Calgary winters are tough on vehicles—cold starts, thick fluids, icy roads, potholes, and road salt can all turn small issues into big problems. The good news: a few smart checks before (and during) winter can help prevent no-start mornings, loss of traction, overheating/no-heat problems, and premature wear.
Here’s the simple “why” and “what” of winter maintenance—written for everyday drivers.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters (Especially in Alberta)
Winter changes how your car behaves:
-
Cold reduces battery power and makes engines harder to crank.
-
Tire pressure drops with temperature, reducing traction and increasing wear.
-
Road salt accelerates rust, especially on brake and suspension components.
-
Potholes and icy impacts can knock alignment out and damage steering parts.
-
Visibility gets worse (salt spray + short daylight), so wipers/lights matter more.
If you only do one thing: get ahead of issues before the first deep freeze.
What to Check for Winter (The Complete Checklist)
1) Battery & Charging System
What to do
-
Battery test (health + cold cranking power)
-
Clean/tighten terminals and check for corrosion
-
Confirm alternator charging properly
Why it matters
A battery that “seems fine” in fall can fail instantly when temperatures drop. Winter is prime time for no-start calls.
2) Winter Tires and Tire Pressure
What to do
-
Install winter tires with safe tread depth
-
Check tire pressure regularly (especially after major temperature swings)
-
Inspect for uneven wear, cracks, or sidewall damage
Why it matters
Tires are your traction, braking, and steering. Low pressure reduces grip and can cause irregular wear—plus it affects fuel economy.
3) Brakes (Pads, Rotors, and Slide Pins)
What to do
-
Measure brake pad thickness and rotor condition
-
Check for rust build-up and seized/sticking calipers
-
Service/lube slide pins if needed
Why it matters
Salt and slush accelerate corrosion. Sticking brake components can cause pulling, vibrations, overheating, and uneven wear.
4) Coolant / Antifreeze (Freeze Protection)
What to do
-
Test coolant freeze point and condition
-
Inspect for leaks (hoses, clamps, radiator, water pump area)
-
Confirm the cooling fans operate correctly
Why it matters
Old or weak coolant can freeze or lose corrosion protection. Cooling system problems also cause no heat, overheating, or leaks.
5) Engine Oil (Right Level + Right Spec)
What to do
-
Keep oil at the correct level
-
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil viscosity for winter
-
Fix oil leaks early
Why it matters
Cold oil thickens and the engine works harder at start-up. Proper oil helps reduce wear and improves cold-start performance.
6) Heater & Defrost (Safety Feature, Not a Luxury)
What to do
-
Confirm cabin heat is hot and consistent
-
Verify front and rear defrost clear quickly
-
Replace a clogged cabin air filter if airflow is weak
Why it matters
If defrost can’t keep up, visibility becomes a safety hazard. Many “no heat” complaints tie back to low coolant, air pockets, or thermostat issues.
7) Wipers, Washer Fluid, and Visibility
What to do
-
Replace streaking or skipping wiper blades
-
Use true winter-rated washer fluid
-
Clean inside windshield glass (reduces fogging)
Why it matters
Road spray can coat the windshield instantly. Good wipers + proper washer fluid make a huge difference in winter driving.
8) Lights (Short Days = More Night Driving)
What to do
-
Check headlights, brake lights, signals, and reverse lights
-
Clean headlight lenses if they’re hazy
Why it matters
You need to see—and be seen—more in winter. Dim/hazy lenses and burnt bulbs are common and easy to fix.
9) Suspension, Steering & Alignment (Pothole Season)
What to do
-
Inspect ball joints, tie rods, control arms, wheel bearings, shocks/struts
-
Check alignment if you notice pulling or uneven tire wear
-
Listen for clunks over bumps
Why it matters
Winter potholes can damage steering and suspension fast. Ignoring early signs can shorten tire life and affect handling.
10) Rust Prevention & Undercarriage Care
What to do
-
Wash the undercarriage regularly (especially after slushy days)
-
Inspect brake lines, exhaust hangers, and vulnerable areas
Why it matters
Salt doesn’t just look ugly—it shortens the life of key parts underneath your vehicle.
Quick Winter Maintenance Checklist (Copy/Paste)
-
✅ Battery + charging system test
-
✅ Winter tires + tire pressure check
-
✅ Brake inspection (pads/rotors/slides)
-
✅ Coolant freeze-point test + leak check
-
✅ Oil level + correct oil spec
-
✅ Heat + defrost performance check
-
✅ Wipers + winter washer fluid
-
✅ Lights check
-
✅ Suspension + alignment check
-
✅ Undercarriage wash plan
