Are you ready for winter? Is your battery?
Have you tested your battery to make sure your car will start on those cold winter mornings? Is your winter kit ready? Are your winter tires installed? Enough with the dilly-dallying. Winter is coming! Here are some tips to help you get ready.
Did you know that your battery is worn down not by cold but by heat? It’s the kind of thing that creeps up on you, because a weak battery will keep working when the weather’s mild, only to fold the first morning the mercury drops to -20°C. Batteries don't perform as well in the cold, so if yours is weak, it won't be able to supply your frozen motor with the energy it needs to turn over.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have your battery tested before winter starts, ideally when you bring your vehicle in for routine maintenance or have your winter tires installed (to save time). If your battery is weak, replace it before the cold hits. That way, you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises. Did you know that CAA-Quebec’s Mobile Battery Service can come to you at home or even in the parking lot at work to change your battery?
Have your battery tested for free in Quebec City or Lévis on October 27
CAA-Quebec is holding four free battery checkup clinics in partnership with Couche-Tard on Sunday, October 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 665 avenue Taniata, Lévis (just off Highway 20)
- 899 boulevard Lebourgneuf, Quebec City (on the corner of Boulevard Pierre-Bertrand)
- 1000 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Quebec City (on the corner of Boulevard Pierre-Bertrand)
- 2940 boulevard Laurier, Quebec City (between Avenue Lavigerie and Route de l’Église)
Rolling through winter with an electric vehicle
Electric vehicles (EV) need to be readied for winter, too! Your 12‑volt battery is an essential vehicle component, so it’s not a bad idea to have it tested. You’ll also want to read your vehicle manual to learn about preheating options and how to maximize your vehicle’s range. One of the great things about EVs is that they start more easily in the cold than conventional vehicles. But they do lose range in cold weather (some models much more so than others). On a regular day, that shouldn’t be a problem, especially with the latest models, which have ranges running from 300 to 400 km. But it is something you’ll need to take into account on longer trips.
Have your electric or hybrid vehicle battery tested on November 2 in Quebec City
Come and talk to one of our Automotive Advisory Service experts and get the traction battery on your electric or hybrid vehicle tested! Not every garage offers this service, but an accurate battery reading is essential if you want to know how your vehicle is doing and what the current resale value is. CAA-Quebec has tools for testing the batteries of virtually all electric and hybrid vehicles on the market. Come and see us on November 2 from 8 a.m. to noon in the CAA-Quebec parking lot at 8000 Armand-Viau in Quebec City.
Winter tires: Book your appointment today!
This year, you only have until December 1 to have your winter tires installed, which means garages are in a bit of a crunch. CAA-Quebec strongly recommends you make an appointment with a trusted mechanic or in an Approved Auto Repair Service location as soon as possible to avoid being left out in the cold!
In addition to winter tires, it’s also time to get out your winter floor mats and prepare your winter kit, which should include at least the following items:
- A snow brush and scraper
- Windshield wiper fluid
- Traction aids
- A blanket
- A shovel
- A flashlight
4 tips for starting your car in the winter
- Plug your block heater in three hours before you leave or preheat your EV.
- Use synthetic oil. It’s better for your motor, especially in the winter.
- Car won’t start? Wait 30 seconds before you try again, and stop after four tries. For more information, see your owner’s manual.
- Avoid short trips since they're hard on your battery, motor, and drivetrain.
Still have questions? Browse the rest of CAA-Quebec’s tips and tricks to make winter driving easier.