Tips for winter driving

Kanetix.ca - George Small

Winter can be one of the most difficult and unpredictable driving seasons, but if you stay alert, slow down, and stay in control, you'll be sure to get where you need to go, safely.

Before hitting the road

Make sure your vehicle is ready. Take it in for a tune-up before the snow is here to stay.

Install four winter tires; do not mix-and-match with your summer or all-seasons. A good rule of thumb is to put your snow tires on when the temperature drops to 7° Celsius.

Did you know that some insurance companies offer a discount if you install four winter tires each winter? If yours doesn’t, compare quotes at kanetix to see if you could be paying less for your car insurance.

Be prepared for an emergency. See the kanetix checklist for your winter car kit see what common items you should have in your car in case your car is stuck in the snow or you're stranded at the side of the road.

Plan your route. Be familiar with the maps/directions to avoid confusion and check the weather reports before you leave. Let others know your travelling plans including when you're leaving and when you'll arrive.

Always clear the ice and snow from your vehicle; pay special attention to your windows, lights, mirrors, hood and the roof.

Be sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid. It's also a good idea to keep some extra fluid in the car in case you run out.

On the road

Buckle up.

Check the weather and travel conditions before heading out, and drive according to those conditions. In the winter, allow yourself extra time for travel so you get to where you want to be in time.

Bring your cell phone with you as it can be very useful in case of an emergency, but remember to pull over to the side of the road first. Winter driving demands your full attention.

Keep the gas tank at least half full. Keeping the gas tank full will prevent your gas line freezing, not to mention making sure you've got the juice to get where you need to go.

Be sure other drivers can see you coming. Use your lights during times of reduced visibility.

Reduce your speed and do everything gently, especially when turning, accelerating or stopping.

Keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you because it takes longer to stop in the winter. What makes a safe distance? Under normal driving conditions, safe spacing can be determined with the two-second rule. In winter, and especially in bad weather, double the two-second rule. This means, a 4-second interval from the time the car in front of you passes a fixed object until you reach the same object.

When conditions are wintery, don’t use cruise control. Winter conditions require you to be in full control of the vehicle at all times.

Be careful when approaching shaded areas, like bridges and overpasses, as these areas have a tendency to freeze sooner, and to stay frozen longer. Watch out for black ice as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction.

Losing traction can result in skidding off the road. To avoid losing traction, do everything slowly. Always try to gently turn, gently accelerate and gently brake.