How to prepare your car for freezing rain

Freezing rain brings more dangerous driving conditions with it, which can make driving a nerve-wracking endeavour. But with the right preparation, you can keep the unwanted thrill levels low and the safety levels high. Check off the items on this checklist to prepare your car for the next time freezing rain hits.

Unlike regular tires, winter tires stay flexible and keep their grip in the cold to give you better traction, reducing the risk of skidding and helping you maintain control when driving on icy roads. To get your car ready for freezing rain driving conditions:

• Inspect your winter tires: If the tread depth is worn to 4 mm (5/32 inch) or below, it’s time to replace your winter tires. Not sure if your tires are winter tires? Check for the peaked mountain with a snowflake symbol, which means they’re rated for severe snow conditions.²
• Schedule a tire change: Have your winter tires installed by a professional to ensure they’re balanced and aligned correctly. Make sure you book the tire change well before cold weather conditions are expected in your area.
• Monitor tire pressure: Perform frequent checks on your tire pressure throughout the winter months to maintain proper pressure for optimal safety. You should also keep an eye on your spare tire’s pressure as well.

If you're a TD Insurance customer and equip your vehicle with winter tires from December 1^st to March 30^th every year (Ontario and Newfoundland only), you may be eligible for a winter tire discount.

Cold weather puts extra stress on your car’s fluid systems, so it’s essential to perform regular checks to make sure everything is operating at proper levels. A winter-ready fluid system helps to prevent issues like engine damage and poor visibility, reducing the risk of breakdowns and ensuring your car continues to run smoothly during bouts of freezing rain.

• Top up antifreeze: Your antifreeze level should be between the minimum and maximum marks in your car’s coolant reservoir. Top it up if it’s on the low side.
• Refill windshield washer fluid. Use a winter-grade windshield washer fluid, which contains antifreeze and is rated for temperatures below freezing. Keep an extra bottle in your trunk for emergencies.
• Check oil levels. Top up your oil if necessary. For best results, use the type of oil recommended for cold weather conditions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Effective wiper blades are a must-have for driving in freezing rain, as they help you maintain a clear view of the road. Worn or damaged wiper blades can smear your windshield, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. To ensure your wipers are up to the task:

• Inspect blade condition: Look for signs of wear on your wiper blades, such as stiffness, cracks, tears, or missing chunks. If they’re not making full contact with the windshield (for example, they’re leaving streaks), it’s time to replace them.
• Upgrade to winter blades: Consider switching to winter wiper blades, which are designed to handle ice and snow. They have a protective rubber casing that is more resistant to ice buildup.
• Check washer fluid spray: Make sure your washer fluid sprays properly. If the nozzles are clogged or damaged, the fluid won’t spray evenly across the windshield. You can clean out clogged nozzles yourself, but damaged nozzles will need to be replaced.

Cold weather can be tough on your car’s battery, making it more likely to fail when you need it most. To avoid getting stuck with a dead battery in freezing rain, it’s a good idea to get your battery health tested before the cold weather sets in. Here are some of the things a mechanic does to ensure your battery is ready for the cold:

• Check Battery Voltage: Measure the battery’s voltage to make sure it’s holding a proper charge.
• Inspect Terminals: Clean any corrosion or buildup on the battery terminals.
• Test Battery Load: Do a load test to check if the battery can hold a charge under stress.

Being prepared means being ready for the unexpected, which makes an emergency car kit essential for staying safe and comfortable if you get stranded in freezing rain conditions. Here’s a practical approach:

• Include the essentials: Items such as thermal blankets, high-energy snacks, water, flashlight (and batteries) and a first aid kit make for a well-rounded emergency kit.
• Customize for your needs: Include any additional items specific to the needs of you and your family, such as medications or extra phone chargers.
• Update regularly: Check your kit periodically to replace expired items, make sure flashlights are working, and refresh supplies.

You want to be able to rely on the heating system in your car when freezing rain hits—a well-functioning system is essential not just for your comfort, but also for ensuring visibility. To make sure your heating system is up to par:

• Test the heater: Does your heater deliver sufficient warmth? If it’s not producing enough warm air, have a mechanic inspect it and make any necessary repairs.
• Evaluate defroster operation: Make sure your car’s defrosters can effectively clear both your front and back windshields.
• Check the thermostat: The thermostat controls the engine temperature and can impact the heater’s performance, so you want to ensure it’s operating correctly.

Freezing rain can turn roads into ice rinks, reducing traction, visibility, and control—and making even short trips dangerous if you’re not careful. Adjusting your driving habits in freezing rain helps you navigate these conditions more safely. Safe driving techniques to keep in mind include:

• Lower your speed: Driving more slowly can help improve traction and control— and can give you more time to react.
• Maintain distance: Keeping more space between you and other vehicles on the road gives you more time to stop.
• Avoid sudden changes: When driving in icy conditions, gradual changes in speed and direction help prevent skidding.