This year, the temperatures and the weather has been a little unpredictable.  And, while the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a mild winter in Canada, it still remains to be seen if we’ll see this type of winter.

Either way, it’s always a good idea to get the car prepared to remain reliable regardless of what we experience during the upcoming months.  Let’s start by looking at the garage renovation or lack thereof.

Park Your Vehicle Inside the Garage

When preparing your vehicle for winter, one of the top things you can do is ensure that it gets parked inside your garage. Not only are vehicles which are parked inside the garage safer from theft and vandalism but they are protected from the elements.

Vehicles which are parked inside the garage start easier in the morning because it’s always a few degrees warmer inside the garage than outside on a cold winter morning.  When the vehicle starts warmer, we keep the components of our vehicles in better working condition.  It’s also why we take our time to warm up the vehicle before we start driving the vehicle.

We won’t face frozen door locks.  The elements don’t wear down the vehicle’s coating or paint.  Stray baseballs from neighbourhood kids playing on the streets don’t find their way to dinging the vehicle in some way and so much more.

However, you may be looking at your garage and wondering how you might be able to accomplish parking one vehicle inside much less two vehicles.  Or, you might already be able to park one vehicle inside but not the second vehicle.  In this case, it’s important to get a properly designed garage storage system to maximize wall storage and overhead storage options while getting your belongings off the garage floor. Start by de-cluttering so that you can reach your end goal of having the vehicles parked inside where they belong.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

To ensure your vehicle works every morning this winter, check the battery and the electrical system to ensure your vehicle will start every time.  In addition, stock some gas line anti-freeze which assures a free flow of gasoline to the engine which will also ensure your vehicle starts on a very cold wet day.

When it comes to fluids in your car, top up or change out fluids to ensure they provide maximum efficiency whether it’s your transmission fluid, brake fluid, windshield anti-freeze or an engine oil change.  And, if you park your car outdoors during the day, lubricate your door locks before the cold weather sets in and carry some lock de-icer.

Check your windshield wipers and change them out for heavier duty wiper blades which can handle the heavier slushy precipitation which typically lands on the windshield during fall, winter and early spring.

Ensure the tires are appropriately inflated for the best tire performance and decreased stopping distances during treacherous weather.  Of course, it’s best to ensure that the proper tires are on the vehicle for cold weather.  Cold temperatures are considered 7°C or below.  If you’re unsure of the correct tire pressure to inflate tires, either follow your manufacturer’s recommendations or consider these environmental factors when checking the PSI of the tires.

Ensure You have an Adequate Car Emergency Kit

If you don’t have an emergency kit for your car or the supplies are running low, it never hurts to review your emergency kit to make sure it’s complete and everything is in good working order.

Use this list to complete the inspection of your vehicle’s emergency kit:

• A blanket or sleeping bag for warmth if you’re stuck on the road for a few hours
• An extra USB cable to keep your cell phone charged
• Snow boots, extra warm gloves and a heavy coat for working outside when stuck
• Thermal underwear to stay warm longer
• Non-perishable food and water for hunger.
• Jumper cables to give or receive a battery boost with another car
• Carry a first aid kit to look after minor cuts and bruises
• A small toolkit and rope for minor jams
• Flash light with extra batteries
• Flares to signal for help
• Candles and matches for a little extra warmth and light
• Shovel and extra floor mats to get your car unstuck from a snow pile or mud
• A roadside assistance program to help you get going or a tow

A Garage Renovation to Get Your Vehicle Parked in the Garage

At home, the best way to avoid most of the challenges of cold or poor weather is to get the vehicles parked inside the garage.  Call a garage renovation specialist to create a garage organization system where your vehicle will have the space to park inside the garage this winter.