Winter Driving

It’s always important to stay focused on the road, especially during winter. Below is information and a few tips on how to stay safe and take care of your vehicle in the winter months.

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

• Check the weather and road conditions before travelling. Plan your trip accordingly by giving yourself extra time to get to your destination, or by postponing your trip.
• Clean all of the snow off your vehicle before you leave, including your roof. Ice and snow that comes off your vehicle can limit visibility and can be dangerous to other road users.
• Adjust your driving to the weather conditions; slow down, use your turn signal well in advance, and give yourself plenty of room for braking.
• If you are travelling to meet friends or family let them know when you’re leaving, your estimated time of arrival, and remind them you will be driving and unable to answer the phone.
• If you are travelling with others, assign a designated texter and give them the task of responding to and managing the phone, GPS, radio/playlist, and any other distractions.
• Make sure you have your CAA card on you and the number saved in your phone, or download the CAA app.
• Ensure your phone is fully charged before heading out and keep a charger in your vehicle.
• Keep an emergency kit in your car.  Click here for suggestions on what to include in the kit.
• Remember to be courteous to other drivers; lead by example.  If someone shows signs of aggressive behaviour give them space and avoid them.

Tips If You Get Stuck

• Call CAA… not a member?  Join here.
• Stay with your car.  It’s safer than standing at the side of the road and makes it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Use common sense and assess if your vehicle is in a dangerous position and you are in more danger in your car. Ex. Hidden behind a bend, in traffic, poorly visible, etc.
• Use your hazards.
• Run the engine for long enough to keep the car from getting too cold.  Ensure the tail pipe isn’t blocked with snow or ice and check the exhaust system for leaks to prevent carbon monoxide from leaking into the car.
• To get fresh air crack a window on the side of the car away from the wind.
• Don’t over exert yourself by trying to push your car out.
• Moving your arms and legs and deep breathing occasionally helps with circulation.

Tips For Winter Car Care

Winter car care should start in the fall, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the snow hits the ground. Here are a few suggestions to get your car ready for the winter months:

• Test your battery, fully charged automotive batteries should measure at 12.6 volts or above. When the engine is running, this measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts. CAA memberships offer a battery service that will come test, replace, and recycle your battery.
• If the temperarure drops below -15°C consider using a block heater.  This reduces stress on your vehicle’s engine and heats up the cabin quicker.
• Consider using winter tires.  The rubber in winter tires doesn’t harden like all-season tires, offering better grip on the road (all-season tires lose elasticity at around -7°C). Currently, only Québec makes it mandatory to install winter tires.
• It’s a good idea to take your car in for a checkup, especially if you plan on taking long road-trips.
• Top up your windshield washer fluid and carry extra in your car.  Make sure it is rated for -40°C.
• Check your vehicle’s manual to ensure you are adhering to the winter maintenance recommendations.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.  This helps prevent your gas line from freezing and allows you to run your car for short periods for warmth if you ever get stuck.