Winter has a way of creeping up on us unexpectedly. In Ottawa, we go from fall to falling snow quick, meaning your car is exposed to severe cold, salt, and other harsh conditions, on a daily basis. Being prepared can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. In this guide, our experts share five essential but proven tips to help you prepare for winter. From appropriate wheels and tires or paint protection options, to emergency roadside readiness, we’ll have you driving with confidence through Ottawa’s toughest months.
5 proven tips to prepare for winter driving,
- Install your winter tires early
- Purchase winter specific wheels
- Check your tire pressure often
- Protect your paint
- Prepare for winter emergencies
#1 Install your winter tires early
When it comes to winter tires one of the main questions we’re asked is: when should I install my winter tires? We get it all the time. In fact, we get it so much we wrote an entire blog post about when to change your winter tires. If you’re looking for a detailed explanation check it out.
It might seem like a no-brainer to install winter tires for when roads are at their slickest, but Goldwing owner Peter Gard says “lots of drivers hold out until they see snow and ice for the first time, but by then it’s too late”. That means the best time to switch is often weeks before the first snowfall. Waiting until the snow hits can leave you stuck in line at every shop in Ottawa.
According to Peter, your tires need to be switched over “when the temperature drops to +7 Celsius”. After 30 years of changing winter tires, his rule of thumb is “do it within a week or two of Halloween”. With more than 1,500 different sizes of tires and hundreds of models available, Peter suggests that car owners consult with experienced tire professionals for an official “tour guide through the jungle of tires” you may find yourself in.
At Goldwing Autocare, we recommend booking your swap early for maximum convenience. If you’re running out of space, take advantage of our seasonal tire storage to keep your off-season set safe and ready for spring.
Why Should I Worry About Changing My Tires Early?
Beating the Rush at Tire Shops
Nobody likes waiting in line. When the first snow hits, every shop in the city will be flooded with last minute bookings. By switching your tires early, you’ll avoid long wait times for your appointment. At Goldwing, our schedule can fill up fast. In the busy season it is very common for last minute bookings to end up waiting a week or two. You’re better off to book in early, and reschedule according to weather, than you are to wait for that first snow fall and put yourself at risk while waiting for an appointment.
Better Grip & Handling in Cold Temperatures
Once the snow falls you need them, but winter tires aren’t just for snow. They feature advanced designs and use special rubber compounds that stay flexible when temperatures drop below +7 °C. So, even on dry, cold roads, you’ll experience noticeably better grip better than with all-season tires. This improves your vehicle’s handling and breaking, while keep you and other drivers safe.
Extending the Life of Your Summer or All-Season Tires
We focus so much on the winter tires, that we forget about caring for our summer or all seasons. Switching them early reduces the amount of unnecessary wear on your other set of tires. The rubber compounds used in your tires, react differently depending on temperature. Cold weather actually hardens the rubber summer and all season tires are made with. The hardening causes cracking, reduced traction, and faster tread wear in your tires.
Storing them properly can also help to extend their life. Our tire storage facility is actively monitored, and shielded from the sun and other environmental elements. You can find out about our tire storage services or appropriate ways to store your rims and tires by calling our showroom or visiting us in person.
Staying Safer During Sudden Weather Changes
As a society we attempt to somewhat control and predict the weather. If you’ve ever watched the weather channel or check the app you know that’s not always so easy to do. In Ottawa, weather can change fast, one day it’s mild, the next it’s icy. One half of the city might be buried in snow while the other has clear skies. Installing your winter tires early means you’re prepared for the unexpected: frost, black ice, or a mountain of snow.
Learn More About Winter Tires,
If you’re as excited about winter tires are we are, check out some of the articles below to learn more about when to install your winter tires or a complete break down on how winter tire minus sizing works.
#2 Purchasing winter specific wheels
Most people in Canada are familiar with the idea of winter tires, but not everybody considers the benefits of having a specialized set of winter wheels. “Not only should you be changing your tires for the winter, but you also need a dedicated set of wheels. Smaller than the ones you use in the summer” says Peter Gard.
