Comprehensive winter guide for you and your car

posted on October 29, 2021

Follow these tips to stay safe and have fun while driving in winter

You’ve got cars in your Turo portfolio, and you want to keep your guests safe by taking all the necessary safety precautions. Maybe you’re a guest who is about to brave through icy, snowy conditions and wants to know how to drive your rental car in the safest way possible. Perhaps you’re not (yet) a member from our community and are just here to make sure you stay well informed and prepared for the winter.

Wherever you’re coming from, this article will give you the information you need to drive safely in Canada as the temperature drops.

Learn everything you need to know about winter tires
How to get your car ready for winter
- Checklist for winter-proofing your car
- How to maintain your car throughout the winter
Get yourself ready for winter driving

Members of the Turo community also have access to exclusive deals on winter products and maintenance services offered by renowned partners.

Is your car winter-ready?

Winter in Canada may be cold, but it’s also quite beautiful, which means you should be able to safely enjoy it instead of waiting for summer to return. The best way to do this is by getting your car winter-ready. Driving in winter is a bit different from driving during other times of year. To start, road conditions are different, impacting your tires’ ability to manage the road. Moreover, the cold weather makes it uncomfortable — even dangerous — to be stranded for long periods of time, necessitating a good and up-to-date emergency kit.

If you know your car’s not ready for winter — or you’re unsure — check out our comprehensive guide with tips and tricks below. If you need a little hand getting your car across the winter-readiness finish line, don’t worry, we have your back. Keep reading till the end for exclusive deals and discounts for the Turo community with renowned partners for winter products and maintenance services.

Whip your wheels into shape: What you need to know about winter tires

Winter tires, also known as snow tires, give you improved traction during cold weather for the following reasons:

Higher natural rubber content: The composition of winter tires keeps them more supple in cold weather, which allows better handling and grip. Summer tires harden in cold weather. Winter tires are best suited for weather under 7 degrees Celsius.
Higher number of sipes: Sipes are grooves in tires that help the tire grip the road more effectively in snowy or icy conditions.
Deeper tread pattern: Did you know one of the best materials for gripping snow is more snow? Winter tires have a deeper tread pattern that gathers and compacts the snow, helping the vehicle move forward on icy and snowy roads.

Keep in mind that in some places, winter tires are mandatory and these mandates have contributed to a decrease in the number of collisions. It’s important to check when you’re required to switch from summer tires to winter tires in your specific province. Even if your province hasn’t made winter tires mandatory, it’s a good idea to put them on. For starters, it’ll increase your safety and, if you’re a host, your guests’ safety. It’ll also increase your bookings from guests who are specifically looking for snow tires. Finally, if your guests want to travel to a province with a snow tire mandate, they can travel comfortably with the knowledge that they’re covered.

When to switch to winter tires in Quebec

In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15, inclusive. This mandate applies to all vehicles driven in the province – whether rented or shared. Drivers who don’t have winter tires during this period could face fines from $200 to $300. Despite the December 1 start date, the province recommends switching to winter tires earlier if cold weather conditions arrive quickly. Make sure to set yourself (and your guests, if you are a Turo host) up for success by switching to winter tires early in the season.

When to switch to winter tires in Ontario

Winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario, although they are highly recommended. That said, the province requires all insurance companies to offer a discount for those who add winter tires. The province didn’t mandate it to avoid placing a burden on consumers who don’t drive often in the winter. The government also believes its snow clearing processes are effective enough to keep drivers safe. That said, experts recommend winter tires combined with other winter vehicle preparedness methods and defensive driving techniques. What’s more, winter tires can reduce a vehicle’s braking distance by up to 25 percent!

When to switch to winter tires in Alberta

At the moment, winter tires are not mandatory in Alberta, and the government advises drivers to keep their vehicle’s capabilities in mind when deciding whether to drive. One survey from the Alberta Motor Association found that 68 percent of AMA members use winter tires and half support making them mandatory. So while you don’t have to switch to winter tires in Alberta, it’s still a good idea.

When to switch to winter tires in British Columbia

Winter tires are mandatory in British Columbia, but the rules are a bit more complicated than in Quebec. Generally speaking, winter tires or chains are mandatory from October 1 to April 30. That time period is shorter for certain routes. Specific highways not located in mountain passes or high snowfall areas require winter tires from October 1 to March 31 instead. The government marks these routes with specific signs. There are some places with temperate winter climates that don’t require winter tires or chains.

