A practical preseason checklist for Lower Mainland and BC drivers: vehicle preparation, emergency kit, advice for specific highways, and what to do if you get stranded in winter conditions.

BC winters vary from icy highway corridors on the Coquihalla to wet but mild commutes through Surrey and Burnaby, but the Lower Mainland gets its share of freezing rain, overnight ice, and the occasional heavy snowfall that catches drivers off guard. This checklist covers what to do before the cold arrives and what to carry if things go wrong on the road.

Vehicle Preparation: Do This Before October

Tires

[ ] Switch to winter tires (marked with the mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S) by October 1, since they are required on many provincial routes from October 1 to April 30
[ ] Check tread depth on winter tires (minimum 3.5 mm for legal use; replace under 4 mm for dependable winter performance)
[ ] Check all four tire pressures, since cold air drops pressure roughly 1 psi per 6°C temperature drop

Battery

[ ] Have your battery tested if it is 3 years or older. Cold weather reduces battery capacity significantly, and a battery that passes a summer test can fail on a January morning
[ ] Inspect battery terminals for white corrosion and clean if present

Fluids and Belts

[ ] Confirm engine coolant mixture is rated for well below freezing (a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water protects to approximately -37°C)
[ ] Top up windshield washer fluid with a formula rated for at least -40°C
[ ] Check engine oil. If it is due for a change, do it before the cold season

Visibility

[ ] Replace windshield wipers with blades rated for winter
[ ] Test all exterior lights: headlights, brake lights, reverse lights
[ ] Keep a small bottle of deicer in your bag (not locked in the car where you can't reach it on a frozen morning)

Brakes

[ ] If you hear squealing or feel pulsing when braking, have the brakes inspected before winter. Stopping distances increase on wet or icy roads even with good brakes

Emergency Kit: Keep This in the Vehicle All Winter

Safety and Signalling

[ ] High visibility vest (required by law if you exit your vehicle on a BC highway)
[ ] LED road flares or reflective triangles (×3)
[ ] Flashlight and spare batteries

Traction and Recovery

[ ] Ice scraper with a long handle
[ ] Snow brush
[ ] Small folding shovel
[ ] Traction aid: bag of kitty litter, sand, or traction boards

Jump Starting

[ ] Heavy duty jumper cables (4 gauge, at least 4 metres long) OR a lithium jump starter pack
[ ] Note: some modern vehicles with complex electronics require a professional boost, so when in doubt, call a roadside service

Warmth and Survival

[ ] Emergency blanket or wool blanket
[ ] Extra warm clothing: hat, gloves, waterproof boots in the trunk
[ ] Snacks that won't spoil and at least one litre of water per person
[ ] Portable phone charger / power bank

Navigation

[ ] DriveBC saved in your phone bookmarks: drivebc.ca or call 511
[ ] BC highway patrol number saved: #77 from any BC cell

Advice for Specific Highways

Coquihalla (Highway 5): Chains are required frequently in winter even with winter tires. Check DriveBC before departure. Keep your fuel tank above half. Service areas are spread out and closures happen.

Sea-to-Sky (Highway 99 to Whistler): Watch for icy sections above Squamish, especially overnight and in shaded areas. The highway closes occasionally after heavy snowfall or rockfall.

Highway 1 through Langley to Abbotsford: Morning black ice after overnight freeze is common on the lower sections through the Fraser Valley. Drive for conditions even when the road looks clear.

Lower Mainland commuting: Even roads in the metro area freeze overnight in January and February. The bridges over the Fraser River (Port Mann, Alex Fraser, Pattullo, Golden Ears) can ice faster than the roads leading to them because cold air circulates underneath.

If You Get Stranded in Winter

1. Stay in the vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. Your car is visible, sheltered, and a heat source

2. Turn on hazard lights so other drivers see you

3. Run the engine in short intervals (10 minutes every hour) to stay warm, but first check that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, which can allow carbon monoxide to enter the cabin

4. Keep a window cracked slightly when running the engine to maintain fresh air circulation

5. Signal for help: a bright cloth tied to the antenna or door handle, or your phone's torch facing traffic

6. Call for help: TowingNo.1 at (778) 838-0014 dispatches 24/7, or BCAA if you are a member

Before Any Mountain Route

Check DriveBC (drivebc.ca or 511) for chain requirements and closures
Tell someone your route and expected arrival time
Carry more food, water, and warm clothing than you think you will need
Keep the fuel tank above half

Stranded in BC winter conditions? TowingNo.1 dispatches 24/7 across the Lower Mainland, including Surrey, Langley, Burnaby, Richmond, White Rock, and beyond. Call (778) 838-0014.