Seven things to do to your vehicle before the snow flies...

OIL CHANGE- It’s recommended to change your oil and filter roughly every 5,000 kilometers. Synthetic oil will usually take you to 8,000. Why wait for Old Man Winter to lay a cover over Winnipeg? Get an oil change now.

ANITFREEZE CHECK- Make sure there is a 50/50 antifreeze-water mixture in your vehicle. With living in cold temperatures, this factor determines the life of your vehicle. Your mechanic or and auto specialist can assist you with maintenance of appropriate antifreeze levels.

EMERGENCY CAR KIT- It is recommended that every vehicle should be equipped with an emergency kit in case the unforeseen happens while travelling on Manitoba roads. Pack a flash light, blanket, extra clothes, gloves, hat, candle, jumper cables, shovel, spare tire, first aid kit, and tire changing equipment.

TIRE CHANGE/TIRE PRESSURE- The Winnipeg roads will soon be covered in snow and ice. It is important to consider the purchase of winter tires. They will usually last 5 years and the upside is your summer or all seasons will last you that much longer. Also make sure to check the pressure in your tires is kept at the manufacturer's recommended levels. This is usually found on the door jamb, on the glove compartment door or in the owner's manual.

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WINSHEILD WASHER FLUID- Remember to change your washer fluid before the first major deep freeze. It’s good to use the severe weather up to minus 40 degrees, to ensure your window will be clear. It is also important to flush out old fluid to avoid compromising the concentration of your winter fluid.

WINSHEILD WIPERS- When those mornings arise and you’ve had the car on defrost on for a while; there is nothing more frustrating when your wipers don’t wipe away the melted snow. There is a difference between standard wiper blades, which are excellent for rain, and snow wiper blades, which are self explanatory. Snow wiper blades are available at Canadian Tire.

GET YOUR BATTERY CHECKED- No one wants to be stranded because their battery died, or rather relive the experience if it’s already happened. Check your battery with a volt meter or get a certified tech to check the voltage for you.