Preparing Your Car For Winter Early

As summer draws to a close, it is time to begin preparation for the long Ottawa winter. One crucial aspect of winter preparation in Ottawa is to ensure that your vehicle is well maintained and equipped with winter tires so it is ready for any journey. You don’t want to be caught out unprepared in the first snowfall! Being prepared could also help you to save money on your auto insurance. Some Ottawa auto insurance providers offer discounts of around five percent on insurance premiums if a car is equipped with four winter tires. Being well prepared also reduces your chance of having an accident or needing breakdown assistance, so you have a greater chance of making it through the winter without losing your no-claim discount. Many drivers do not stop to think about winter tires until the snow starts falling, which means that there is a danger zone during which they are unprepared for the road conditions until they can get the tires fitted. A better approach is to install winter tires as soon as the temperature drops to an average of less than seven degrees Celsius, as this can be a sign that snow and ice are on their way. In Ottawa, this temperature drop usually occurs between late October and mid-November, so now is the ideal time to start seeking out a good deal on winter tires. Remember that if you plan to cross over the border into Quebec between December 15th and March 15th, then having winter tires on your vehicle is a legal requirement. Ontario has no law requiring winter tires, but they are highly recommended for all motorists during snowy or icy weather. Other vital maintenance jobs to do in preparation for winter include filling up with winter motor oil and radiator coolant. You should consider taking your car to an auto service facility to have it checked over before the harsh winter weather sets in, particularly if it is an older vehicle. The mechanics can check that parts of the vehicle such as the thermostat are working correctly. If you need to renew your Mississauga auto insurance policy before winter comes, then it might be worth asking your independent insurance agent about the possibility of cheaper premiums for winter tires. Remember that using an independent insurance agent and giving him or her all of the relevant information about your insurance needs is the best way to get a good deal on your auto insurance. Call Excalibur Insurance Group today at 519-348-9150 for more information about insuring your vehicle in Ottawa.