Featured Post from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: Winter’s Coming, Are You Ready? CAA Manitoba Shares Top Tips to Keep You Moving as the Temperatures Drops.

Nov 5, 2025

3 min

Nadia Matos
CaptionResizeWrap TextRemove


Colder weather will soon to be sweeping across Manitoba, and CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is reminding drivers to prepare now for the fast-approaching winter season.


“Now is the time for motorists to get their winter tires on, check the health of their car battery, and make sure they have an emergency car kit in their vehicle,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “We want to ensure Manitobans are as ready as possible to drive safely this Winter.”


Manitoba is known for cold and snow in the winter months, as well as poor driving conditions. Planning ahead will help make your next winter drive as stress-free as possible.


“There’s no better time than now to ensure you and your loved ones are ready to drive safely this Winter,” adds Matos.


CAA Manitoba has a list of winter readiness tips to help Manitobans prepare for winter driving.


  • Test your car battery. If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent of its charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. Make sure you ask for a battery health check when you next perform maintenance on your car. For a listing of CAA's Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS), please visit Approved Auto Repair Service - CAA Manitoba.
  • Install winter tires for better traction. On cold and snowy roads, winter tires can help reduce your braking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Dec. 12 to have our mobile tire service change them at home for a fee.
  • Ensure you have an emergency car kit. Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. You should also add extra mitts, hats, socks, and footwear to your emergency kit.
  • Have your brakes checked. If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding.
  • Check your block heater. When you park, is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires? 
  • Check your lighting system. Ensure all your interior and exterior lights are functioning properly. Also, check that your headlights are aimed correctly for safe driving.
  • Top up your fluids. Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full.
  • Inspect your wiper blades. If you notice streaking on the windshield, check the condition of your blades for fraying or cracking. Remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones.
  • Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools. Keep an ice scraper, a small shovel and a snow brush handy in your car at all times.


While it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go, it’s also essential for drivers and passengers to be prepared in case of an emergency or if you are stranded.


Some additional ways to be prepared include:


  • Keep a cell phone battery bank and a charging cable connected to your vehicle.
  • Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle, so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded.
  • Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area.
  • Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving for a longer trip.


For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our winter driving page at caamanitoba.com.

Connect with:
Nadia Matos

Nadia Matos

Manager, External Communications

Media spokesperson and subject matter expert on winter driving, road trips and travel.

Road TripsTravel and TourismWinter DrivingStrategic Communications
Powered by

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from CAA Club Group

MEDIA RELEASE: Hamilton's Barton Street East is named CAA’s Worst Road in Ontario for a third time featured image

3 min

MEDIA RELEASE: Hamilton's Barton Street East is named CAA’s Worst Road in Ontario for a third time

Ontarians have spoken, and the 2026 CAA Worst Road in Ontario is Barton Street East in Hamilton. This year marks the third time Barton Street East has taken first place. The 2026 list reflects feedback from thousands of Ontarians who experience the province’s roads every day, highlighting the roads drivers say need urgent repair and calling on all levels of government to prioritize investments for safer infrastructure. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives Ontarians a voice and helps shine a light on the roads that need attention most,” says Brian Pirvu, government relations consultant for CAA South Central Ontario. “When people speak up, it helps drive action and ensures governments understand where investments are needed to keep communities safe and moving.” Four of this year’s Worst Roads are located in Toronto, underscoring ongoing challenges in some of the province’s busiest corridors. Across both the city and the province, road users commonly cited potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven surfaces as top concerns affecting safety and mobility. “Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety, affordability and quality of life,” says Pirvu. “Investing in roads helps reduce repair costs for drivers and ensures people can get where they need to go safely.” CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign helps spark dialogue with municipal and provincial governments and prioritize infrastructure improvements where they are needed most. “CAA will continue to advocate for stable, predictable investment in road maintenance and long-term solutions to address Ontario’s growing infrastructure needs,” adds Pirvu. Ontario’s Top 10 Worst Roads for 2026 1. Barton Street East, Hamilton 2. Hurontario Street, Mississauga 3. Notre Dame Avenue, Greater Sudbury 4. Sider Road, Fort Erie 5. Steeles Avenue East, Toronto 6. Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto 7. Panache Lake Road, Greater Sudbury 8. Bathurst Street, Toronto 9. Unwin Avenue, Toronto 10. 6th Line, Innisfil Ontario’s Worst Roads by Region for 2026 • Toronto Region - Steeles Avenue East • Halton, Peel, York, Durham Region - Hurontario Street, Mississauga • Hamilton Region - Barton Street East • Ottawa Region - Carling Avenue • Central Region - 6th Line, Innisfil • Eastern Region - Leveque Road, South Frontenac • Western Region - Ira Needles Boulevard, Waterloo • Southwestern Region - Blackwell Sideroad, Sarnia • Niagara Region - Sider Road, Fort Erie • Northern Region - Notre Dame Avenue, Greater Sudbury The annual list is based on nominations submitted by Ontarians and provides decision-makers with a snapshot of public priorities. Roads that appear on the list often receive accelerated attention as governments respond to community feedback. The Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO) has verified Ontario's top 10 list and is a technical partner in the CAA Worst Roads advocacy campaign. "People across Ontario have spoken. The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives voice to residents who experience firsthand the impact that deteriorating roads and aging infrastructure have on our lives daily," says Nadia Todorova, executive director at RCCAO. "The results underscore the importance of sustained investment in state-of-good-repair infrastructure.” For more information and regional results, visit caaworstroads.com.