A smaller wheel allows for narrower tires that give better performance in snow. “A narrower tire acts like a pizza cutter and gets through the snow down to the payment versus a wider tire that is going to act like a snowshoe that’s going to want to stay on top of the snow,” he says. As an added bonus, downsizing your wheels will give you a smoother ride and during pothole season will help protect the wheels from damage.
Switching to a dedicated set of winter wheels protects your primary set of rims from salt, sand, and pothole damage during Ottawa winters. Narrower wheels cut through snow more efficiently, and downsizing to a slightly smaller rim can save you money on tires without sacrificing safety. We carry steel and alloy winter wheel options, so you can balance affordability with style. Having two complete sets also means faster seasonal changeovers and no repeated mounting costs.
#3 Check your tire pressure often
Tire manufacturers put extensive amounts of funding to research and develop the best possible tires for various driving conditions. Any tire, regardless of how advanced, will not perform if it’s not filled with air. It’s fairly obvious, but it’s a bit more complicated then just filling them up with air.
Maintaining proper air pressure is one of the most important, but overlooked aspects of vehicle safety and performance. Tire pressure alter the area of tread to come into contact with the road. If tit’s too low, your tires flex excessively, creating rolling resistance, uneven wear, and higher fuel consumption. Given the current gas prices, you probably want to avoid that. On the other hand, overinflation reduces the contact area, leading to horrible traction, harsh ride quality, and puts you at greater risk of a blowout.
In either scenario, you’ll compromise handling, braking distance, and the life span of your tires.
“Make sure your tires are properly inflated before winter comes and be sure to fill them with nitrogen. Because it’s a more stable gas”, says Peter, “nitrogen reduces the loss of pressure during the cold months”. He also recommends purchasing an inexpensive digital tire gauge to check your tire pressure regularly throughout the winter season, topping up when needed.
Keep in mind that not all tires are the same, neither are their pressure requirements. Differences in tire size, vehicle weight, load capacity, and even seasonal changes play a role in determining the correct amount of Pounds per Square Ince or PSI . For example, heavy SUVs and trucks require more pressures than small compact cars. High performance tires may have different recommendations compared to winter or all-season tires.
Even temperature fluctuations matter. A 5 – 6°C drop in outside temperature, can decrease a a tire by about 1 PSI. That’s why it’s very important to consult your manufacturer’s guidelines (found on the driver’s side door placard or in your owner’s manual) rather than relying on what’s printed on the sidewall of the tire.
#4 Protecting Your Paint
For any age vehicle, but especially a newer one, make sure you’re going into winter with a proper coating to protect its painted surfaces. “In wintertime, you’ve got salt, snow, ice, freezing rain, snowbrushes and everything under the sun that can be really harmful for your car’s paint job so it’s a real good idea to do a ceramic paint coating,” says Gard, adding that Goldwing does the job in a thorough, two-day process that is partially applied by machine and partially by hand. They also offer electronic module rust protection to protect cars from the inside out.
Ottawa winters mean road salt, sand, and grime, which can eat away at your vehicle’s paint and metal. Regular washes, especially with underbody rinses, are essential. To go a step further, consider professional protection like a ceramic coating or paint protection film (PPF), which make it harder for contaminants to stick. For long-term protection against rust, we also install Diamond Kote corrosion protection modules, an investment that can extend your vehicle’s life and resale value.
Options for protecting your vehicle’s paint in the winter,
- Paint protection film (PPF)
- Ceramic coatings
- Corrosion protection units
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
We’re very proud of our PPF department. We have a strong team of factory trained, highly skilled installers working in isolated, clean installation bays, dedicated only to PPF. This is to eliminate any potential contamination or debris from being wrapped under the protective film. Currently, high quality paint protection films offer the most advanced protection available for your vehicle’s paint.