When to switch to winter tires in Nova Scotia

Winter tires are not mandatory in Nova Scotia. At the same time, it’s a good idea to have winter tires on your vehicles in Nova Scotia, because of the unpredictable nature of the weather and the shift between snow, rain, and freezing rain.

How do you choose winter tires?

Getting winter tires is a good idea, but once you’ve made the decision to get them, how do you choose the best ones?

First, let’s talk about two important parts of your tires: the tire, aka the black rubber “donut”, and the wheel or rim which is the structure that the tire wraps around or the thing in the centre of the black rubber donut. If you buy winter tires, you can either buy just the tire or you can buy both the tire and the rim. If you buy just the tire, you’ll save money, but you’ll have to give up some time setting it up with your rims. When you buy the entire structure, it’s easier to make the switch. Keep in mind as well that if your car has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) you’ll have to pay extra to get this set up with your winter tires.

Second, shop early and look for the winter tire logo. Transport Canada says that a winter tire has to be marked with a logo that has a snowflake within a three-peaked mountain. If you want extra protection, you can buy studded winter tires, but keep in mind that they are noisy, can damage pavement, and are prohibited in some areas. Unless you have the time, money, and know-how to continually switch your winter tires based on where you’re driving, it’s best to buy non-studded snow tires.

Are all-season tires good for winter?

Technically, you can use all-weather tires in the winter and be compliant with provincial mandates, but they do not provide the same level of protection in extreme winter weather conditions. If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall and extreme cold, it’s best to opt for winter tires. While all-season tires are convenient (you don’t have to swap them out come winter), they won’t offer peace of mind when you’re slowly inching through traffic after a big snowfall. Keep in mind that winter tires have a stopping distance 30 to 40 percent better than all-season tires. This can be a life-or-death difference.

What are the best winter tires?

What should you look for in your winter tires? There are specific features you should keep an eye out for when shopping for winter tires:

Look for the right logo: Look for the logo with the snowflake surrounded by a three-pointed mountain. That said, this is just to ensure you’re legally compliant, so make sure you’re choosing winter tires with this logo.
Rubber compound: While shopping, don’t just look at the tread pattern, look at the rubber compound. In extreme cold weather, the rubber of an all-season or summer tire hardens, making it difficult to grip the road. On the other hand, the rubber of winter tires remain supple and wrap itself around minute protrusions in the road, providing greater traction.
Look for narrower tires: Your winter tires should be narrower than your summer tires. Experts recommend going down one or two sizes when shopping for winter tires. This helps increase the pressure exerted on the road surface.
Don’t worry about extremely deep treads: Older models of winter tires have deep grooves which make a lot of noise. Today’s wheels have grooves closer together that carry away the water built up when the tire presses against the snow or ice.

How do you maintain and store your winter tires?

Your winter tires take care of you, so it’s a good idea to take care of them in return. Not only will this keep you safe, it’ll also save you money by not forcing you to buy new winter tires more frequently than you need to. Here are a few tips for maintaining those winter wheels:

Conduct regular inspections: Check your tire pressure regularly. Driving with poorly inflated tires can make it harder to handle your car and affect your fuel economy.
Practice good summer storage: Once the temperature goes up again, put your tires in a dry, cool environment, so they’re not exposed to direct heat. Extreme heat can undermine the integrity of the tires and cause them to crack.
Buy a set of tire covers: Putting your winter tires in covers can help protect your investment when they’re not in use.
Get a professional inspection: While you can do regular inspections on your own, invest in a professional inspection at the beginning of each season before you put your winter tires on. All Turo hosts in the US and Canada must get an annual vehicle safety inspection from a qualified mechanic.

How long do winter tires last?

If you drive about 20,000 to 25,000 kilometres per year and drive in an area with about four months of winter road conditions, you can expect your winter tires to last anywhere from four to five seasons. Keep in mind that this can vary based on how well you maintain your tires and the specific brand you buy.