Provincial Trunk Highway 34 is Named the Worst Road in Manitoba for the Second Year in a Row featured image

2 min

Provincial Trunk Highway 34 is Named the Worst Road in Manitoba for the Second Year in a Row

Provincial Trunk Highway 34 (PTH 34) has been named Manitoba’s worst road for the second year in a row, according to the results of the 2026 CAA Worst Roads campaign. The Pembina Valley highway, located west of Winnipeg, has previously appeared on the provincial top ten list seven times, and this is the second consecutive year it has claimed the top spot. Manitobans who nominated PTH 34 did so because of potholes, poor maintenance, and uneven road surfaces. “The roads on this list reflect what Manitobans experience every day,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba. “Manitobans want roads that are safe, reliable and properly maintained, whether they live in Winnipeg or in a rural community. This year, 711 roads across 69 municipalities were nominated for the top spot. The most common concerns cited were potholes, poor maintenance and uneven road surfaces. “This year’s list shows that road issues are not just a Winnipeg problem or a rural problem, they’re a Manitoba problem,” Friesen said. “There is an even split between rural and urban roads on the provincial list.” Many of the roads identified are major commuter, trade and connector routes relied on by families and businesses. As governments focus on inter-provincial trade, congestion in Winnipeg and critical road safety issues, investments in the roads and highways are more important than ever. “When key routes fall into disrepair, it affects more than just convenience,” Friesen said. “Vehicle repair costs go up, fuel efficiency goes down, and delays increase. That adds pressure to already stretched household budgets and affects our economy.” Repeated nominations often signal that communities want long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Several roads that have appeared on past lists are now under construction, resurfaced or scheduled for rehabilitation. “We’ve seen that sustained public input makes a difference,” Friesen said. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives governments a clear snapshot of where funding and attention are wanted most.” CAA Manitoba is urging provincial and municipal governments to continue prioritizing predictable, year-over-year investment in road maintenance and safety. “Stable funding allows governments to plan ahead, address safety concerns earlier and avoid higher costs later,” Friesen said. “It’s about keeping people safe and keeping Manitoba moving.” Top 10 worst roads in Manitoba for 2026 Provincial Trunk Highway 34 — Central Plains/Pembina Valley Provincial Road 307 — Whiteshell Kenaston Boulevard/Route 90 — Winnipeg Saskatchewan Avenue — Winnipeg Richmond Avenue — Brandon Gateway Road — Winnipeg Leila Avenue — Winnipeg 1st Street — Brandon Provincial Road 422 — Pembina Valley St. Mary’s Road — Winnipeg For more information and historical results, please visit: https://www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy/government-relations/worst-roads

CAA warns drivers of emerging auto theft tactics that prey on the goodwill of drivers featured image

2 min

CAA warns drivers of emerging auto theft tactics that prey on the goodwill of drivers

CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is warning that car theft is becoming more sophisticated and more personal, with criminals now targeting drivers directly using a mix of distraction tactics and high-tech tools. Police services across Canada have recently warned of an increase in “distraction thefts” occurring in parking lots, shopping centres, and other busy areas. At the same time, thieves are continuing to use relay attacks and key-fob signal-interception technology to unlock and steal vehicles without physical force. CAA cautions that these tactics are now being used together, creating new risks for drivers. A New Combination of Tactics This emerging method involves criminals engaging drivers in brief interactions near their vehicle while simultaneously using electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals. As a result, key fob-related auto theft is no longer limited to driveways or overnight incidents. Close physical proximity between drivers, their key fobs, and their vehicles can be exploited. These thefts can occur quickly and subtly, often without the driver immediately realizing anything has happened. In some cases, drivers may later notice an alert that their vehicle key is missing. This is an early sign that something is wrong. “Today vehicle thieves are becoming increasingly calculated, using distraction tactics alongside electronic tools designed to intercept or relay key fob signals,” says Elliott Silverstein, director, government relations, CAA South Central Ontario. “A brief interaction in a parking lot can quickly become an opportunity for organized criminals to target both drivers and their vehicles. Public awareness and simple preventative measures remain some of the strongest tools drivers have to protect themselves.” How Drivers Can Protect Themselves With these evolving risks, CAA is encouraging drivers to stay alert and take proactive steps to reduce their vulnerability: Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Be cautious of unsolicited interactions near your vehicle, including: Persistent or unusual requests for help Offers of gifts or incentives. Requests that require you to stay near your vehicle or move closer to another vehicle. Trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious, disengage and move to a safer area. Lock your vehicle immediately after exiting and confirm it is secure. Store key fobs in RFID-blocking or Faraday pouches to prevent signal interception. Keep key fobs on your person; avoid leaving them in carts, purses, or exposed areas. Consider visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks or two-factor authentication such as after-market engine immobilizers. Remove personal information from vehicles and clear saved home addresses in GPS systems. Report suspicious behaviour to local police. Raising Awareness Is Key CAA emphasizes that as auto theft tactics continue to evolve, awareness and vigilance are essential to reduce risk. Drivers are encouraged to remain mindful of their surroundings, particularly in public spaces, and to take simple precautions that can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a target of auto theft.

View all posts
Powered by