When winter approaches it brings low temperatures, rapid changes in the weather, more rain, more snow and other inclement weather. The road quickly becomes more complex and drivers have to pay attention to the maintenance of their vehicles.

Here are some tips to help deal with winter driving:

• Windshield wipers frozen in place>
  It is not uncommon to find your wiper blades stuck on the windshield by snow and ice. Do not rinse it directly with hot water. This can easily cause the windshield to crack from the thermal shock and the wipers to deform. The safest method is to start the car, turn on the windshield defroster, and gently heat up the windshield to free the wiper blades!
• Antifreeze levels
  Make sure your antifreeze levels are well maintained and the fluid has not degraded.
• Keeping your windshield clean
  Keeping the windshield clear is essential for safe driving. Test your wipers regularly during the winter to ensure they are functioning when needed. Keep your windshield wiper fluid levels topped up as levels can deplete quickly in slushy weather.
• Protect your cars body
  There are many different coatings that help your car’s body withstand the winter elements – ice, snow, rain, and salt. While road salt keeps us safe and helps avoid skidding/sliding, the salt can ve very harmful to your car. Take advantage of the occasional mild and sunny winter day to wash the salt off your car!
• Dont forget about the chassis
  While we seldom see what is occuring on the bottom of our car, the chassis takes the most punishment from the harsh winter elements. Applying undercoating to your car’s chasis provides much needed protection!
• Batteries dont do well in the cold
  The reliability of your battery is directly impacted by winters low temperatures. If your battery is not as good as new, a severe cold snap can result in your car not starting and leaving you stranded on the road or late to leave home. Make sure your battery is up to snuff and consider using a block heater if your vehicle is parked in the extreme cold for a prolonged period. If the vehicle is not used for a few weeks, the battery should be removed and stored in a warmer room to prevent the battery from freezing.
• Your tires perform differently in the cold
  Generally, tire rubber will become hard and relatively brittle in winter, reducing the coefficient of friction, and making it is easy for the vehicle to slip and cause traffic accidents. Snow tires provide an added level of protection for winter driving.