Myths about winter tires

With confusion about the different brands available and the added cost of winter tires, there are a lot of myths that circulate around them. Here are a few to keep your eye out for:

MYTH: You only need to use 2 winter tires: Putting only two winter tires on your car can limit your ability to control your vehicle. This isn’t a time to save money. Switch all four wheels to winter tires.
MYTH: Winter tires decrease fuel efficiency: When winter tires are used in winter, they improve several elements of your driving including traction and maneuverability, allowing your engine to do less work. This means that it’s more fuel efficient. On the other hand, keeping winter tires on in the summer can reduce your fuel efficiency. The level of impact on your gas mileage will depend on the type of winter tire you buy and factors such as whether they’re studded. So long as you use your winter tires in winter, your fuel efficiency should be fine.
MYTH: I can use winter tires in the summer. While it would save time and money to just use winter tires all year round, this is a bad idea. Using your winter tires in the summer can impact your car’s performance, reduce fuel efficiency, and cut down the longevity of your winter tires.

Be prepared: How to get your car ready for winter

Putting on winter tires is the most obvious and popular way to prep your car for winter. But there are a number of other ways you can button up your vehicle for the colder weather. Book an appointment with a professional and ensure your car is in good shape for cold weather conditions.

Winter proofing your car

Fix any burnt out car lights: Winter brings shorter days which means decreased visibility. Get any burnt out lights back on as soon as possible, as they are not only important for your safety during day and night driving but also might be subject to fines if left unattended.
Get a fresh oil change: Having a fresh oil change can give your vehicle the performance boost it needs in the winter. Some makes and models recommend oil with a different viscosity to improve protection and performance in colder climates.
Inspect your battery: One of the most common problems in the winter is no-starts. When your vehicle doesn’t start on that frosty morning it’s likely due to your battery lacking “cold cranking amps.” So be sure to have your battery inspected and metered before winter.
Double check your steering, suspension, and belt: Oftentimes steering and suspension can become loose or damaged. It isn’t until the colder months when we notice it most or it becomes a hindrance to safety. Poor suspension inhibits the control you have in your vehicle when driving through inclement weather or over chunks of snow and ice.
Check your brakes: Aside from your tires, nothing is more important than the condition of your brakes when it comes to stopping in snow, slush, and ice. The three components that should be inspected and tested are your brake pads, brake rotors (or brake drums) and the calipers. Brake pads should be even wear on both sides and over 3mm thick. Anything else and it’s time to consider changing. Rotors should be smooth and without grooves and rust.
Replace cracked windshields: When it gets cold out, the outside of the windshield, which is exposed to the cold, and the inside of the windshield, which is protected and exposed to your car’s heating system, wind up with two different temperatures. This creates a tension that puts pressure on any small cracks in your windshield. The result? Your windshield might shatter unexpectedly. Inspect your windshield for any cracks and make sure to get it replaced before winter arrives.
Invest in rustproofing: Aside from the safety concerns winter poses, it is also hard on your vehicle’s longevity and resale value. The salt and slush on the roads cause harmful rust on metal parts and components which can lead to degradation, damage, and potential failure over time. Rustproofing can prevent a variety of costly repairs, such as fuel line corrosion, and it can prolong the life of your vehicle’s frame and metal components. A drip less formula is usually recommended to give your vehicle protection without leaving a mess.
Stock up your emergency kit: An emergency kit is important all-year round, but it’s especially important in the winter. Be sure to pack a snow brush and scraper, a retractable shovel (to save space in your vehicle), a flashlight, a blanket and warm clothes in case you’re waiting for help for a long time), cat litter or sand bags to help get your car moving again if you get stuck, rags, booster cables, windshield washer fluid, water, and dry snacks like granola bars.

Maintaining your car throughout the winter

Winter proofing your car is a great way to start the cold season. At the same time, your work doesn’t end there. It’s important to also take good care of your vehicle all winter long.

Invest in a car cover: A car cover can help you protect your car from the elements. It’ll also make your life easier. Instead of trying to pry open a frozen door or take snow off your windows, you can just remove the car cover and be on your way.
Washing your car: Washing your car can feel like a waste of time in the winter. The minute you clean it, it’s dirty again. That said, regularly washing your car in winter can have more than just aesthetic benefits. Experts recommend washing your car every one to two weeks in winter. This is because the salt that’s used to keep you safe on the road sticks to your vehicle and leads to rust. Be sure to wash the undercarriage. If you use a drive-through car wash, you’ll need to check whether they offer this, although they may charge extra.
Clean salt off your car carpet: An inexpensive way to clean salt stains off your car carpet is to mix equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a spray bottle or bucket, pour or spray it over the dirty area of the carpet, let the solution sit for a bit, then use a dry paper towel or sponge to sop the excess solution up before using a vacuum to polish things off.

