Polar Vortex Coming? Get Your Car Ready for the Cold

Is a polar vortex cold snap coming to Canada? Maybe. Forecasters say the polar vortex could weaken in early November. If it does, Arctic air could reach the ground two to four weeks later. It may miss Canada. Still, now is a smart time to check your battery, tires, fluids and emergency kit.

Key takeaways

• The Weather Network says the polar vortex could weaken in early November, much earlier than usual.
• MétéoMédia says any cold would show up two to four weeks later. It could also land in Europe or Asia.
• The Weather Network still expects a mild start to winter in most of Canada.
• CAA says a battery that is three to five years old could fail in the cold.
• Plug in a block heater on a timer two hours before you leave, says NRCan.
• Winter tires are the law in Quebec from December 1 to March 15. Many B.C. highways need them from October 1.
• Keep the gas tank at least half full and carry an emergency kit.

Why the polar vortex is in the news

The polar vortex is a big ring of cold winds high above the North Pole. It is about 30 km up. In the fall it should get stronger. This year it may do the opposite.

On October 25, The Weather Network said the European model shows a big drop in those winds in early November. A few models even show the winds turning around. That is called a sudden stratospheric warming. The Weather Network says this is still unlikely and not settled.

MétéoMédia says the European model shows the winds cut by about half around November 5. It says that would be a first for that date. When the vortex wobbles, cold air can slip south.

Here is the part that matters for you. Both outlets say the cold may not come here at all. The Weather Network still favours a mild start to winter, in part because of a very strong El Niño. But it also says Canadians should keep their guard up. So I treat this as a free reminder. Get the car ready now, while it is still easy.

Start with the battery

In my years in the shop, a dead battery is the first thing to fail on the first cold morning. CAA North and East Ontario says dead batteries are the top reason for roadside calls in a cold spell.

CAA North and East Ontario says that at zero degrees, a battery loses about 60% of its power. At the same time, the engine needs twice the current to start.

CAA says a battery that is three to five years old could fail. Look for rust, wet spots or a bulging case. CAA members can get a battery test. Most shops can test it in a few minutes too. If yours is weak, replace it before the cold comes, not after.

Plug in the block heater

A block heater warms the engine coolant. The engine then starts more easily and warms up faster.

CAA says to think about using one when it drops below -15°C. CAA-Quebec says plug in below -5°C, and it strongly suggests it at -15°C or colder.

You do not need to leave it on all night. NRCan says a timer set to turn on two hours before you drive is usually enough. NRCan also says that at -20°C a block heater can improve fuel economy by as much as 10%.

Check tire pressure and put on winter tires

CAA says tire pressure goes down in cold weather. A tire that was fine in September can be low in January. Check it once the weather turns cold, and check your spare too. Use the number on the sticker inside the driver's door, not the one on the tire.

CAA also says all-season tires lose their grip below 7°C. Winter tires stay soft in the cold.

Two provinces have rules:

• Quebec: The Government of Quebec and the SAAQ say winter tires are required from December 1 to March 15. The tires must have the mountain and snowflake symbol or be studded. The fine is $200 to $300.
• British Columbia: The B.C. government says winter tires or chains are required on most designated highways from October 1. On most routes the rule runs to April 30. On some highways that are not in mountain passes, it ends March 31. Watch for the signs.

My advice in other provinces is simple. Put them on before the first snow, not after it.

Washer fluid, gas and the rest

• Washer fluid: CAA says keep it full and carry a spare jug. Make sure it is rated for -40°C.
• Gas tank: CAA says keep it at least half full. This cuts water build-up in the gas line, which can freeze.
• Coolant: CAA says make sure it suits the cold where you live. Replace it if the last flush was more than two years ago.
• Wipers: CAA says the average wiper blade lasts only six months.

Photo: Rohan.wankar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Winnipeg, Manitoba. File photo.

Pack an emergency kit

Transport Canada lists what to keep in your trunk. Here are the main items:

• A small shovel with a long handle
• Sand or kitty litter, and traction mats
• A warning light, safety triangles or flares
• Extra socks, gloves, a tuque and boots
• Snacks that will not spoil, and water
• Booster cables
• Hand and foot warmers
• Extra washer fluid and fuel line antifreeze

Transport Canada also says to keep an ice scraper, snow brush, flashlight, first aid kit, blankets and a seat belt cutter in the car itself.

EVs and plug-in hybrids lose range in the cold

In CAA's winter test, EVs drove 14% to 39% less than their official range. NRCan says EV range drops by about 29% on average at -18°C. We break this down in our guide to EV winter range in Canada.

CAA's top tip is to warm the cabin while the car is still plugged in. Many EVs let you set a departure time. Use heated seats, since they use less power than the cabin heater. Park inside when you can.

A plug-in hybrid will also go fewer km on battery in the cold. Plan on using more gas on cold days.

Do not idle too long

Long warm ups waste fuel and do not help much. NRCan says you usually need no more than 60 seconds of idling on cold days, once your windows are clear. Then drive off gently. NRCan also says to limit remote starter warm ups to 60 seconds.

Many cities also have their own idling bylaws, so check yours. For more ways to save, see our tips on how to lower fuel consumption and our guide to winter fuel and EV consumption.

What to do if you get stuck

Transport Canada says stay calm. If your car is not at risk of being hit, stay inside it. Going out into a storm can get you lost or hurt in the cold.

• Make sure snow is not blocking the tailpipe. This keeps carbon monoxide out of the car.
• Open a window a little for fresh air, on the side away from the wind.
• Run the engine as little as you can.
• Use hand and foot warmers instead of the heater.
• Set out a warning light, triangles or flares.
• Turn on the dome light. Using the headlights too much can drain the battery.
• Move your arms and legs, stay awake and watch for help.

Do not shovel or push hard in the bitter cold. Transport Canada says it can be deadly.

My quick checklist for this week

• Get the battery tested if it is three years old or more.
• Set up the block heater and a timer.
• Check tire pressure, and book your winter tires now.
• Fill the washer fluid with a -40°C product.
• Keep the gas tank half full.
• Pack your emergency kit.
• Get your engine oil ready for winter.

Then keep an eye on Environment and Climate Change Canada for alerts in your area.

FAQ

What is the polar vortex?

It is a ring of cold winds high above the North Pole. When it weakens or wobbles, cold Arctic air can slip south. The Weather Network says it could weaken in early November this year.

Will the polar vortex bring extreme cold to Canada this November?

No one knows yet. MétéoMédia says any effect would take two to four weeks to reach the ground. The cold could also go to Europe or Asia. The Weather Network still expects a mild start to winter in most of Canada.

When should I plug in my block heater?

CAA says to think about it below -15°C. CAA-Quebec says plug in below -5°C. NRCan says a timer set to two hours before you leave is usually enough.

When are winter tires required in Canada?

In Quebec, they are required from December 1 to March 15. In B.C., winter tires or chains are required on most designated highways from October 1. Other provinces do not make them the law in the same way, but CAA still recommends them.

How much range does an EV lose in the cold?

In CAA's winter test, EVs drove 14% to 39% less than their official range. NRCan says the average loss is about 29% at -18°C. Warming the car while it is plugged in helps.