Prepare Your Nissan for Winter in the Laurentians

01 November 2026

 

To prepare your Nissan for winter, installing tires is only the start. In the Laurentians, the cold comes early, Route 117 ices up fast and a breakdown on the roadside can last a long time. Here are the checks to do before the first snowfall, the Nissan features that help in winter and the kit to keep in your trunk. For the checks, book a service appointment at Nissan Ste-Agathe.

Prepare your Nissan for winter: the basic checks

The Government of Québec recommends checking several items before winter. Here are the ones that cause the most trouble in cold weather:

• Battery: cold weather reduces its starting power. If it is several years old or the engine cranks slowly, have it tested before the deep cold sets in.
• Wiper blades: worn blades leave streaks and stick to the ice. Replace them if they no longer clear the windshield well.
• Washer fluid: replace summer fluid with a winter washer fluid made for the cold, and keep an extra jug in the trunk.
• Antifreeze and other fluids: antifreeze protects the engine in extreme cold. Also have the oil and brake fluid checked.
• Heating and defrosting: a windshield that defrosts poorly is dangerous. Make sure warm air reaches the windshield and the rear window.
• Headlights and lights: the days are short. Make sure all lights work, then clean them often.

Winter tires: the deadline is coming

In Québec, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15. However, in the Laurentians, snow often arrives sooner. The law, tread wear and the right time to install them are explained in our article on mandatory winter tires. For installation, see our tire change in Sainte-Agathe page.

Nissan features that help in winter

Snow mode

Several Nissan models offer a Snow mode. On the 2026 Rogue, for example, it joins the Standard, Eco, Sport and Off-Road modes. It adjusts how the vehicle behaves to improve traction on slippery roads. Read our article on Nissan drive modes (in French) to learn when to use it.

Remote start from your phone

With NissanConnect Services, on equipped models and with an active subscription, you can start your vehicle remotely and warm it up before you get in. However, if your Nissan is buried in snow, clear the exhaust pipe first. See our NissanConnect Services page.

All-wheel drive

The Kicks, Rogue and Pathfinder offer all-wheel drive. It helps you get moving and climb hills, but it does not replace winter tires for braking and turning. Looking for an SUV? Read our article Rogue, Qashqai or Kicks for winter.

Prepare your Nissan for winter: the emergency kit

The Government of Québec also recommends keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. It should include:

• a shovel, an ice scraper and a snow brush;
• traction mats or a bag of sand;
• washer fluid and gas line antifreeze;
• booster cables or a portable jump starter;
• a flashlight and spare batteries;
• a blanket, gloves, a toque and boots;
• water and non-perishable food.

Finally, before heading out, check Québec 511 for road conditions, especially on Routes 117 and 329.

Get your Nissan ready for winter at Nissan Ste-Agathe

Our service department, at 301 rue Léonard in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, checks your battery, brakes, fluids and wiper blades, and installs your winter tires. In addition, it welcomes walk-in customers and services all makes. See our Nissan maintenance prices. We are just minutes from Val-David, Val-Morin, Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré and Mont-Tremblant.

FAQ: how to prepare your Nissan for winter

When should I get my car ready for winter?

Before the first snowfall. In the Laurentians, that is often in October or early November. Winter tires, for their part, are mandatory starting December 1.

Is remote start available on every Nissan?

No. It depends on the model, the trim and a NissanConnect Services subscription. Our team can check what your vehicle offers.

Do I need an appointment for the inspection?

No, our service department welcomes walk-in customers. You can still book online to choose your time.

What should I put in a winter kit?

A shovel, an ice scraper, a snow brush, washer fluid, booster cables, a flashlight, a blanket, water and food.

Live elsewhere in the region? See all the towns we serve on our Nissan dealer in the Laurentians page.

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