Icy weather is still possible in Canada. Here's what we recommend to cope
Most everyone in Canada has to contend with waking up one morning to find everything coated in ice, even in the dying days of winter. Here's what you'll need to manage it – and even keep ahead of it.
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Ice is a fact of life in Canada, whether it’s a particularly vicious frost, or the aftermath of a freezing rain storm or flash freeze – something that’s not uncommon in the shoulder seasons and even accompanying the occasional late-winter thaw.
Regardless of severity, you needn’t be a passive spectator. Here are some products we think will help you keep your home and vehicle ice-free.
Like what you see? Check out more recommendations from our product specialists here.
DuPont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellant
Canadian Tire
Working outside in the bitter cold is hard enough when you step out the door and find every metal surface is coated in ice or heavy frost. This DuPont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellant will help keep them clear, so long as you remember to spray it on before that bout of freezing rain or period of bitter cold.
Why it made the list
Can be used on shovels, snowmobiles, ATVs and automotive undercarriages, as well as external structures like gutters and satellite dishes
Also helps lubricate and protect locks and latches in extreme cold conditions
Rated 3.7 out of 5 by Canadian Tire users
Rain-X Windshield De-Icer
Canadian Tire
While the DuPont spray up above is effective for surfaces, it’s not rated or recommended for car windshields. For that, we have the Rain-X Windshield De-Icer, which is specifically intended for your vehicle. If you remember to apply it before the frost or freezing rain, getting your car ready for work should be less of a struggle.
Why it made the list
Can also be applied to wiper blades, side mirrors, headlights and all windows
Rated 4.5 out of 5 by Canadian Tire users
Also available in 100-gram canister
Reflex Windshield Guard & Mirror Cover Set
Canadian Tire
If you’d prefer to dispense with sprays altogether, there’s this Reflex Windshield Guard & Mirror Cover Set as another option to keep the frost off and limit ice buildup. Easily attachable to your vehicle, just remember to deploy it before the storm, and you’ll make your life a little easier after the snow or freezing or freezing rain comes to a close.
Why it made the list
Includes side pockets to cover mirrors
Fits most cars, trucks and SUVs
Rated 4.2 out of 5 by Canadian Tire users
HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats for Stairs
Amazon.ca
If you live in a place where freezing rain (or, for that matter, heavy snow) is common, you might want to consider something like this: the HeatTrak Heated Snow Melting Mats for Stairs, which melts snow and ice on contact and plugs into your standard 120V outlet. The one downside is its somewhat steep price, so consider whether the winters are harsh enough where you live to warrant it.
Why it made the list
Up to 15 mats can be connected at once
Comes in 10" x 48" and 10" x 30" sizes
Rated 4.5 out of 5 by Amazon.ca reviewers
Certified Ice Scraper
Canadian Tire
If you have a driveway and you wake up after an ice storm to find it coated with an inch of ice despite your best preparations, it may just be time to employ some elbow grease to hack it all clear. You’ll need an ice chopper for that, and we liked the Certified Ice Scraper best for that gruelling task.
Why it made the list
7-inch steel blade will be up to the task of chipping away that ice
Durable ash hardwood tapered shaft
Rated 4.2 out of 5 by Canadian Tire users
Yardworks Envirosafe Ice Melter
Canadian Tire
For your driveway, you could always stay ahead of the need for gadgets and sprays and suchlike by putting down some ice melter before that freezing rain starts falling. For that, we recommend the ### Yardworks Envirosafe Ice Melter. The designers had environmental friendliness in mind, so it won’t harm the areas around your driveway or walkway, and it’s pet safe as well.
Why it made the list
Melts in temperatures as low as -26°C
Comes in 10-kg and 20-kg bags
Rated 4.4 out of 5 by Canadian Tire users
Snow Joe Handheld All-Season Multi-Purpose Spreader
Amazon.ca
Finally, putting down some ice melter is most effective when it’s evenly spread, something that’s not guaranteed if you’re using a kitchen measuring cup or a birdseed dispenser. This Snow Joe Handheld All-Season Multi-Purpose Spreader from Snow Joe not only does the job, but it can also be repurposed for warm-weather uses like fertilizer or grass seed.
Why it made the list
Adjustable dial for finer or more coarse materials
2.5-litre capacity
Rated 4.5 out of 5 by Amazon reviewers
Like what you see? Check out more recommendations from our product specialists here.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Thumbnail photo: Dan Hamill/Pexels