and replaced

Your filters take a beating, especially with the A/C blasting all summer. Ensuring your cabin filter and air filter are clean will prevent dirt from making its way into your engine, while improving the air quality that you breathe on in the inside of your vehicle.

Fix any windshield chips

If your windshield isn’t clear, it’s a dangerous situation for everyone on the road. If you have a chip, get it repaired immediately. A chip rarely stays a chip, and the freezing and thawing of your vehicle can make it spread that much quicker, compromising the integrity of your glass and your vision.

Inspect your brakes

The last thing you want is to hit a patch of black ice and have your breaks fail on you! It’s ideal to get your brakes serviced every 40 to 50km, but getting them checked regularly, especially your brake discs, doesn’t hurt. You never know if they’ve undergone any unusual wear and tear over the summer that might impact their performance.

Top up your fluids

This is a major part of the winterization process! If you’re close to being due for an oil change, it’s recommended you get it done before the cold hits. Making sure your transmission fluid, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid are also topped off will ensure your engine and the inner workings of your car are reliable in extreme temperatures.

Brake fluid/Mr. Lube

Get your car detailed

The inside of your car sees it all: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Give it a refresh by getting it detailed so you can at least start the season off with it dust-free and clean. Consider also installing rubber bucket mats to save your interior from the harmful dirt, grime, and salt that gets carried in over the winter season.

Carry a scraper or shovel in your trunk

If you’re like most Calgarians, you’ll never take this out of your car. However, it’s important to ensure they’re safely stored and in working order. You never want to be stuck, unable to clear off your windows, mirrors, headlights, and license plate. Once you’ve been stranded, you’ll never forget these again (but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that!).

Pack your emergency road kit

Give yourself peace of mind and have a kit with all of your emergency supplies in the back of your car. You never know when this might come in handy. The kit can include items such as a first aid kit, blanket, extra clothing and footwear, paper towels, a flashlight, road salt, jumper cables and more, as advised by Transport Alberta.

Calgary/Mr. Lube

Taking the steps to ensure your car is winterized is a smart proactive approach to the responsibility of driving in the winter. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to find out all the checks and balances that need to be done, or drop into Mr. Lube for an expert opinion and a warranty-approved check-up.

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