Getting your car ready for a Montreal winter
Cold mornings find every weak part. A little preparation in the fall saves you from a dead car in a snowbank in January.
By Elie, mobile mechanic · Auto Service Alimotorsforall · Updated 2026-09-29
Winter tires: the dates
In Quebec, winter tires are required on passenger vehicles from December 1 to March 15. The rush for tire changes starts well before that, so book early.
- Check tread depth and look for cracks or bulges.
- Tires on rims are quicker to swap; tires without rims need mounting and balancing.
- Re-check pressure after the first cold snap: it drops as temperatures fall.
Battery: test it before the cold does
A battery that barely starts the car in October may not start it at −20 °C. A quick test tells you if it’s time, before it leaves you stranded.
The rest of the checklist
- Coolant: the right mix protects the engine from freezing.
- Winter washer fluid rated for the cold, and wiper blades that clear cleanly.
- Brakes: salt and slush are hard on calipers and rotors.
- Lights: short days mean you’ll use them more.
- In the car: brush, scraper, gloves and a phone charger.
Done at your door
Seasonal tire changes, battery tests and a quick pre-winter check can all be done in your driveway or parking spot. The van carries a tire changer and a wheel balancer.