We are still in November, but winter has already arrived, at least in Montreal. In 2015, snow started on Dec 29th, in 2016, almost a month earlier, on Dec 4th, and now, it is already here. Winter Tire replacement lines are 1 or 2 weeks long either in Canadian Tire and small mechanic shops all around the city.
With the arrival of the winter, there are many things you need to take care of to "survive" or at least, get used to the next 4 months of difficult weather conditions. The purpose of this article is to serve as a guideline for other articles that I strongly suggest you read for a safe transition from the Fall to the next Spring.
Tires are Crucial
Your tires are the most critical physical piece that your car needs to respond safely. Although not mandatory in all Canadian provinces, you need to know that if there is a small chance that you drive on top of snow or ice, you must have winter tires.
You will have to change 2 times a year: when Sprint starts and when winter shows up again:
Drive with Your Mind in "Winter Mode"
And this is the second most important part, the non-physical piece for a safe driving experience: your driving habits. I've talked a lot about these, so I will just redirect you to those specific articles:
Additionally, if you are looking for a new car right now, this guide of Best Performing Winter Cars will help you have a reliable reference right away.
Prepare for It
The more you prepare, the better it will result for you. The following is a list of a lot of tips and recommendations from personal experiences that have helped me to "see" winter as any other season. With many particularities, but a lot of small secondary details that, if you are just aware of, won't make any of your mornings, a "winter nightmare":
- Winter Is Coming and Car Snow Shelters are Ready
- How To Deal with Your Car After a Snowstorm
- 3 Tips to avoid getting towed during Snow Removal
- Why You Should Get a Remote Starter in Canada
- What To Do If You Get Stuck in Snow/Ice
- My car has been towed. How do I recover it?
Learn from other people experience, ask them what to do, search on Youtube for pieces of advice, and enjoy this beautiful and unique season from the safety of your wheel.
