Winter Driving in Winnipeg: How to Prepare for Winnipeg's Winter Roads

Winter Driving in Winnipeg: How to Prepare for Winnipeg's Winter Roads

It took a while, but the winter weather is finally here in Winnipeg. That means it’s time to get your car ready for winter driving if you’ve been spending most of your time at the beach during our unusually warm December and January.

 

Despite being the best comedy club in Winnipeg, Rumor’s still takes your safety seriously, so this week we’re going to show you all the ways that you can prepare yourself for the winter driving that is finally upon us.

Winterize your car

Winter driving in Winnipeg can be treacherous. Icy streets, snow drifts, and low visibility are just some of the conditions that make winter driving in Winnipeg so challenging. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make sure you survive and thrive in the Winnipeg winter.

Install winter tires

 

Winter tires are a must-have in Winnipeg. These tires have chunkier treads, and the rubber on them is made of a compound that grips cement in cold temperatures better than summer or all-season tires.

 

If you need winter tires, Winnipeg has hundreds of places to serve you, including Kal-Tire, Canadian Tire, or even your local mechanic. You may also be able to finance winter tires through whichever provider you go with.

Have your block heater tested

 

Winnipeg’s frigid climate can wreak havoc on your car’s engine. Sub-zero temperatures cause oils and other fluids to become less viscous, making it more difficult for your engine to start. A block heater keeps the engine, and the fluids within, warm while you’re not driving it, making it much easier to start in the dead of the Winnipeg winter.

Get winter windshield wipers

 

Just like winter tires, winter windshield wipers are made of a more robust material that makes them great for enduring ice build-up on your windshield. A good set of winter wipers will cost you under $30, and they’re easy to install yourself.

Keep emergency items in your trunk

 

You never know what can happen on Winnipeg’s snowy roads. That’s why you should keep important emergency items on hand at all times. Here are some things that should be in every Winnipeg driver’s trunk in the winter:

 

  • A shovel. Getting stuck in deep snow is pretty common in Winnipeg. A shovel will help you get unstuck.

  • Winter boots. If you’re stuck on the side of the road in January or February in Winnipeg, chances are it’ll be really cold out, and there’ll be a lot of snow. Quality snow boots are a good thing to have available if something goes sideways.

  • A bag of kitty litter. Not only will a 20 lb bag of cat litter add weight to your vehicle — and, thus, traction — but, if you’re stuck with your tires spinning, the litter can be spread under the spinning tires to give them traction.

  • An emergency kit. It’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst. A good emergency kit should include some warm clothes, warmers for your hand and feet, blankets, matches, some candles, water, a charged battery for charging phones, and some quick snacks like granola bars or something else that doesn’t need to be cooked.

 

We want you to be able to get to the comedy club safely, so make sure you have everything you need before your leave your house.

 

More: Best indoor and outdoor winter activities in Winnipeg

Winnipeg winter driving hacks

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some winter driving hacks to make your life a little bit easier this winter.

Cover your windshield with an old tarp

 

Use an old tarp or rug to cover up your windshield before you go to sleep at night. If it snows overnight, you can easily pull the tarp or rug off of your windshield, along with all the snow that’s built up overnight. No more brushing and scraping!

Keep antifreeze in a spray bottle

Your side and rear windows can get caked with ice, and it can be a real hassle to get it off — unless you spray them down with antifreeze first. You can buy a spray bottle from the dollar store, or just use an old Windex bottle.

Use hand sanitizer to deice your locks

 

If your lock is seized with ice, you can use good ol’ hand sanitizer to get it back in working order. Just put the sanitizer on your key and insert it into the lock. The alcohol from the sanitizer will melt the ice.

Defog your windows with shaving cream

 

Did you know that shaving cream uses some of the same ingredients as defoggers? That means you can stop the interior of your car windows from fogging up by slathering them with shaving cream and then wiping them clean.

 

More: Comedians coming to Winnipeg in 2024

Winnipeg winter laughs

Now that your car is ready for Winnipeg’s winter roads, come on down to Rumor’s Comedy Club to laugh in winter’s face. We’ve got a huge parking lot, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the snow, and our menu is full of hot eats to warm your insides.

 

There are tons of awesome comedians coming to Winnipeg in 2024, such as DJ Demers, Kathleen McGee, and Sean Lecomber, and our new season ticket program can help you see them all. You can buy tickets online or by calling us at 204-488-4520.



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