find a broker

Find a Broker

FR

LoginMy Account
Western Financial Group Western Financial Group
  • Personal

    Home Insurance

    Home Insurance

    Condo Insurance

    Renter's Insurance

    Seasonal Property Insurance

    Mobile Home Insurance

    Vehicle Insurance

     

    Car Insurance

    Motorcycle Insurance

    RV Insurance

    Boat Insurance

    ATV Insurance

    Snowmobile Insurance

    Vehicle Replacement Insurance

    Health & Life Insurance

    Life Insurance

    Disability Insurance

    Critical Illness Insurance

    Mortgage Life Insurance

    Financial Insurance

     

    TFSA

    GICs

    RESPs

    RRSPs

    Travel Insurance

     
  • Business

    Commercial Insurance

     

    Business Insurance

    Business Life Insurance

    General Liability Insurance

    Commercial Property Insurance

    D&O Liability Insurance

    Rental Property Insurance

    Legal Protection Insurance

    Errors & Omissions Insurance

    Cyber Liability Insurance

    TotalProtect Insurance

    Fleet Insurance

    Farm Insurance

    Product Liability Insurance

    Employee Benefits

    Employee Benefits

    TotalGuard Insurance

    Group Insurance 

     

    All Insurance Programs

    AMM Municipal Insurance Program

    CRA Insurance Program

    CVMA Insurance Program

    Crop Inputs Insurance Program

    Haven Municipal Insurance Program

    Hospitality Insurance Program

    Juno Restaurant Insurance

    BCRFA Restaurant Insurance

    Groupex Insurance Partnership

    CAM Movers Insurance

    Musical Instrument Insurance

    Independent Retail Insurance

    CAMA Insurance Program

    Biz Benefits Partnership

     

    Event Liability Insurance

     

    Charity Events or Fundraising Insurance

    Conferences and Conventions Insurance

    Corporate Events and Seminars Insurance

    Farmers’ Market Insurance

    Festival Insurance

    Hole-in-one Contest or Golf Tournaments Insurance

    Product Launches and Promotional Events Insurance

    Sporting Event Insurance

    Wedding Insurance

    Industries

    Cannabis

    Construction

    Contractors

    Daycares

    Greenhouses

    Hotels and Motels

    Manufacturing

    Municipalities

    Professional Services

    Property Management

    Retail

    Restaurants, Cafes, Delis, Fast Food

    Skilled Trades

    Technology

    Welders

  • Services

    MyWestern

    Payment Setup

    Registry Services

    Community Emergency Resources

    Personal Insurance Claims

    Commercial Insurance Claims

    Risk Management

  • About Us

    About Western

    Who We Are

    Executive Team

    Divisions

    Partners

    Western Coast Insurance

    Wyatt Dowling Insurance

    Sustainability

    Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

    Western News

    Blogs

    Careers

    Contact

    Communities Foundation

    Our Giving Programs

    About the Foundation

    Annual Giving Reports

    Annual National Walk

    Community Infrastructure Grants

    Foundation FAQs

    Sponsorship

    Western Communities Foundation

    Your donation will help improve local communities.

