Winter Prep Checklist: 12 Home & Auto Maintenance Tips

November 1, 2024

As the days grow shorter and the air gets cooler, it’s time to prepare your home and car for the season ahead. The harsh Canadian winter weather can be unforgiving, with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice presenting a range of challenges. For homeowners, that means dealing with potential damage from frozen pipes, ice dams, and heating system failures. Meanwhile, vehicle owners are facing the risks of poor road conditions and extreme cold, which can lead to accidents and/or breakdowns.

Addressing these risks before they become serious problems can save you from costly repairs and insurance claims. Proper maintenance can go a long way, ensuring your home and car remain in good condition throughout the season and keeping your insurance premiums manageable. Here are some tips to help you out!

1. Inspect Your Home

Winter is a time when heating systems are used more frequently, making it crucial to have functioning safety devices. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working correctly. Replace the batteries if needed and perform a test to confirm that the alarms are operational.

Consider a professional home inspection to maintain your home in preparation for winter. This might include a check of your furnace, heating system, and plumbing to address any issues before they become major problems during the colder months. Well-maintained heating systems not only guarantee reliable warmth throughout the winter but also improve energy efficiency, potentially lowering your bills.

2. Seal Gaps and Insulate

Cold drafts can significantly increase heating costs and reduce your comfort. Inspect your home for gaps around windows, doors, and other areas where cold air could enter. Use weather stripping or caulking to seal these leaks and enhance your home’s energy efficiency. It’s also a good idea to insulate exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas like basements and attics. Proper insulation prevents pipes from freezing and bursting, which can lead to costly water damage and repairs.

3. Clear Your Gutters

Keep your gutters and downspouts clear of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Ice dams can block proper water flow, leading to potential roof leaks and interior water damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your gutters ensure that melting snow and ice can drain away from your home effectively.

4. Check Your Roof

Inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and repair any issues promptly. Snow and ice can exacerbate existing problems, leading to leaks and further damage. Consider having a professional roofer conduct a thorough inspection to address any vulnerabilities before severe weather hits.

RELATED: 12 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

5. Prepare Your Yard

To maintain a healthy lawn come spring, take steps to prepare it for winter. Rake up fallen leaves and apply fertilizer to nourish the grass and prevent mold growth. Additionally, trim back trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of damage from heavy snow and ice. Proper winter lawn care helps ensure a vibrant, green lawn when warmer weather returns.

Protect your outdoor furniture and grills by either moving them to a sheltered area or covering them with weather-resistant covers. This simple step helps prolong their lifespan and ensures they are ready for use when spring arrives.

6. Turn Off Exterior Water Supplies

To prevent pipes from freezing and causing potential water damage, disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets and turn off the exterior water supply. Drain sprinkler systems to ensure that no water remains that could freeze and expand, leading to ruptures in the pipes.

7. Protect Your Driveway

Fill any cracks in your driveway and sidewalks to prevent them from expanding due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Ice and snow can exacerbate existing cracks, leading to more significant damage. If you operate a home-based business, it’s especially important to maintain safe and accessible walkways and driveways for clients visiting your property. Proper maintenance helps prevent slip-and-fall accidents and ensures a professional appearance. Additionally, be sure to look into insurance that’s designed specifically for home-based businesses; if a client or delivery person trips on your business property, your homeowner’s policy won’t cover you.

8. Keep Your Fireplace Clean

If you have a fireplace, ensure it’s properly cleaned and inspected before using it during the winter. Buildup in the chimney can lead to dangerous chimney fires. Have a professional chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney to ensure it’s free from blockages and functioning safely. Regular maintenance not only keeps your fireplace in good working order but also helps maintain air quality and reduces the risk of fire hazards.

9. Stock Up on Winter Supplies

Being prepared for winter weather means having essential supplies on hand, like rock salt or sand to manage icy conditions or a snow shovel or snow blower. For your vehicle, maintain an emergency kit (with blankets, a flashlight, and non-perishable food) to stay prepared for unexpected situations.

10. Install Winter Tires

Once the weather reaches below 7 degrees Celsius, it’s time to swap your regular tires for winter tires that are designed to boost traction in snowy or icy conditions. As a bonus, installing winter tires could even make you eligible for a discount on your Auto Insurance! In Ontario, insurance companies will offer up to 5% off for those who use winter tires from November to April each year.

Additionally, make it a habit to check your tire pressure monthly as the seasons change, since colder temperatures lead to lower tire pressure, making them more likely to lose control on icy or snowy roads.

11. Equip Your Vehicle

When it comes to winterizing your vehicle, don’t stop at the tires—check that your antifreeze levels are sufficient to prevent engine freezing, refill your windshield washer fluid, and replace your windshield wipers in preparation for the incoming snow and ice. Cold weather can also impact car battery performance, so have your battery checked and replaced if necessary.

12. Get a Winter Tune-Up

Take your car to a trusted mechanic for an oil change and comprehensive inspection to make sure everything functions smoothly throughout the winter season. Addressing potential problems early can save you from sudden breakdowns and repair bills due to existing issues getting exacerbated by freezing temperatures.

Preparing your home and vehicle for winter is an investment in safety and peace of mind. By following these winter maintenance tips, you’ll be as prepared as possible to face the risks associated with harsh weather conditions and avoid a preventable disaster.

But even if the weather isn’t on your side, PROLINK is here to help you ride out the winter months with the right coverage! With over 40 years of experience and a wide network of over 30 different insurers, we specialize in providing comprehensive Home & Auto Insurance solutions tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. We can scour the market to help you find the perfect coverage, review your existing policy to ensure you’re protected year-round, and support you through the process if you do end up needing to file a claim.

Connect with PROLINK today to fulfill your insurance needs and make sure you’re completely covered during the colder months. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the winter season with confidence!

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