Aerial view of winter road with car and snow covered trees in the forest

Home for the holidays

By: CAA North & East Ontario
Published Date:
Modified Date: September 16, 2024

1 Minute Read

Coming home for Christmas? If you're driving, make sure your car is winter-ready. 

Tires

Winter tires are recommended for areas where temperatures regularly fall below 7⁰C. They're made to give you better traction in cold weather. Don't forget to check your tire pressure. Driving on underinflated tires can cause them to wear down and lose traction on icy or slippery roads. 

Battery

Don't wait for a cold snap. CAA's Mobile Battery Service will come test, replace and recycle your battery. Visit caaneo.ca/battery for details. 

Fuel

Keeping your fuel tank at least half full helps your car run smoothly and makes sure you won't be stuck in case of an accident or delay.  

You can save on fuel every time you fill up at a Shell station with a CAA Membership. Just insert your CAA Membership card at the pump or swipe your card in-store and you'll save 3¢/L. You'll also get 10% off car washes and products in-store. *Conditions apply at nearby participating locations. Fuel up faster with the Shell App and pay from your phone by using Shell EasyPay™ in the Shell app. You can also use it to locate nearby stations. 

Windshield

If you must park outside, pay attention to the weather forecast. When the forecast predicts freezing rain and ice, consider covering your windshield with a specialized tarp that helps protect the glass. Or use an ice scraper to remove ice, snow, or frost – don't rely on your wiper blades to do it. 

Regular maintenance checks

Regular maintenance will ensure your vehicle is ready to go, wherever the road is going to take you this winter. Find a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service facility at caaneo.ca/findgarage.  

Emergency must-haves

  • Micro-fibre emergency blanket
  • Snow shovel
  • Booster cables
  • Emergency candle
  • Ice scraper
  • Flashlight
  • Multi-function pocketknife
  • First aid essentials

Get all of these items and more in the new CAA Winter Hazard Kit. Available at CAA Stores. Visit caaneo.ca/hazardkit for details.