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

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

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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.

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