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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Manitoba releases Top 10 Tips to help Manitobans get ready for Winter Driving

Jan 11, 2024

2 min



Winnipeg, MB, Oct. 24, 2023 – As we anticipate winter’s blustery arrival, CAA Manitoba is asking Manitobans to take the time now to prepare their vehicle and themselves.


“People often wait until the first snowfall before getting their vehicle ready to drive in winter conditions,” says Elisha Dacey, communications manager for CAA Manitoba.

“Preparing now means your vehicle will be as safe as it can be when the cold weather comes,” says Dacey, “so we’ve prepared a Top 10 list to help you get started.”


CAA Manitoba has a list of several things you can do to prepare yourself and your vehicle for winter driving.


TOP 10 READY FOR WINTER DRIVING TIPS:

  1. Install winter tires for better traction on cold and snowy roads – Members can call CAA before Nov. 15 to have our mobile tire service change them for you at home for a fee
  2. Have your battery tested and replace it before it fails. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries as part of a service call.
  3. Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, a small shovel, and kitty litter.
  4. Have your brakes checked and serviced if needed.
  5. Make sure where you park your vehicle is prepared – is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires?
  6. Have a family member or friend watch as you flick your vehicle and signal lights on and off to ensure they are working correctly.
  7. Top up your windshield washer fluid and any other fluids that are getting low.
  8. Get an oil change.
  9. Remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones.
  10. Ensure you have an ice scraper in your vehicle.


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


Some additional ways to be prepared include:

  • Have a cell phone battery bank and keep it on you, as well as a charging cable that connects your phone 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.
  • Consider adding extra mitts, hats and socks and footwear to your emergency kit.
  • Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head out into a rural area.
  • Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and your planned route before you leave on a longer trip in your vehicle.


“At CAA Manitoba, Member safety is our number one priority,” says Dacey. “There’s still time to make sure you, your loved ones and your vehicle are ready to drive safely this winter.”


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


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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Manitoba roads featured image

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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Ontario roads featured image

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MEDIA RELEASE: CAA survey finds 96 per cent of Ontario drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Ontario roads

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MEDIA RELEASE: New CAA Survey finds: Ontario families are feeling the impact of higher gas prices in their daily lives, summer plans and household budgets. featured image

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MEDIA RELEASE: New CAA Survey finds: Ontario families are feeling the impact of higher gas prices in their daily lives, summer plans and household budgets.

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Among those planning road trips, nearly six in ten say rising gas prices will influence their plans, often resulting in fewer trips, closer destinations or tighter budgets. “Families are doing their best to preserve important moments like vacations and day trips, but affordability pressures are forcing more careful planning,” adds Di Felice. CAA calls for continued focus on affordability for drivers CAA SCO says the findings underscore the need to keep affordability front of mind when it comes to policies and decisions that impact drivers. “Transportation is a daily necessity for many Ontarians, not a luxury,” says Di Felice. “When fuel costs rise, it affects everything from commuting to grocery runs and adds to the financial strain households are already feeling.” CAA SCO continues to advocate for practical solutions that help keep mobility accessible and affordable, while supporting consumers with tools and advice to manage rising costs. 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With regular maintenance services, you can help your vehicle run more efficiently. Take advantage of reward programs and tools to find lower prices: CAA members save three cents per litre when they load their membership card in the Shell app or use it at the pump.  “These small actions can help drivers keep their summer road trip plans while managing their budgets more effectively,” adds Di Felice. CAA South Central Ontario continues to provide timely information and practical advice to help Ontarians navigate rising costs and stay mobile year-round. For more information on how to make the most out of your tank, please visit: https://www.caasco.com/membership/member-benefits/shell Methodology This report presents the findings of a survey conducted by Ipsos from May 27 to June 4, 2026. For this survey, a sample of 1,000 adult Ontario residents were surveyed online, with sample sourced through the Ipsos panel. Data was weighted by region, age and gender, in accordance with Census proportions. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. The Ontario (n=1,000) data are accurate to within ± 3.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had the entire Ontario population aged 18+ been polled.

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