How to protect your car from cold weather

 
Now that Thanksgiving weekend has come and passed, the warm weather we’ve become accustomed to will begin to cool down as winter rolls in.  This cold weather can generally be harder on your vehicle, it’s important to make certain adjustments to protect your car from the harsh elements.
Here are some tips below:
Tires
It cannot be stressed enough how important winter tires are to your and family’s safety.
You could be the safest and most defensive driver on the road, and could still be putting yourself in harm’s way should you fail to brake safely in the icy conditions. All-season tires may be suitable for a mild climate, but winter tires are a necessity for any driver living in Canada.
You’ll want to ensure you have winter tires before you need them, so make sure to start looking within the next few weeks.
Lights
Unless you did a lot of driving at night during the summer, you likely didn’t need to use your lights very often. With daylight saving time set to end next month, the commute home will be much darker for most
.Just because your lights aren’t burned out, doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t change them. Having lights that are even slightly dimmed could affect your reaction time, and could be the difference between an accident and arriving home unscathed.
Battery
While most batteries can last anywhere between three and five years, their lifespan can shorten dearly if they’re exposed to extreme cold for too long. Driving your car on a regular basis will help to prevent your battery from dying, so keep that in mind.
Engine
The colder it is, the thicker your oil becomes, making it more difficult for you to start your engine when you leave for work in the morning. Many manufacturers recommend specific grades of oil depending on the temperature outside, which could help to shorten your start-up time. Driving your car regularly will also help prevent your oil from getting too thick.
Paint
Just because it’s colder outside doesn’t mean you should stop washing and waxing your car on a regular basis.
Wipers/coolant
Once it gets into the minus teens, you run the risk of your wipers freezing or cracking if you leave them out too long. Make a habit of pulling your wipers off of your windshield when your car isn’t running to help to mitigate any damage.
With all the snow, dirt and debris that will be flying on your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you have more than enough washer fluid available. In addition, you should be checking your vehicle’s antifreeze periodically to ensure your cooling system is performing up to par.