Taking a few precautions can help ensure your vehicle gets you safely where you need to go in the cold and snow, Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Robert Vessey says.

“Winter weather is returning to the Island, so if you must venture out when the mercury drops, give your vehicle some extra time and attention,” Minister Vessey said. “For your safety and the safety of everyone traveling our roadways, please make sure your vehicle is cleared of snow – including the windows, headlights, and licence plate – before driving.”

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA), through its “Be Car Care Aware program,” has some tips to keep your vehicle ready for winter – whenever it hits.

Keep your gas tank half full – The air volume in your tank contains moisture that can freeze your fuel lines in cold temperatures. Keeping your fuel tank at least half full over the winter months will help prevent this freezing by limiting the air volume in the tank.

Check your battery – Your battery should be changed every three to five years, so if you’re having problems with starting your vehicle or with stalling, consider changing your battery. You should also make sure the connections are tight and corrosion free, and don’t charge or jump-start your battery if it’s frozen due to the risk of a rupture or explosion.

Switch to a winter-weight oil – In cold temperatures, your oil tends to thicken, preventing it from effectively lubricating your engine. To avoid engine trouble, check your owner’s manual for the recommended type of cold weather oil and switch to a more viscous formulation.

Use the right amount of antifreeze – It’s important to keep the right ratio of antifreeze and water in your radiator to prevent your coolant from freezing in cold weather. A 50:50 ratio is accepted as the norm, so consider using a pre-mixed solution to avoid getting the ratio wrong and to ensure that your engine runs effectively.

Check your defroster – When the temperature drops, moisture in your vehicle condenses on your windows and impedes your visibility. Be sure to check that your defroster, which blows warm dry air on the glass, is in good working order; if you find that you’re still having problems with condensation, check the gaskets around your windows and doors for leaks.

Replace your heater coil – In Canada’s harsh climate, a working heater is a must in your vehicle to stave off shivers. If your heater is not working properly, chances are you need to replace your heater coil. Though this can be an expensive repair, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

Let your car warm up – Let your engine warm up before hitting the road in extreme cold to avoid grinding gears or undue stress on your engine. Just make sure to do it in an open space.

Wax your headlights – To ensure optimal visibility, consider cleaning off your headlights, coating them with car wax, and then buffing the wax off. The resulting slippery surface will help to prevent frozen build-up.

For more on keeping your car in top winter condition, visit the AIA at www.BeCarCareAware .