The following are things that should be done to properly winterize your vehicle:

The following are things that should be done to properly summerize your vehicle:

Do I need different washer fluid in the summer than in the winter?

Probably. Summer washer fluid is good for a range of temperatures, but in the winter it can freeze up, damaging your washer systems, and in cold temperatures, can freeze up when it hits your windshield, creating a dangerous situation. Winter washer fluids, on the other hand, are designed to stay liquid in very cold temperatures, and also to effectively melt any ice buildup on your windshield, improving visibility and making for a safer ride.

If I have all-season tires, do I really need snow tires?

In Canada, absolutely. Winter tires do more than just help when there is snow on the ground, they are made from a different rubber compound that helps them grip to cold asphalt. The more aggressive tread pattern also helps to move snow and ice out of the way and increase contact with the road.

Why don’t I just drive on snow tires all year?

Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound than all-season tires, so that they do a better job of sticking to the road when temperatures dip. This softer rubber is great in the winter, but in the summer your winter tires will run too hot, and the tread will wear down much faster than all seasons. Also, the chunkier tread pattern is less fuel efficient, so get your all season tires back on when the temperature starts to climb.

When should I winterize my vehicle?

When to winterize your vehicle depends on the climate in your specific region. In Toronto, it’s a good idea to start thinking about winterizing your vehicle after Canadian Thanksgiving, so that you’ve got everything in place before the first cold weather and snowfall.