Manitoba is known for cold and snow in the winter months, as well as poor driving conditions, so CAA Manitoba is reminding drivers to prepare now.
“Now is the time for motorists to get their winter tires on, check the health of their car battery, and make sure they have an emergency car kit in their vehicle,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “We want to ensure Manitobans are as ready as possible to drive safely this Winter.”
CAA Manitoba says:
Test your car battery. If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent of its charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. Make sure you ask for a battery health check when you next perform maintenance on your car. For a listing of CAA’s Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS), please visit Approved Auto Repair Service – CAA Manitoba.
Install winter tires for better traction. On cold and snowy roads, winter tires can help reduce your braking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Dec. 12 to have our mobile tire service change them at home for a fee.
Ensure you have an emergency car kit. Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. You should also add extra mitts, hats, socks, and footwear to your emergency kit.
Have your brakes checked. If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding.
Check your block heater. When you park, is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires?
Check your lighting system. Ensure all your interior and exterior lights are functioning properly. Also, check that your headlights are aimed correctly for safe driving.
Top up your fluids. Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full.
Inspect your wiper blades. If you notice streaking on the windshield, check the condition of your blades for fraying or cracking. Remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones.
Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools. Keep an ice scraper, a small shovel and a snow brush handy in your car at all times.
Some additional ways to be prepared include:
Keep a cell phone battery bank and a charging cable connected to your vehicle.
Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle, so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded.
Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area.
Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving for a longer trip.
For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our winter driving page at Home – CAA Manitoba
