skip to main content
Travelers Logo
  • About
  • For Brokers
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Français
Français
Main Navigation
  • For Individuals
      • Insurance for Individuals
      • Car
      • Home
      • More
      • New Home Warranty
        • TRU Builder™
        • Buyers & Homeowners
        • Builders & Developers
        • More
      • Services
        • Payment Options
        • Why Credit History Matters
    • Learn more

      You're a Safe Driver. Why Not Get Rewarded for It?

      IntelliDrive® is an auto insurance program available for customers in Ontario. 

      Learn more
  • For Business
      • Commercial Insurance
      • Industries
        • Business and Professional Services
        • Construction & Contractors
        • Hospitality
        • Manufacturing
        • More
      • Management & Professional Liability
        • Crime
        • Cyber
        • Directors and Officers Liability
        • Employment Practices Liability
        • More
      • Surety
        • Contract
        • Commercial
        • Developer
        • Project Loss Insurance
      • New Home Warranty
        • TRU Builder™
        • Buyers & Homeowners
        • Builders & Developers
        • More
      • Services
        • Cross Border Solutions
        • Risk Control
    • Learn more

      5 Ways to Use Digital Marketing to Grow Your Small Business

      Learn how to use digital marketing to help grow your small business.

      Learn more
  • Claim Centre
      • Claim Centre
      • Report a Claim
      • Claim Process
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Claim Support Materials
      • Recommended Repair Facilities
      • Recommended Treatment Facilities
      • Understanding Your Tow Rights
      • Report Fraud
      • CAT Response
    • Learn more

      Claim Process

      Navigating the claim process is easier if you know what’s ahead. Learn about what’s next after you file a claim.

      Learn more
  • Prepare & Prevent
      • Car
      • Home
      • Business
      • New Home Warranty
      • Weather
      • Insurance 101
    • Prepare and Prevent

      Prepare & Prevent

      Tips and expertise to help you protect your business and prevent risks at home and on the road. 

      Learn more
  • About Us
      • Our Story
      • Leadership Team
      • Corporate Governance
      • Newsroom
      • Financial Strength
      • Broker Compensation
    • Learn more

      We’re Travelers Canada

      Our team of 1,400 employees work every day with one common goal — to support our brokers and customers across Canada when they need us most.

      Learn more
  • For Individuals
    • Insurance for Individuals
    • Car
    • Home
    • More
    • New Home Warranty
      • TRU Builder™
      • Buyers & Homeowners
      • Builders & Developers
      • More
    • Services
      • Payment Options
      • Why Credit History Matters
      • Find a Broker
  • For Business
    • Commercial Insurance
    • Industries
      • Business and Professional Services
      • Construction & Contractors
      • Hospitality
      • Manufacturing
      • More
    • Management & Professional Liability
      • Crime
      • Cyber
      • Directors and Officers Liability
      • Employment Practices Liability
      • More
    • Surety
      • Contract
      • Commercial
      • Developer
      • Project Loss Insurance
    • New Home Warranty
      • TRU Builder™
      • Buyers & Homeowners
      • Builders & Developers
      • More
    • Services
      • Cross Border Solutions
      • Risk Control
      • Find a Broker
  • Claim Centre
    • Claim Centre
    • Report a Claim
    • Claim Process
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Claim Support Materials
    • Recommended Repair Facilities
    • Recommended Treatment Facilities
    • Understanding Your Tow Rights
    • Report Fraud
    • CAT Response
      • Find a Broker
  • Prepare & Prevent
    • Car
    • Home
    • Business
    • New Home Warranty
    • Weather
    • Insurance 101
      • Find a Broker
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Leadership Team
    • Corporate Governance
    • Newsroom
    • Financial Strength
    • Broker Compensation
      • Find a Broker
    • Find a Broker
  • Home
  • Prepare & Prevent
  • Car
  • How to Help Winterize Your Car

How to Help Winterize Your Car

Man changing his car tires on the road in winter. Man changing his car tires on the road in winter.

Year-round, and besides an occasional trip to the mechanic for an oil change, any preparation for the winter months is not high on your priority list. In fact, cold temperatures and icy roads can create additional hazards for drivers and place extra seasonal strains on your car. In addition to making sure your vehicle is prepared for slippery road conditions, it is equally important to ensure it is in top mechanical condition to avoid getting stranded when the temperature drops.

Before You Hit the Road

The cold, snow and ice can make driving dangerous if your vehicle is not properly maintained. Here are some things you can do to help prepare your car for winter:

  • Make sure all scheduled maintenance is up to date. Have your mechanic check belts, fluids and hoses to help reduce the risk of a mechanical breakdown.1 The mechanic should also check the exhaust system for holes, missing or loose clamps and leaks.
  • Ensure that your tires are in good condition, properly inflated and have ample tread. Having snow or winter tires installed is recommended.
  • Be aware of the various provincial laws, which dictate if and when chains and studded tires can be used.
  • Make sure your heater and window defrosters are working properly.
  • Check that your lights and windshield wipers are operating properly. Also check that your engine coolant and washer fluid reservoirs are full and that the fluids are protected with a sufficient percentage of antifreeze for the temperatures in the area where you will be driving. 
  • Make sure your battery and connections are in good condition. Even a newer battery can fail if it gets cold enough or the battery terminals are not clean and corrosion-free.
  • Check your oil for proper level and weight (viscosity). Heavier oils become thicker (more viscous) at low temperatures, which can make the engine harder to start. 
  • Make sure your gas tank is full and your phone is charged. In bad weather, roads could either be backed up for hours or closed. 
  • If you drive in remote areas or are planning a long trip, keep a winter survival kit in your car.

We know that winter can create challenging conditions for drivers. But we also know that adequate preparation can help keep you safe, even under the worst weather conditions.

We encourage you to drive carefully in adverse weather conditions and to avoid driving in blizzard conditions unless absolutely necessary.

Source
1 https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/stay-safe-when-driving/winter-driving/preparing-your-vehicle-winter

Related Content

Tips for Handling a Tire Blowout

Do I Need Snow Tires?

Safety tips for tire changes to avoid flying tires


See All Car Content


Travelers logo

© 2025 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in Canada, the U.S. and other countries. Travelers Insurance Company of Canada, The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (Canada Branch) are the Canadian licensed insurers known as Travelers Canada.

  • Travelers on Twitter
  • Travelers on Facebook
  • Travelers on LinkedIn
  • Travelers on Instagram
Français

Products & Services

  • For Individuals
  • For Business
  • Claim Centre
  • Prepare & Prevent

Our Company

  • Why Travelers
  • Careers
  • Community Involvement

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Payment Options
  • Why Credit History Matters
  • Find a Broker

Legal & Compliance

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy & Security
  • Cookie Settings
  • Legal Notices
  • Consumer Complaints
  • Consumer Code

*For new customers only. If you are currently a Travelers Canada customer, please reach out to your current broker.

Online quotes are currently available for Ontario only. For provinces other than Ontario, quotes can be obtained through your independent broker.