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Winter Driving Tips to Help You Drive Like a Pro
Written by DriveAxis.ca February 09, 2022
Driving during the winter can be challenging for even the most seasoned drivers. To avoid getting into accidents when hitting the road this season, follow this set of winter driving tips that will help you arrive at your destination safe and sound.
1. Slow Down
The first tip is the most obvious because it can greatly reduce your chances of getting into an accident. Snow and ice have a major impact on road conditions, and this means that it’s imperative for Canadian drivers to slow down throughout the winter season.
Adjust your speed to match the current driving conditions. Allow for double the stopping distance on wet roads, triple on snow, and even more on ice. Don’t allow yourself to fall into a false sense of security with your car’s safety systems. When driving on winter roads, reduce your speed to avoid getting into an accident.
2. Snow Tires
To get the best traction for your car, consider upgrading your car wheels to snow tires for the winter season. Winter tires are specifically designed for winter conditions, making them the most important safety device to install on your car for the winter season. They are better at gripping icy roads, excel at handling and braking, and can shorten your braking distance by as much as 25 per cent.
Snow tires can cost several hundred dollars, but it is important to think of them as an investment. They last for several years, are used for only a portion of the time, and may help lower your car insurance rates.
When purchasing snow tires, make sure you buy the correct type for your vehicle, and that all four tires are the same make and model. Winter tires can make all the difference, and should be a top consideration for all Canadian drivers.
3. Proper Equipment for Your Car
The icy road conditions of winter mean that you need to prepare your vehicle. Make sure you have the proper equipment by stocking up with these important winter necessities:
- Ice and snow clearing brush: Clears your windows of ice so you can see clearly. As well, be sure to clean your car before heading out to the highway so that you won’t affect other drivers with flying debris.
- Extra windshield wipers and fluid: With all the extra wiping your windshield will be needing to clear it of snow, ice, and salt, put back-up supplies in your trunk so that you won’t be caught unprepared.
- A survival kit: A kit to keep you safe should your car get stranded during a storm. Include such items as a small shovel, a first aid kit, candle, water bottle, energy bars, extra warm clothing, and more.
- Car repair/maintenance tools: These include jumper cables, road flares, caution/alert police signs, and more
4. No Cruise Control
Using cruise control during bad weather conditions can make it easier to lose control of your car. Refrain from using this driving feature when on the highway whenever it snows, and stay vigilant at all times while driving.
5. Keep Your Gas Tank Full
Running out of gas is terrible at any time of the year, but running out of gas in the winter during a snowstorm is even worse.
Don’t let your gas gauge fall below a quarter tank to ensure your car is adequately fueled to allow you to reach your destination. As well, a full tank of gas helps reduce moisture in the fuel system, and its added weight helps keep you safely on the road.
6. Stay Informed of Local Weather Conditions
There’s simply no excuse to be caught unaware of an incoming winter storm. Make it a habit to often check weather reports on the radio, internet, and local news.
Find out any new winter weather developments as soon as they happen. If you hear that a bad storm is coming in, reconsider if you have to go out. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, don’t drive in a snowstorm. Remember: You won’t get into a winter accident if you’re not driving your car.
7. Practice Safe Winter Driving
In addition to slowing down, stay safe when driving this winter with these winter driving tips.
- Keep a safe distance away from snow plows.
- Give yourself more time to reach your destination by leaving earlier than usual.
- Warm up your car and clear it of snow before hitting the roads.
- Consider taking winter driving lessons that teach you how to safely manage a skid.
When it comes to winter driving, Canadian drivers need to be aware, vigilant, and careful! Winter driving can be hazardous, but it is also an important way to get around during the cold weather of this season. During the winter, arriving safely at your destination is the most important thing to remember.
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