With cold weather already here and snow beginning to settle in, now is the perfect time to make sure your home and vehicle are fully prepared for the months ahead. Even if winter has already shown up, these steps can help you stay safe, warm, and worry free.
Winterizing Your Vehicle
Install Winter Tires
If you haven’t installed your winter tires yet, now’s the time. They offer far better traction on snow and ice, keeping you safer on slippery roads. Remember to inform your insurance company once they’re on, many providers offer a small discount for using winter tires.
Replace Old Wiper Blades & Refill Washer Fluid
Snow and slush can make visibility challenging, so make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. If they’re worn, replace them now to avoid struggling during a storm. Refill your washer fluid with a winter “de-icer” mix to help clear frost and salt spray on cold mornings.
Get an Oil Change & Battery Check
Colder temperatures put extra strain on your vehicle. If you’re due, or nearly due, for an oil change, book it now and ask your mechanic to test your battery’s health. A weak battery is far more likely to fail in freezing weather.
Floor Mats, Snow Brush, Gloves & Other Essentials
If you haven’t switched to winter floor mats yet, doing so will protect your vehicle’s interior from snow, salt, and slush. Keep winter must haves in your car like gloves, a snow brush, sunglasses for glare, and a small shovel for unexpected snowbanks.
Buy or Build a Roadside Emergency Kit
It’s never too late to stock up on emergency supplies. Whether you buy a kit or assemble your own, it’s an essential part of winter driving. Check out our blog post HERE for must have items.
You may also want to consider CAA (Canadian Automobile Association) roadside assistance. Their battery service, flat tire help, fuel delivery, lockout support, and towing can be invaluable when winter weather causes problems.
Winterizing Your Home
Check & Clear Gutter
If you haven’t already, clear your gutters to help melting snow drain properly and reduce the risk of ice dams, icicles, and slippery frozen patches.
Drain Outdoor Water Hoses & Faucets
If outdoor hoses are still connected, disconnect and drain them now. Shut off exterior water lines to prevent frozen pipes, unless you have freeze-resistant hose bibs.
Know How to Shut Off Utilities
Take a moment to review how to shut off your home’s gas, electricity, and water. If an emergency occurs this winter, you’ll be glad you’re prepared.
Inspect Weather Stripping
Cold drafts creeping in? Check the weather stripping around your doors and windows. Replace any worn sections to keep warm air inside and lower your heating costs.
Clean Your Fireplace
If you plan on using your gas or wood burning fireplace this season, have it cleaned or inspected to ensure it’s safe and working efficiently.
Check Furnace & Hot Water Tank Intake/Exhaust Pipes
Regularly check that the intake and exhaust pipes outside your home are clear of snow, ice, and debris. Blocked vents can affect heating performance and increase the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
Also consider inspecting your air ducts and keeping up with furnace filter changes to help everything run smoothly.
Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Now is a great time to test your CO detectors and replace batteries if needed. If you don’t have one, it’s strongly recommended, carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and extremely dangerous.
With winter already underway, keeping up with these tasks will help protect your home and vehicle and ensure you stay comfortable and safe throughout the season.
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