TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/21/12 --

Attention: Automotive Editors

Canadians know that winter driving can be a challenging daily ordeal, with snow, ice and sleet making roadways seemingly impassable. Apart from having the right vehicle, say the experts at autoTRADER.ca, it's also about making your vehicle right.

"Winters in Canada can be especially precarious for drivers," says Ian MacDonald, Director of Marketing at autoTRADER. "Considering our folks at autoTRADER.ca know their cars, we asked them to come up with their list of best tips for winter, as well as some models they believe handle the season exceptionally well."

autoTRADER.ca's Winter Driving Tips

Winter tires: If you choose winter tires, make sure to put them on all four wheels. Buy your winter tires before winter arrives, and don't rush to remove them in early spring-cold weather is a usually a good possibility well into the spring season, as Canadians know.

Tire pressure: Properly inflated tires save you money, as they help optimize your car's fuel efficiency. More importantly, your car's traction is compromised whenever driving on ice or snow, so having correct tire pressure is critical.

Engine oil: Oil doesn't wear out but it does become contaminated and its performance additives become used up during service. This means changing your oil filter in time for winter and checking your engine's dipstick each time you stop for gas is well worth doing.

Wipers and washer fluid: Reduced daylight, snow and ice all mean that drivers get typically reduced visibility in winter. In most parts of Canada, wiper blades last one year before needing replacement, and sooner if damaged.

Battery: Deep freezes can reduce a vehicle's battery power. If your battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility.

Emergency kit: Here is a list of supplies you should always have in your car during winter: Flashlight; Flares; Blankets; Shovel; Gloves; Fuses; Booster cables; Sand bags; Traction pads; Scraper and brush; Matches and candles; Gas line antifreeze.

According to the experts at autoTRADER.ca, when it comes to winter, some cars are more up to the task than others, prompting the unveiling of autoTRADER.ca's Top 10 cars for winter:

-- Audi A3 Quattro - Offering luxury, affordability, practicality and Audi's renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system, the Audi A3 is great way into a used luxury vehicle while maintaining sure footed winter traction. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $24,448.

-- BMW 3 Series xDrive - offered with xDrive (All-Wheel drive) for years now, the BMW 3-Series allows the drive of a sport sedan all year around without worrying about winter weather. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $20,141.

-- Ford Fusion - The Fusion has sold well over the years and there are a lot of great used vehicles on the market. Available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the Fusion allows for peace of mind winter driving with the whole family on-board. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $15,068.

-- Honda Civic - The Civic has been the best-selling car in Canada for years and years. Not only are there countless used examples of this reliable compact car on autoTRADER.ca, but when equipped with snow tires, these reliable, cold-weather-loving vehicles make for great winter warriors. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $10,249.

-- Hyundai Santa Fe - Hyundai's mid-size crossover featured good value new and continues to do so on the used market. Available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive the Santa Fe can haul an entire family and their luggage without compromise during the winter months. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $15,152.

-- Mercedes-Benz ML-Class - Want the space and sure-footedness of the Hyundai Santa Fe, but looking for more luxury? The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class will melt away your winter worries in coddled luxuriousness along with the sure-footed 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $31,180.

-- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - Maniacal sports car? Check. Unstoppable winter warrior? Check. Need we say more? How about Super-All-Wheel-Control. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $31,993.

-- Subaru Impreza Hatchback - Any Subaru could have the list as they all come equipped with Subaru's fantastic symmetrical all-wheel drive system (minus the recently introduced BRZ). The Subaru Impreza hatch offers the best balance of value, efficiency, practicality and maneuverability. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $15,040.

-- Subaru Outback - The Outback takes all of the goodness from the Impreza hatchback, include symmetrical AWD, and expands on them; literally. Need to take four adults and gear through some thick, snow-covered roads? The Outback is ready. Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $16,091.

-- Toyota Sienna - Modern minivans have always been good winter vehicles, but the Sienna takes things one step further with an available all-wheel drive system. What better way to take 7 people and their equipment up to the ski hill? Average asking price on autoTRADER.ca: $17,102.

About TRADER Corporation

TRADER Corporation is a trusted Canadian leader in print and online media, managing automotive consumer marketplaces and publications. The company's primary online destinations include: autoTRADER.ca(TM), autoHEBDO.net(TM), Autos.ca and BuySell.com. autoTRADER.ca offers the largest inventory of new cars and inventory of used cars in Canada, available via our website and mobile applications. Visitors buy or sell cars, trucks or other motorized vehicles quickly, easily and conveniently. Buyers can search based on vehicle model, make, colour and geographic location to find the deal that is right for them. Autos.ca is the online destination for auto enthusiasts, featuring car news and car reviews from well-known automotive journalists. Follow autoTRADER.ca on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AutoTraderCanada or on Twitter at http://twitter.com/autotrader_ca or on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/102554508908373775907/.