How to prepare your car for winter

This article is a helpful winter reminder—a practical checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything before the cold season arrives.

1. Choose the right winter tires and install them on time

Did you know? There are no bad winter tires—only tires that are poorly matched to the vehicle or the driver. Winter tire rubber stays flexible even in extreme cold, improving traction and reducing braking distance. With four identical, well-matched tires, your car maintains optimal stability.

• Follow the legal winter tire installation period, from December 1 to March 15.
• Install your tires as soon as temperatures drop to around 7°C for several consecutive days. Do it early to avoid the rush when the first snowfall arrives.

Here are a few resources to help you choose the right winter tires:

• Check out our Winter Tire Buying Guide to find the ones that suit your vehicle and driving habits.
• Call CAA-Quebec Mobility Advisory Services if you’re a member.
• Ask for help from experts, such as CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Services.

2. Check your car battery and alternator

A vehicle’s electrical system is heavily used during winter. A car battery that is over four years old and shows slow starting or dimming headlights should definitely be tested.

• Have your battery checked during routine maintenance or tire changes.
• Request Battery Service if you are a CAA-Quebec member. A technician will test and replace your battery on-site if needed.
• Choose a CAA Battery. With a 6-year warranty, they are designed to withstand the toughest Canadian winters.
• Read our tips to help extend your car battery’s lifespan.

3. Get a mechanical inspection before winter

Here’s what to check on your car before the cold season:

• Belts and hoses: Watch for cracks, bulges, or leaks that could worsen in cold weather.
• Headlights: Make sure they are clean and fully functional for optimal visibility in snow or fog. Not the case? Consider professional headlight polishing.
• Engine block heater: Ensure the cable and plug are intact and safe.

If you still have doubts, have your vehicle inspected at a CAA-Quebec Vehicle Inspection Centre.

4. Protect your vehicle and its bodywork

A clean, well-protected vehicle withstands winter conditions better and helps limit bodywork wear:

• Clean the inside and outside of your vehicle. For long-lasting protection, apply wax or have the body polished by a professional.
• Get a rustproofing treatment.

5. Make Cold-Weather Starting Easier

These simple steps help your car start more easily in freezing temperatures and protect its mechanical components:

• Keep the fuel tank at least half full and avoid idling for too long.
• Start your vehicle gently without putting too much strain on the engine.
• Use a block heater starting at –5°C to warm the engine and cabin.
• Turn off accessories—ventilation, defrost, radio, etc.—before shutting off the engine. This makes restarting easier, especially since at –30°C, a battery has only about 25% of its capacity.

6. Preserve your electric vehicle battery in winter

Cold temperatures reduce the range of electric vehicles (EV) batteries in winter, making energy savings crucial:

• Ensure a full charge before each trip to maximize range.
• Preheat the cabin while the vehicle is plugged in to save battery power on the road.
• Lower the heat slightly and use eco modes and heated seats when possible.
• Equip your headlights with low-consumption bulbs to reduce battery impact.
• Park indoors and keep the vehicle plugged in, even after it is fully charged.
• Allow extra time for charging—winter charging takes longer.

7. Equip your vehicle with essential winter accessories

Freezing rain, snow, or hail… Make sure your vehicle has the right accessories or a winter emergency kit for extreme weather:

• Snow brush and ice scraper for clearing the windshield
• Moulded winter mats or deep-groove mats to trap water and slush
• Winter windshield wiper blades and cold-weather windshield washer fluid
• Small shovel, flashlight, blanket, and warm clothing
• Salt or grit, booster/jumper cables, traction aids
• Snacks and water bottles for unexpected situations

8. Improve your winter driving skills on snow and ice

Your safety—and that of others—also depends on your ability to control your vehicle on snow and ice.

Several driving schools, including CAA-Quebec Driving Schools, offer winter driving courses for individuals. You will learn winter driving safety lessons such as:  

• Controlled braking and turning on slippery surfaces
• Obstacle avoidance
• Regaining control during a skid

These skills enhance your safety—and your passengers’—throughout the winter season.

9. Plan your trips and prepare for the unexpected

• Check road conditions in Quebec on quebec511 before heading out, and map out alternative routes if needed.
• Keep your CAA-Quebec card with you to access the most comprehensive Roadside Assistance in North America.

Preparing your car for winter means driving more safely

Proper winter preparation—winter tires, mechanical maintenance, and essential accessories—reduces the risk of breakdowns and improves your safety on the road. With good habits and CAA-Quebec resources, you can drive with peace of mind all winter long.Vehicle safety and preparation don’t end with winter. Check out our practical guide: How to prepare your car for summer.