10 Tips for Taking Care of Your Car in the Edmonton Winters
When you live in a city like Edmonton, where winters are synonymous with freezing temperatures, icy roads, and copious snowfall, taking care of your vehicle becomes a paramount concern. The biting cold can be particularly harsh on your vehicle, from its battery and tires to its engine and exterior. Understanding the challenges posed by the season, we’ve crafted a guide to help you keep your car in tip-top shape during Edmonton’s arduous winters, to help you avoid having to make that dreaded visit to buy a replacement car at one of Edmonton’s new car dealerships. Let’s dive right in!
Get Pre-Qualified in Under 60 Seconds
All Credit Approved and 0 Money Down Options Available
1. Invest in Quality Winter Tires:
In Edmonton, winter tires aren’t just an option—they’re a necessity. Designed specifically to retain their flexibility in cold temperatures, these tires provide better grip on icy roads. Before the mercury consistently dips below 7°C (45°F), make the switch. Your vehicle’s stability and your safety depend on it.
2. Battery Upkeep:
Cold temperatures are notorious for sapping the life out of batteries. Perform regular checks to ensure it’s fully charged. A drained battery on a chilly Edmonton morning can spell disaster, leaving you stranded. For added assurance, stow away a portable battery charger in your trunk—it could be a lifesaver during emergencies.
3. Antifreeze is Your Best Friend:
Ensure your car’s coolant system boasts the optimal 50/50 mix of coolant and water to ward off freezing. Besides its primary function of preventing freeze-ups, antifreeze ensures your engine functions efficiently in the biting cold.
4. Windshield Maintenance:
Visibility is vital. Transition to winter wiper blades and switch to cold-weather washer fluid to ensure clear vision. Check that your defrosters are functioning efficiently. After all, a clear windshield isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety.
5. Keep that Fuel Tank Brimming:
A full fuel tank is a double-edged sword. Not only does it thwart the fuel lines from freezing, but it also provides a buffer during unexpected delays, a common occurrence during heavy snowfalls or blizzards.
6. Lubrication is Key:
The last thing you need is your door seals or locks freezing. Regularly lubricate them to ensure seamless access. For the locks, a graphite lubricant does wonders, and for the door seals, opt for a silicone-based product.
7. Wash Away Winter’s Wrath:
With Edmonton’s introduction of salt brine and their use of sand, and other road treatments, while beneficial for de-icing, can wreak havoc on your car’s paint job and undercarriage. Schedule regular car washes, with special emphasis on cleaning the underside, to keep corrosive damage at bay.
8. The Magic of Block Heaters:
If your parking arrangement is outdoors, then a block heater can be your vehicle’s best companion. It pre-warms the engine oil, ensuring smoother starts even in the most frigid conditions.
9. Clear & Bright:
Ensure your vehicle’s lights, both front and back, are free from snow and fully functional. Store an ice scraper and brush in your car—a clear view of the road is non-negotiable for safety.
10. Pack an Emergency Kit:
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Given the unpredictable temperament of Edmonton winters, having a well-stocked emergency kit in your car is wise. Essentials include jumper cables, flashlight, warm blankets, non-perishable food, water, first-aid kit, a compact shovel, and sand or kitty litter to provide traction if you’re stuck. Many used car dealerships in Edmonton will include an emergency kit in your purchase if you ask.
Conclusion:
Braving the Edmonton winters requires more than just a warm jacket—it demands that our vehicles be in their prime to tackle the challenges thrown at them. With regular checks, consistent maintenance, and preparedness, you can ensure your car remains a reliable companion throughout the frosty months and save yourself from having to apply for another car loan in Edmonton.
Stay warm, drive safely, and let your car shine, even in the icy embrace of winter!
1. Invest in Quality Winter Tires:
In Edmonton, winter tires aren’t just an option—they’re a necessity. Designed specifically to retain their flexibility in cold temperatures, these tires provide better grip on icy roads. Before the mercury consistently dips below 7°C (45°F), make the switch. Your vehicle’s stability and your safety depend on it.
2. Battery Upkeep:
Cold temperatures are notorious for sapping the life out of batteries. Perform regular checks to ensure it’s fully charged. A drained battery on a chilly Edmonton morning can spell disaster, leaving you stranded. For added assurance, stow away a portable battery charger in your trunk—it could be a lifesaver during emergencies.
3. Antifreeze is Your Best Friend:
Ensure your car’s coolant system boasts the optimal 50/50 mix of coolant and water to ward off freezing. Besides its primary function of preventing freeze-ups, antifreeze ensures your engine functions efficiently in the biting cold.
4. Windshield Maintenance:
Visibility is vital. Transition to winter wiper blades and switch to cold-weather washer fluid to ensure clear vision. Check that your defrosters are functioning efficiently. After all, a clear windshield isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety.
