Essentials:

1. Tires: It is recommended to install four winter tires to improve traction on snow and ice
2. Wipers: Teflon based wipers are designed for winter driving
3. Windshield Washer Fluid: Make sure you’re stocked up with winter-rated washer fluid
4. Snow and Ice: Remove snow and ice from your entire vehicle before driving
5. Gas: Travel with your gas tank close to full – your vehicle may be your only heat source in the event of getting stuck or stranded 
6. Winter survival kits: can prove invaluable if you find yourself stuck or stranded or coming to the aid of someone who is

Your kit should contain:

• Drinking Water
• Food (nuts, dried fruit etc.)
• Waterproof matches
• Flashlight Candle in a small can
• Road flares
• Whistle Blanket
• First aid kit
• Towel
• Collapsible shovel
• Jumper cable
• Cell phone
• Rope
• Pocket knife
• Duct tape
• Tool kit
• Mittens, toque and boots
• Chains or traction device

Winter Driving Tips

• Slow down! Be prepared to allow more travel time, especially during those first snow falls
• Increase your following distances behind vehicles 
• Steer smoothly – jerky movements increase your chance of skidding 
• Bridges and overpasses freeze first – use caution
• Keep your tire pressure up. For every five degree drop in temperature, tires lose one psi 
• Road salt takes 20 - 30 minutes to take full effect and works best when the temperature is above – 10 Celsius 

If you find yourself in a skid:

• Don’t panic, brake or accelerate
• Look to where you want to go and steer in that direction
• 'If driving manual, de-clutch to reduce engine braking effect
• If driving an automatic transmission shift to neutral to reduce engine braking effect 

If driving long distances:

• Check the road conditions and weather before embarking
• Inform someone of your route and estimated time of arrival
• Travel well rested
• Stop to stretch frequently
• Eat light meals and snacks vs. big heavy meals
• Drive with a cooler air temperature, too warm can make you sleepy
• Never use cruise control in adverse weather conditions – when tires slip, the cruise control may respond by accelerating 

Getting stuck or stranded:

• Remain calm
• Do not attempt to walk for help in a snowstorm – stay with your vehicle
• Place emergency lights and flares around your vehicle
• If you can’t dig your way out, shovel snow from around your tailpipe and return to your vehicle 
• Run the engine for about ten minutes every hour to keep warm.
• Make sure a window is open (choose a window opposite from the wind)
• Put on warm clothing right away. Don’t wait to get cold to put on extra clothes, socks and toques
• Do simple stretches to increase circulation and maintain warmth
• Keep an eye out for rescuers

Be Prepared and Slow Down to Stay Safe Enjoy the Winter!