Prepare for Winter Driving Conditions
Ensuring your vehicle is ready for harsh winter weather will help you stay safe on the road.
By Allison Cross
A bit of winter prep can go a long way to smoothing the road ahead. | PHOTO: JASMINA_K/ENVATO
WINTER WEATHER can be challenging for drivers, but being prepared — from having the right tires to assembling the supreme survival kit — can make the season more manageable. Here’s what you need to know about getting your car ready for the coldest months of the year:
Maintain your car
The time to get your car serviced isn’t when those first snowflakes hit the pavement. Ideally, drivers will take their vehicles in for servicing twice a year, says Ryan Peterson, manager of automotive services for CAA Club Group. The most important thing is that the vehicle’s maintenance is up to date, and the spring and fall are convenient times to book a service proactively, says Peterson, because it’s not yet too cold or too hot. “There isn’t a [perfect] time of year — it’s continuous,” he explains. “Follow the maintenance [schedule] in the owner’s manual.” There are a few steps to take as the weather grows colder. Switch summer tires to winter tires. The tread pattern is designed for winter conditions, Peterson explains, and the rubber compound is softer and more flexible to allow for better grip and road traction in cold weather. Peterson says that all-weather tires are also safe to use as their tread pattern provides traction in winter. You should check your tire pressure throughout the winter, as sub-zero temperatures will impact it. Inspect your windshield wipers; they should be free of cracks and tears. They’re going to be working hard battling snow and ice — not to mention the salt, sand, dirt and debris mixed in with slush that requires constant clearing. Get winter-grade windshield washer fluid — it’s formulated to resist freezing. Heavy sleet and wet road conditions will stop you in your tracks if you can’t clear your windshield. Have your battery tested. If your headlights seem a little less bright and your car needs more cranking to start, it will only be exacerbated by the cold. Freezing temperatures put additional strain on your battery, so consider changing it if you’re seeing reduced function. Of course, a block heater will also help to keep your car starting all winter — ensure that it is in good condition, too.
Cold temperatures can lower your tire pressure. | PHOTO: SOCKAGPHOTO/ADOBE STOCK
“The time to get your car serviced isn’t when those first snowflakes hit the pavement. Ideally, drivers will take their vehicles in for servicing twice a year.”
Make sure you’re using winter-grade windshield washer fluid. | PHOTO: SOCKAGPHOTO/ADOBE STOCK
Your car should be equipped with the means for digging out and staying warm. | PHOTOS: SOCKAGPHOTO/ADOBE STOCK
Create a winter survival kit
The farther you plan to drive outside an urban centre, the more extensive your survival kit should be, advises Peterson. “You know Murphy’s law: if something’s going to go wrong, it’s going to go wrong on the worst day possible,” he continues, noting that you may have to contend with temperatures of -30° C for several hours, possibly longer. Start by buying a snowbrush, scraper and a small shovel for digging yourself out of snow and removing ice from your windshield. Add a container of non-clumping kitty litter to your trunk — it’s a great traction aid on slippery spots. Next, stock your trunk with granola bars, toilet paper, water purification tablets and a container to hold water — you can fill it with snow to melt if you don’t have any bottled water. Keep phone charging cables and a power bank in the car with you — your phone is vital in case of any issues. Then, think warmth. Either sleeping bags or thick fleece or wool blankets should be in the car, too. “I can almost guarantee you how you’re dressed is not going to be dressed well enough,” Peterson says. He recommends always wearing winter boots, hats, gloves, and a warm, waterproof coat.
Keep your gas tank topped up
It’s a time-tested winter driving rule: never let your tank get below half. If you have to wait for roadside assistance in winter weather, you never know how long you might need to idle your vehicle to keep warm, Peterson says. When the weather becomes severe, it can slow traffic to a standstill. Roads can close as they become too dangerous to use or as a result of a collision. When this happens, re-routing can add significant time to your travel. Unfortunately, a closed highway can add hours — having enough gas to accommodate the changing conditions is an important precaution. While it’s good to be prepared in any season, taking these proactive steps is your best protection when driving in winter. CAA
Always pack your CAA Membership card — whether it’s in your wallet or on your phone. Members can request roadside assistance by calling 1-800-222-4357, dialing *222 on their cell or through the CAA Mobile App™.