Our preferred films, from XPEL, feature advanced self healing properties that remove light scratches and swirling when exposed to heat. Furthermore, stone chips, minor scratches, dents and environmental stains peel off with the old film, showing a clean factory finish underneath. To inquire about our paint protection film services request a quote online or call our showroom. To learn more about the benefits of PPF or the differences in films and finishes click the links below.
Read More About the Benefits of PPF and the Differences in Films and Finishes,
Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings have become very popular with many owners and enthusiast, and for good reason too. If you’re not looking for something as complete as paint protection film, than a ceramic coating is the next best way to prepare for winter driving. The coating works by covering your vehicles surfaces with a specially formulated liquid compound.
The liquid polymer is applied, then properly cured, to create a durable, transparent protective layer that chemically bonds with the surface to form a hydrophobic barrier, shielding against UV rays, oxidation, road salts, bird droppings, light scratches and more.
Once coated, you can literally watch the rain, snow, dirt and grime bead up and drip off while you drive.
Ceramic coatings can be applied to almost any surface, not just your paint. This include your windshield, your new winter specific wheels or paint protection film. There is even a special coating formulated for leather interiors. A ceramic coating (specifically on your windows) not only keeps your car cleaner, but it can also help to improve your visibility when driving through dangerous winter conditions.
Learn More About Ceramic Coatings,
We’re in love with ceramic coatings! If you’re looking to learn more about our ceramic coating services or how ceramic coatings work check out the articles below.
Corrosion Protection Units
When it comes to winter and vehicles, a major concern is corrosion. Road salt, brine solutions, and moisture from snow and slush combine to create the perfect conditions for metal to rust. Once the rust starts, it spreads, eating through every exposed surface until it compromises brake lines, suspension parts, and/or your undercarriage. If ignored, corrosion will shorten your vehicle’s lifespan, and hurt your pockets from expensive repairs you could have been avoided.
A corrosion protection unit or CPU is a device that attaches to your vehicle preventing rust from forming. Typically we install Diamond Kote CPU’s, which are wireless units, backed a 5 year limited warranty, that emit a controlled electrical current across a your vehicle’s metal surfaces to prevent oxidation. The entire installation process is quick and requires no drilling. It’s another great option to help you prepare for winter driving.
Learn More About the Diamond Kote CPU,
If you’re looking to have a corrosion protection unit installed or want to learn more about Diamond Kote CPUs check the link below for more information or to submit your request for a quote.
#5 Prepare for Winter Emergencies
Being prepared for winter emergencies means you’re ready for the unexpected. A freak snow storm, icy roads, or a dead battery can leave you stranded. That’s why you need an emergency kit, with items like a warm blanket, flashlight, booster cables, a shovel, maybe some non-perishable snacks, and water. Also important to have in your vehicle, a set of winter gloves, an ice scraper, traction aids such as sand or kitty litter and an extra jug of windshield washer fluid.
According to Adam Gard, who started Goldwing 30+ years ago with his brother Peter, “Be like the Boy Scouts and be prepared”. He adds, “make sure you put a snow brush and shovel in your car before you need them and include an emergency pack with candles, blankets and flares”.
Regardless of the season, you should keep have a set of jumper cables close and learn how to use them. Peter adds “You should have your older battery tested before it dies. Anything over five years old, and you’re on borrowed time. Even at the four-year mark, you should get it tested.” Don’t neglect your vehicle’s battery health. The cold weather reduces battery efficiency, potentially leaving you stranded, to be sure have one of our technicians test your battery for peace of mind.
Even the most prepared drivers can find themselves in trouble when dealing with Ottawa’s winter weather. It’s not a bad idea to keep a fully charged phone and a portable battery pack close by. For more winter related reading check out these other articles below.
Implement These 5 Tips to Prepare For Winter Driving
How to prepare for winter driving. It isn’t only about your personal safety, it’s about keeping your vehicle performing it’s best. At Goldwing , we help with every step: winter tire installs and storage, dedicated wheel/tire packages, paint protection options, and battery health checks. If you want to remove the guesswork and be prepared for winter, call the shop or visit our showroom. Let’s prepare for winter together.
