INSURANCE
The Ultimate List of Safe Winter Driving Tips
A little planning and caution behind the wheel will help keep you safe on the roads in snowy and icy conditions.
By Nelson Stafford
Being ready for snow and ice this winter means preparing now. | VIDEO: BLACKBOXGUILD/ENVATO
Driving in a Canadian winter can be a challenge. Motorists grapple with icy conditions and reduced visibility, not to mention sharing the road with snow removal equipment.
Keep these tips in mind as you get ready for snow time.
Perform a seasonal tune-up.
This is arguably one of the most important things you can do — bring your vehicle to an Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility for a seasonal tune-up. Every auto repair facility in the AARS program meets strict CAA requirements for delivering quality service at a fair price. Plus, the repair work is backed with a one-year, 20,000-km Canada-wide warranty on most parts and services.
Switch to winter tires. These are designed to handle cold temperatures, snow and ice. As a general rule of thumb, it’s time to switch when the temperature drops to 7°C or less, on average, over seven days.
Do a full car inspection.
Include tires, brakes, battery, lights, windshield wipers, heating/defrost system and coolant levels.
Winter tires are designed for cold temperatures. | PHOTO: AFRICAIMAGES/ENVATO
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
This protects your vehicle’s fuel system and prevents condensation and freezing.
Clear all snow off of your car.
Go from front to back — including the roof, trunk, hood and lights.
Keep an emergency kit with you.
It should include items such as a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a blanket, snacks and booster cables.
A full tank helps protect your fuel system in cold weather. | PHOTO: WIRESTOCK/ENVATO
Allow extra time to get to your destination.
Slow down and remember that posted speed limits reflect ideal conditions. Watch for large snowbanks at crosswalks and intersections; they make it more difficult to see pedestrians stepping into the road. It takes longer to stop on snow and ice, so reduce your speed when approaching busy intersections and school safety zones.
Don’t forget to leave extra space.
Snow accumulation along the curb lane can narrow roads, so you’ll need to give cyclists plenty of room. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead, too. If you encounter snow removal vehicles, stay well back if it’s unsafe to pass, and never try to pass snowplows working together in echelon formation. Slow down and move over when you encounter vehicles or people on the shoulder.
Adopting these winter driving tips will help ensure a safer, smoother journey. Of course, when the weather is at its worst, it’s always safest to stay home and stay cozy if you can. CAA
Leave space around snow plows — and be patient. | PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/UNSPLASH+
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Winter tires are designed for cold temperatures. | PHOTO: AFRICAIMAGES/ENVATO
Perform a seasonal tune-up.
This is arguably one of the most important things you can do — bring your vehicle to an Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility for a seasonal tune-up. Every auto repair facility in the AARS program meets strict CAA requirements for delivering quality service at a fair price. Plus, the repair work is backed with a one-year, 20,000-km Canada-wide warranty on most parts and services.
Switch to winter tires. These are designed to handle cold temperatures, snow and ice. As a general rule of thumb, it’s time to switch when the temperature drops to 7°C or less, on average, over seven days.
Do a full car inspection.
Include tires, brakes, battery, lights, windshield wipers, heating/defrost system and coolant levels.
A full tank helps protect your fuel system in cold weather. | PHOTO: WIRESTOCK/ENVATO
Keep your gas tank at least half full.
This protects your vehicle’s fuel system and prevents condensation and freezing.
Clear all snow off of your car.
Go from front to back — including the roof, trunk, hood and lights.
Keep an emergency kit with you.
It should include items such as a flashlight, first-aid supplies, a blanket, snacks and booster cables.
Leave space around snow plows — and be patient. | PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/UNSPLASH+
Allow extra time to get to your destination.
Slow down and remember that posted speed limits reflect ideal conditions. Watch for large snowbanks at crosswalks and intersections; they make it more difficult to see pedestrians stepping into the road. It takes longer to stop on snow and ice, so reduce your speed when approaching busy intersections and school safety zones.
Don’t forget to leave extra space.
Snow accumulation along the curb lane can narrow roads, so you’ll need to give cyclists plenty of room. Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead, too. If you encounter snow removal vehicles, stay well back if it’s unsafe to pass, and never try to pass snowplows working together in echelon formation. Slow down and move over when you encounter vehicles or people on the shoulder.
Adopting these winter driving tips will help ensure a safer, smoother journey. Of course, when the weather is at its worst, it’s always safest to stay home and stay cozy if you can. CAA