Posted on 10/31/2025
The first real snowfall in Saskatoon arrives with a mix of excitement and reality checks. Tires spin on that thin layer of early-season ice, windows fog up faster than you remember, and small maintenance items reveal themselves at the worst time. A short, focused checklist now will save headaches when temperatures dive and roads glaze over. Here are the eight items most drivers overlook before winter takes hold. 1. Battery Health Under Real Cold Loads A battery that seems fine in October can struggle in November. Cold weather thickens oil and raises the current needed to turn the engine. If cranking speed sounds slower than last winter, get the battery tested with a proper load test, not just a voltage check. Clean the terminals, inspect the ground strap to the body, and confirm the alternator is charging within spec. Weak batteries often fail on the first subzero morning, which is why this check comes first. 2. Tire Tread, Pressures, and True Winter Rubber ... read more