Safe Winter Driving: Essential Tips

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• Preparing for the Cold Months: Winterizing Your Car for Winter Time in Ontario
  • Tires
  • Batteries
  • Cooling Systems
  • Wipers and Wiper Fluid
• Winter Driving Techniques: How to Drive Safely in Cold Weather
  • Driving Safely on Ice or in Snow
  • Utilizing Safety Features
• Emergency Preparedness
• Legal Requirements and Recommendations for Winter Driving in Ontario
• Make Winter Driving Safe




Winter driving in Canada is fraught with challenges. A recent report reveals that December has the highest number of car collisions, followed by January and November. Inclement weather, unsatisfactory road conditions, and a lack of knowledge of winter driving techniques make driving in Ontario winters a safety hazard.

That’s one of the leading reasons why driving in winter comes with an increased risk of collision. Besides life-threatening injuries, car collisions can also cause significant damage to cars.

Learning how to drive in snow, preparing a winter emergency kit, and being cognizant of winter driving laws can prevent collisions and other mishaps. In this article, we also discuss how to winterize cars, winter driving tips, and essential winter driving safety practices.

Preparing for the Cold Months: Winterizing Your Car for Winter Time in Ontario

Temperatures in Ontario can quickly plummet in the winter, with the lowest recorded number being −58.3 °C (−73 °F). So, winterizing your car is imperative to driving safely on ice. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends you check your:

1. Tires

Since cold air is dense and promotes contraction, even nominal changes in ambient temperature affect the inflation pressure in tires. Every 10°C drop in temperature can reduce tire pressure by 1 to 2 PSI, affecting its performance.

This is why switching to all-season or all-weather tires is recommended for when it gets cold. The best winter tires can maintain flexibility even under extreme weather conditions and come with hefty block treads designed to push through snow and slush. Just make sure that the tread is 2/32 of an inch or more.

Some good research can help you select the right snow car tires and keep you from getting confused by common winter tire myths.

2. Batteries

Cold weather affects all kinds of car batteries. Gasoline and diesel engines are difficult to turn over because of congealed fuel. Electric car batteries take longer than usual to recharge, affecting restart times. Because you tend to use wipers, seat warmers, etc. more, it just adds to the problem.

This is why it’s essential your batteries are checked and replaced before you go driving in the snow.

3. Cooling Systems

You need a 50-50 mix of water and antifreeze in your car for Canadian winters. Ensure you have ample coolant in your car to meet your manufacturer’s specifications. Also, ensure a mechanic checks your car for leaks or potential hazards and replaces the coolant if required.

4. Wipers and Wiper Fluid

You need heavy-duty wipers for Ontario winters, along with an ample stock of wiper fluid. Winter wipers come with protective rubber covers that are effective against snow buildup. You also need de-icing wiper fluids that are heavy on methyl alcohol because they can effectively melt ice and grime.

Winter Driving Techniques: How to Drive Safely in Cold Weather

Driving in winter requires self-discipline. When driving on slippery roads, adhere to the following winter driving techniques:

1. Check the weather conditions and route map before starting your journey so that you’re aware of potential hazards that you may encounter.
2. Ensure you go as slow as you can on wet or slippery roads.
3. Follow the speed limit mandated by the authorities.
4. Avoid driving your car in cruise control mode.
5. Maintain a following distance of at least four seconds or more during winter, and do not tailgate. To achieve the ideal following distance, pick a distant object on the road and wait four seconds or more after a car has crossed the marker.
6. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, sharp turns, and similar movements.
7. Check the inflation pressure in your tires and your batteries before commencing the journey.
8. Carry at least half a tank of fuel, wiper fluids, and coolants at the beginning of your drive.
9. Keep your headlights on even during the day for better visibility, but use low beams.
10. Always keep an emergency kit with food supplies and other essentials in your car.

Driving Safely on Ice or in Snow

If you must drive on ice or snow-covered roads, opt for SUVs with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), as they offer greater stability and ground control. While front-wheel drive in snow can handle light snowfalls or slushy roads, AWD provides better traction and control, especially in deeper snow or on icy surfaces. You can easily navigate winter terrain in an AWD SUV like a Land Rover, which is considered one of the best cars for snow.

Our top 3 tips for winter driving in your Land Rover include:

• Engage winter mode: Many Land Rover models have a Winter or Snow mode, which adjusts the throttle response and optimizes the vehicle’s traction.
• Check tire pressure regularly: Check tire pressure often and ensure they are properly inflated for winter conditions.
• Use low gear for steep hills: When driving up or down snowy hills, using low gear helps maintain better control and reduces the likelihood of slipping or sliding.

For that seamless winter driving experience, you can also check out some premium Land Rover services to keep your car in top condition.

Utilizing Safety Features

You can foolproof your winter driving with the help of car safety features winter. Most cars offer built-in features like:

1. All-Wheel Drive: AWD cars are safer to drive on wet and slick roads. Besides ease of use, they also provide ample acceleration support for navigating unplowed, snowed-in roads.
2. Anti-lock Braking Control (ABC): ABC gives you greater steering control and grip on slippery roads. You can engage your tires quickly and effectively after emergency braking, preventing damage. ABC also lessens the stress on your engine and your tires.
3. Traction Control: This is great for driving your car uphill on slippery or snowed-in roads. Traction Control ensures you enjoy increased stability and safety while driving in winter.

Even with these advanced safety features, it’s important to remember the critical reasons why no vehicle is too high-tech for winter tires.

While the above features certainly enhance your vehicle’s handling in harsh conditions, winter tires are specifically engineered to perform in sub-zero temperatures and on snow and ice.

Emergency Preparedness

Despite everything, if you’re stranded on the road, use your car as a temporary shelter till help arrives. Consider attaching a brightly colored cloth to your rearview mirror or to a rolled-up window to make yourself discoverable. If you happen to have a reflective triangle, use it.

Keep yourself warm enough to survive the ordeal without draining your tank. Make sure you clear your tailpipe because a clogged one could potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is highly recommended to prepare an emergency kit that contains:

1. Chargers (for your mobile device and car).
2. Non-perishable food and water supply.
3. Basic first-aid kit.
4. Flashlight.
5. Reflective triangle.

Legal Requirements and Recommendations for Winter Driving in Ontario

There’s no legal mandate for using winter tires. However, it is highly recommended that you use them from November to February. Installing winter tires also improves your chances of securing car insurance claims in case of collisions. Since winter tires have tangible safety advantages, not equipping your car with them could be counted as negligent behavior.

Stick to the speed limit on freeways and the Trans-Canada routes to avoid trouble.

Make Winter Driving Safe

Be cognizant of the dangers of driving during Ontario winters before hitting the roads. As long as you follow the rules and maintain your car, you should be able to enjoy a hassle-free drive.

For premium car servicing and to get your vehicle winter-ready, look no further than Westminster Motors. Our team also specializes in classic car services, so you can drive safely and confidently all season long.

Author: Avo Demirjian





Sources

1. Driving in Winter Weather
2. Winter Driving Tips – AAA Exchange
3. Be Prepared for Winter Driving
4. CCOHS: Driving - Winter
5. Windshield Washer & Wiper Fluid | Canadian Tire