    Donate

1-866-860-1958

Get a Quote

Get a Quote

Main Menu

  • Personal
    • Home Insurance

      • Home Insurance

      • Condo Insurance

        Renter's Insurance

        Seasonal Property Insurance

        Mobile Home Insurance

    • Vehicle Insurance

       
      • Car Insurance

      • Motorcycle Insurance

        RV Insurance

        Boat Insurance

        ATV Insurance

        Snowmobile Insurance

        Vehicle Replacement Insurance

    • Health & Life Insurance

      • Life Insurance

        Disability Insurance

        Critical Illness Insurance

        Mortgage Life Insurance

    • Financial Insurance

       
      • TFSA

        GICs

        RESPs

        RRSPs

    • Travel Insurance

       
  • Business
    • Commercial Insurance

       
      • Business Insurance

      • Business Life Insurance

        General Liability Insurance

        Commercial Property Insurance

        D&O Liability Insurance

        Rental Property Insurance

        Legal Protection Insurance

        Errors & Omissions Insurance

        Cyber Liability Insurance

        TotalProtect Insurance

        Fleet Insurance

        Farm Insurance

        Product Liability Insurance

    • Employee Benefits

      • Employee Benefits

        TotalGuard Insurance

    • Group Insurance 

       
      • All Insurance Programs

        AMM Municipal Insurance Program

        CRA Insurance Program

        CVMA Insurance Program

        Crop Inputs Insurance Program

        Haven Municipal Insurance Program

        Hospitality Insurance Program

        Juno Restaurant Insurance

        BCRFA Restaurant Insurance

        Groupex Insurance Partnership

        CAM Movers Insurance

        Musical Instrument Insurance

        Independent Retail Insurance

        CAMA Insurance Program

        Biz Benefits Partnership

         
    • Event Liability Insurance

       
      • Charity Events or Fundraising Insurance

        Conferences and Conventions Insurance

        Corporate Events and Seminars Insurance

        Farmers’ Market Insurance

        Festival Insurance

        Hole-in-one Contest or Golf Tournaments Insurance

        Product Launches and Promotional Events Insurance

        Sporting Event Insurance

        Wedding Insurance

    • Industries

      • Cannabis

        Construction

        Contractors

        Daycares

        Greenhouses

        Hotels and Motels

        Manufacturing

        Municipalities

        Professional Services

        Property Management

        Retail

        Restaurants, Cafes, Delis, Fast Food

        Skilled Trades

        Technology

        Welders

  • Services
    • MyWestern

      Payment Setup

      Registry Services

      Community Emergency Resources

      Personal Insurance Claims

      Commercial Insurance Claims

      Risk Management

  • About Us
    • About Western

      • Who We Are

        Executive Team

        Divisions

        Partners

        Western Coast Insurance

        Wyatt Dowling Insurance

        Sustainability

        Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

        Western News

        Blogs

        Careers

        Contact

    • Communities Foundation

      • Our Giving Programs

        About the Foundation

        Annual Giving Reports

        Annual National Walk

        Community Infrastructure Grants

        Foundation FAQs

        Sponsorship

LoginMy Account

FR

1-866-860-1958

Get a Quote

Find a Broker

Get a Winter Car Checkup in the Fall

Get a Winter Car Checkup in the Fall

Preparing your car for winter is essential to ensure both your safety and your vehicle’s performance during the colder months. Here's a guide to help you get your car winter-ready:

Checklist

Battery Check

Cold weather puts extra strain on your battery. If your battery is between three to five years old, it might fail during winter. Look for signs of corrosion, wetness, or bulging. Consider replacing a weak battery before winter sets in. Do you need to plug in your battery over night to keep it charged and ready for morning?

Ignition System

Inspect the condition of your ignition components, including spark plugs, wires, and the distributor cap. These are critical for dependable starting, especially in cold weather.

Tire Inspection

Tire pressure tends to drop as temperatures decrease, which could lead to under-inflated tires. Regularly check your tire pressure and don't forget to check your spare tire as well. Do you need winter tires for your area?

Lights

Ensure all your lights, both interior and exterior, are in working order. Properly aimed headlights are crucial for safe winter driving, especially during the long, dark evenings.

Brake Inspection

If you’ve noticed any unusual noises like squealing or grinding, or a change in how your brakes feel, it’s time for a service. Good brakes can be a lifesaver when driving on icy roads.

Fluid Levels

Make sure your fluids are topped off and in good condition. If it’s been more than six months since your last oil change, now is a good time to get one. Also, ensure your engine coolant is suited for the colder temperatures in your area and flush it if it’s been over two years. Do you have enough windshield wiper fluid to clear your windshield to combat snow and slush?

Heating and Cooling

Test your heater and defroster to ensure they work well before winter hits. Visibility is key, and a malfunctioning defroster can put you at risk.

Wax Your Car

Apply a wax coating to protect your car’s exterior from road salt, which can cause rust. Waxing also makes it easier to brush off snow and ice. Touch up any scratches to prevent further damage over the winter.

Consider protecting your vehicle with a rust proofing treatment, particularly if your winter conditions are harsh.

Prepare for the Expected

Stock up on essentials like heavy-duty gloves, a snow brush, and an ice scraper. You may also want to keep road salt or cat litter in your trunk to help gain traction if you get stuck in snow or ice.

Prepare for the Unexpected

Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include items such as a blanket, gloves, hats, a flashlight, a first aid kit, booster cables, a small shovel, and any other essentials you might need if you find yourself stranded in the cold.

Here’s what the CAA recommends keeping in your emergency kit.

Winter Tires: What You Need to Know

Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec. In Quebec, winter tires are legally required from December 1 to March 15. Make sure you're aware of the requirements in your province.

What’s the difference between studded tires vs. snow tires?

Studded tires have metal or hard plastic studs that provide better traction on packed snow and icy roads. They’re ideal for those who frequently drive on frozen surfaces and have heavy winter conditions on the regular.

On the other hand, ordinary winter tires (without studs) are effective in a mix of slush, snow, and ice and are generally suitable for most winter driving conditions close to the border.

How to get the best discounts on winter tires

  • Consider a Costco membership for some of the largest tire discounts.
  • Look for online promotions and discounts at smaller tire brands.
  • Compare prices online for brand-name tires and check for sales at your local stores.
  • Shop during promotions for added savings through points and rebates
  • Check to see if your credit card or work benefits offer any perks for tires

Ask your insurance provider if there is a discount in your province/territory for winter tires.

Buying used winter tires - what to look out for

If you opt for buying used tires from Kijiji or another seller, always check the date stamp to avoid purchasing tires that are more than five years old. Older tires may be dry-rotted or unable to hold pressure.

Always get your alignment checked to avoid uneven tire wear.

It’s worth it to take the time to make sure that your car is well-prepared for the winter season and ready for the best safety and performance on snowy, icy roads. Good luck and safe driving!

Ask your Western Financial Group car insurance expert for a car insurance quote.

GET A QUOTE

Recent Blog Posts

Basic Boating Safety
What's Basic Boating Safety?

May 14, 2025


Common Home Insurance Claims Canada
What are Canada's Top Home Insurance Claims?

May 13, 2025


Mark Missal Farm Insurance
Western's Farm Insurance Has Roots in Our Communities

May 8, 2025


Western Financial Group

2025 Western Financial Group. All rights reserved.

Privacy / Legal | Accessibility Guidelines | Fair Treatment of Customers Policy | Terms of Use | Compensation Disclosure | Complaints Process | Media Relations | Mergers & Acquisition | Careers | Sitemap

 

Western Financial Group acknowledges that its Head Office is situated on the sacred gathering ground of the buffalo and the healing place of the Medicine Tree. We honor the Blackfoot Nations, including the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai, as well as the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda First Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. As a company with team members and operations across Canada, we also recognize and honour the diverse Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast — including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis — who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial, and we reaffirm our commitment to working together as a community, laying the foundation for reconciliation through education and mutual respect.