Drivers Urged to Prepare Vehicles for Severe Cold Snap

As a severe cold snap grips northwestern Ontario, drivers are urged to take essential steps to ensure their vehicles remain operational. Temperatures are predicted to plummet, with overnight lows reaching approximately -31 C on January 4 and 5, while daytime highs hover around -19 C. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has issued warnings as conditions are expected to remain frigid throughout the week.

Neil Cutting, shop manager at Payless Automotive Maintenance and Repairs in Thunder Bay, has noted a surge in vehicle issues related to the cold. “During these extreme temperatures, we commonly see a spike in battery failures, alternator problems, and issues with power steering and transmissions,” he stated. He emphasized that taking preventive measures can significantly alleviate these issues.

Essential Tips for Winter Vehicle Care

To enhance vehicle performance during cold weather, Cutting recommends using a block heater. “Plugging in your vehicle overnight can keep the coolant warm, which helps maintain engine warmth,” he explained. This allows for quicker oil circulation when starting the engine. He suggests that drivers should use a block heater when temperatures dip below -12 C.

In addition to block heaters, battery blankets can also be beneficial. “Cold weather can drastically reduce battery performance, cutting cold cranking amps by nearly half at temperatures around -30 C to -40 C,” Cutting warned. Keeping batteries warm is crucial for reliable starts during harsh winter conditions.

For those making short trips, Cutting advises taking longer drives periodically. “This helps recharge the battery, ensuring it operates effectively,” he said. He also recommends carrying jumper cables, a battery booster pack, and coolant in the vehicle as precautions.

Impact on Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles must be mindful of reduced battery efficiency in cold weather. According to Cutting, “In lower temperatures, you might find that a battery rated for 300 to 400 kilometres of range may only deliver 150 to 200 kilometres.” He explained that electric vehicles typically have two battery systems: a larger one for driving and a smaller 12-volt battery that operates auxiliary functions. It is often this smaller battery that faces issues in extreme cold.

While current weather conditions present challenges, ECCC is also looking ahead. The agency forecasts a significant warming trend for 2026, predicting that it will be among the hottest years on record, potentially nearing temperatures seen in 2023 and 2025. Bill Merryfield, a research scientist with ECCC, noted that 2026 is expected to be between 1.35 C and 1.53 C above pre-industrial levels.

Merryfield explained that while greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of these temperature increases, the El Nino and La Nina climate cycles also have a substantial impact. He stated, “The current La Nina conditions have kept ocean surface temperatures cool, but this pattern is expected to reverse, increasing global temperatures in the coming years.”

As residents of northwestern Ontario face the current cold snap, following these practical tips can help ensure that vehicles remain functional and safe during this challenging weather.