Essentials:
- Tires: It is recommended to install four winter tires to improve traction on snow and ice
- Wipers: Teflon based wipers are designed for winter driving
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Make sure you’re stocked up with winter-rated washer fluid
- Snow and Ice: Remove snow and ice from your entire vehicle before driving
- 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
- 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!
