How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter in BC

British Columbia winters can be unpredictable — from icy roads in the Lower Mainland to heavy snowfall in the Fraser Valley. Preparing your vehicle before the cold sets in can prevent breakdowns and keep you safe.

1. Switch to Winter Tires

BC law requires winter tires (or chains) on many highways from October 1 to April 30. But even in Metro Vancouver, all-season tires lose grip below 7°C. Winter tires improve stopping distance by up to 40% on snow and ice. Look for the mountain/snowflake symbol.

2. Check Your Battery

Cold weather significantly reduces battery capacity. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested before winter. A weak battery is the leading cause of cold-weather breakdowns — our drivers provide free battery tests during any roadside call.

3. Top Up Antifreeze

Make sure your coolant mixture is rated for temperatures well below freezing. The 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water provides protection down to −37°C, which more than covers BC conditions.

4. Test Lights and Wipers

With shorter days, working lights are essential for safety and staying legal. Replace worn wiper blades with winter-rated ones before the first frost. Keep your washer fluid reservoir filled with a freeze-resistant formula.

5. Keep a Winter Emergency Kit

A well-stocked kit should include: ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables or a jump pack, warm blanket, traction sand or kitty litter, and a small shovel. If you get stuck, these supplies can be the difference between waiting 15 minutes or 2 hours.

6. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

Cold air is denser, so tire pressure drops roughly one psi for every six-degree fall in temperature. Underinflated tires wear unevenly, hurt fuel economy, and handle poorly on slick roads. Check pressures with a gauge on a cold morning at least once a month through the winter, and don't forget the spare — a flat spare is no help on a freezing night.

Plan Ahead for Mountain and Highway Travel

If your winter plans include the Coquihalla, the Sea-to-Sky to Whistler, or the drive to the Interior, treat those routes with extra respect. Carry chains even if your winter tires are excellent, check DriveBC for closures and avalanche control before you leave, and keep your fuel tank at least half full so a long delay in cold weather doesn't leave you stranded without heat. Tell someone your route and expected arrival time before heading into areas with patchy cell coverage.

Don't Ignore the Small Stuff

A frozen door lock, a sticky parking brake, or a washer system spraying plain water can each turn a routine morning into a frustrating one. Use a winter-rated washer fluid, keep a small de-icer in your bag rather than locked inside the car, and give the cabin and glass a few minutes to warm before you drive. Clearing every window fully — not just a porthole in the frost — is both safer and required under BC's rules of the road.

Need a battery boost or stuck in snow? Call TowingNo.1 at (778) 838-0014 — we're available 24/7 across the Lower Mainland.