Self care: Getting yourself ready for winter driving

Getting yourself ready for winter driving is just as important as getting your car ready. A good, attentive driver that is mindful of the road and practices defensive driving techniques can play a significant role in preventing collisions. A mindful car owner can also prevent damaging their car by treating it well in cold weather.

Starting your car in the winter

Here are a few best practices you can follow for starting your car in the winter.

Check your owner’s manual: Every car will have its own characteristics, so read your owner’s manual for any special information you need.
Give it 10 seconds: If you’re trying to start your car, keep in mind that it shouldn’t take longer than 8 or 10 seconds.
Depress the accelerator if not starting: If your car’s not starting after 10 seconds, wait 30 seconds and then try again while keeping the accelerator fully depressed. This will help you avoid flooding the engine.
Call for help: If you go through this cycle four times, and the car still doesn’t start, your best bet is to call for help.

Tips for driving your car in the winter

Driving in winter is a bit different from driving during other times of the year. For one thing, the road is slippery which makes it harder to maintain control over your car. Even if you are a good winter driver, you need to be mindful of other drivers who don’t have an equal amount of skill and get nervous on the road. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while driving this winter.

Be smooth: Avoid making jerky movements with the steering wheel, accelerator, or brakes since every sudden movement like this can loosen the wheel’s hold to the road.
Keep your eyes ahead: The more snowy and icy the roads are, the further ahead you should look. You’ll need double the stopping distance and time to anticipate what you’ll do for different scenarios. For instance, if you’re coming to a turn, you’ll need to slow down much more and earlier than you would while driving in the summer.
Keep an eye on the light: Depending on what car you drive, there might be a stability control indicator that flashes if your car feels the tires losing traction. This is a helpful early warning sign to take it easy with the accelerator.
Look where you want to go: If you feel yourself losing traction, avoid the temptation to look at the thing you want to avoid hitting. Instead, look at where you want to go.
Know what to do when you hit a skid: Going into a front-wheel skid? Ease off the gas. Experiencing a rear-wheel skid? Quickly turn the steering wheel in the direction that the rear of the car is sliding. For any skid, keep your wheels pointed in the direction you want to go.
Hit the brakes, keep steering: If you’re in a really bad skid and you need to avoid hitting something, push the brakes hard and keep steering around your obstacle while the anti-lock brake system (ABS) does the rest.
Remove snow from windows and roof: Clear the snow off your windows and windshield before driving. Don’t forget to clear the roof, too, since this snow can fall onto your windshield and obstruct your vision while driving. It can also obstruct the vision of the drivers behind you.
Use your windshield wipers and lights: If you’re driving while there are flurries, use your windshield wipers to remove the snow while you drive, and turn your lights on so other drivers see you’re there.

What are the best vehicles for winter driving?

If you’re in the market for a new car and you live in an area that gets hit hard by winter, you might want to consider buying the following types of cars. You can also keep an eye out for cars with these features while looking for a car on Turo. Our marketplace offers hundreds of cars in Canada that are perfect for driving in the winter.

Keep in mind, however, that even if you don’t have one of these kinds of cars, a good set of winter tires can provide exceptional protection during the colder months, no matter which vehicle you’ve got.

Windshield wiper defrosters: These great wipers melt off the snow as it hits your windshield.
Heated steering wheel: This helps you maintain greater control over your steering wheel without the barrier of gloves or mittens.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Most cars made in the past 10 years have ABS. This helps prevent your brakes from locking up while driving.
All-wheel drive: You get power to all four wheels of your car, allowing for better control while driving, which is especially useful when you’re driving through snow.
Traction control system: This helps you accelerate without losing traction which is helpful on icy roads.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in winter

Equipping your car with winter tires and an emergency kit as well as brushing up on some winter driving techniques are smart things to do before winter comes around. Not only can it save you money, it can also save you from life-threatening collisions. If you’re a host, update your listing by highlighting all the winter driving features your vehicle offers. You can even add items like snow brushes and an emergency kit as Extras. If you’re a guest, use the advanced search feature to find cars with the winter driving equipment you need.

Here’s to a safe winter driving season!

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