5. Keep that Fuel Tank Brimming:
A full fuel tank is a double-edged sword. Not only does it thwart the fuel lines from freezing, but it also provides a buffer during unexpected delays, a common occurrence during heavy snowfalls or blizzards.
6. Lubrication is Key:
The last thing you need is your door seals or locks freezing. Regularly lubricate them to ensure seamless access. For the locks, a graphite lubricant does wonders, and for the door seals, opt for a silicone-based product.
7. Wash Away Winter’s Wrath:
With Edmonton’s introduction of salt brine and their use of sand, and other road treatments, while beneficial for de-icing, can wreak havoc on your car’s paint job and undercarriage. Schedule regular car washes, with special emphasis on cleaning the underside, to keep corrosive damage at bay.
8. The Magic of Block Heaters:
If your parking arrangement is outdoors, then a block heater can be your vehicle’s best companion. It pre-warms the engine oil, ensuring smoother starts even in the most frigid conditions.
9. Clear & Bright:
Ensure your vehicle’s lights, both front and back, are free from snow and fully functional. Store an ice scraper and brush in your car—a clear view of the road is non-negotiable for safety.
10. Pack an Emergency Kit:
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Given the unpredictable temperament of Edmonton winters, having a well-stocked emergency kit in your car is wise. Essentials include jumper cables, flashlight, warm blankets, non-perishable food, water, first-aid kit, a compact shovel, and sand or kitty litter to provide traction if you’re stuck. Many used car dealerships in Edmonton will include an emergency kit in your purchase if you ask.
Conclusion:
Braving the Edmonton winters requires more than just a warm jacket—it demands that our vehicles be in their prime to tackle the challenges thrown at them. With regular checks, consistent maintenance, and preparedness, you can ensure your car remains a reliable companion throughout the frosty months and save yourself from having to apply for another car loan in Edmonton.
Stay warm, drive safely, and let your car shine, even in the icy embrace of winter!
1. Invest in Quality Winter Tires:
In Edmonton, winter tires aren’t just an option—they’re a necessity. Designed specifically to retain their flexibility in cold temperatures, these tires provide better grip on icy roads. Before the mercury consistently dips below 7°C (45°F), make the switch. Your vehicle’s stability and your safety depend on it.
2. Battery Upkeep:
Cold temperatures are notorious for sapping the life out of batteries. Perform regular checks to ensure it’s fully charged. A drained battery on a chilly Edmonton morning can spell disaster, leaving you stranded. For added assurance, stow away a portable battery charger in your trunk—it could be a lifesaver during emergencies.
3. Antifreeze is Your Best Friend:
Ensure your car’s coolant system boasts the optimal 50/50 mix of coolant and water to ward off freezing. Besides its primary function of preventing freeze-ups, antifreeze ensures your engine functions efficiently in the biting cold.
4. Windshield Maintenance:
Visibility is vital. Transition to winter wiper blades and switch to cold-weather washer fluid to ensure clear vision. Check that your defrosters are functioning efficiently. After all, a clear windshield isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety.
5. Keep that Fuel Tank Brimming:
A full fuel tank is a double-edged sword. Not only does it thwart the fuel lines from freezing, but it also provides a buffer during unexpected delays, a common occurrence during heavy snowfalls or blizzards.
6. Lubrication is Key:
The last thing you need is your door seals or locks freezing. Regularly lubricate them to ensure seamless access. For the locks, a graphite lubricant does wonders, and for the door seals, opt for a silicone-based product.
7. Wash Away Winter’s Wrath:
With Edmonton’s introduction of salt brine and their use of sand, and other road treatments, while beneficial for de-icing, can wreak havoc on your car’s paint job and undercarriage. Schedule regular car washes, with special emphasis on cleaning the underside, to keep corrosive damage at bay.
8. The Magic of Block Heaters:
If your parking arrangement is outdoors, then a block heater can be your vehicle’s best companion. It pre-warms the engine oil, ensuring smoother starts even in the most frigid conditions.
9. Clear & Bright:
Ensure your vehicle’s lights, both front and back, are free from snow and fully functional. Store an ice scraper and brush in your car—a clear view of the road is non-negotiable for safety.
10. Pack an Emergency Kit:
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Given the unpredictable temperament of Edmonton winters, having a well-stocked emergency kit in your car is wise. Essentials include jumper cables, flashlight, warm blankets, non-perishable food, water, first-aid kit, a compact shovel, and sand or kitty litter to provide traction if you’re stuck. Many used car dealerships in Edmonton will include an emergency kit in your purchase if you ask.
Conclusion:
Braving the Edmonton winters requires more than just a warm jacket—it demands that our vehicles be in their prime to tackle the challenges thrown at them. With regular checks, consistent maintenance, and preparedness, you can ensure your car remains a reliable companion throughout the frosty months and save yourself from having to apply for another car loan in Edmonton.
Stay warm, drive safely, and let your car shine, even in the icy embrace of winter!
