How to Prepare for Winter Driving in Canada

Everyone is aware how daunting Canadian winter can be. Snowstorms, slippery roads, and temperatures so cold it’ll take your breath away. Whether you’re preparing for your daily commute or going on a road trip to see family, driving in snow can have its own challenges.

And, we’re not saying this to frighten you. So instead, let’s address our winter roads bravely. Whether you’re a veteran behind the wheel or if you’re still practicing with driving lessons in Mississauga or a driving instructor in Scarborough, here are some winter driving tips, Canada, to help you keep safe and (mostly) stress-free on the road.

Go Ahead and Prepare Your Car

Prepare for winter driving, Ontario, before snow begins to fly. Believe us, a little preparation now will save you a lot of headaches down the line.

• Winter Tires Are Mandatory:
  If you’ve been unsure whether you need winter tires, let us clear the confusion: You do. Winter tires provide much stronger grip on ice and snow-covered roads and are really a lifesaver with Canada’s capricious weather.
• Check Your Battery:
  Cold weather can have a detrimental effect on car batteries. It is advisable to test the batteries before the winter season. If it’s well past its sell date, you can get a new one, instead of waiting until a frigid morning when it refuses to start.
• Stock Up on Fluids:
  Winter-grade windshield washer fluid and antifreeze are your friends. You’ll also want to ensure your wipers are up to snuff — no one wants to squint through a streaky windshield.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Imagine the scenario: heavy snow, your car stuck on the road, stranded. Sounds like a nightmare? To avoid that situation, keep a winter emergency kit inside your car. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Small shovel (for digging yourself out of snowbanks)
• The warmth of blankets and extra gloves
• Snacks (no one wants to be hangry in snow)
• Flashlights and batteries
• Cat litter or sand for traction
• Jumper cables (because your car battery could go into hibernation)

Drive Like a Canadian (Shy and Polite)

Let’s address the issue of driving behavior. Winter roads need to be approached slowly and deliberately. Here are a few golden rules for safe winter driving:

• Take It Easy on Gas and Brakes:
  Accelerating quickly or braking hard can lead to something called a skid faster than you can mutter “black ice.” Instead, apply both gently.
• Slow Down:
  Speed limits are for perfect conditions, not snow-covered roads. Acknowledge the fact that you need to slow it down and allow yourself ample time to back off.
• Give Space:
  Our standard 2-3 second following rule goes out the window in winter. Maintain a 6-8 second gap between you and the vehicle in front. It will give you some time to respond if someone breaks suddenly.

If you’re still not completely confident behind the wheel, don’t feel too bad; many driving instructors in Scarborough have specific winter driving lessons designed to give you more of the buoyancy you require when traversing slippery roads.

Tips on How to Drive in Snow

Snow driving is intimidating, but once you do it, it becomes routine. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Be Careful on Black Ice:
  This sneaky hazard is almost invisible. It is prevalent on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, so exercise caution in those areas.”
• Use That Momentum Wisely:
  For hills, accelerate before the ascent. Stopping halfway up a hill is a sure way to feel frustrated.
• Give Snowplows Room:
  Sure, they’re slow, but they’re paving the way for your vehicle. Be patient and don’t try to pass them—it’s not worth the risk.

Plan Ahead Like a Pro

This will make winter driving so much less stressful! Here’s what you need to do to beat it:

• Look at the forecast before you leave:

Check the Weather. If the forecast calls for a blizzard, it could be time to reschedule your plans.

• Stick to Main Roads:

They’re plowed first, so they’re safer than backroads.

• Keep Your Tank Full:
  The last thing you want to do in the freezing cold is run out of gas. Prevent it by refilling often.

And if the weather looks absolutely frightful, don’t make it happen. Sometimes, staying home is the best move you can make.

What to Do if Things Go Wrong

Even the most prepared drivers can get into trouble on winter roads. Here’s what to do if you get stuck or skid:

• Skidding:
  Don’t panic! Gently turn in the direction you wish to travel. Don’t slam on the brakes; it just makes things worse.
• Trapped in Snow:
  Remove snow from your tires and lay down kitty litter or sand for traction. Next, attempt to rock your vehicle back and forth by gently alternating between forwards and reverse.

Winter Driving Etiquette

The winter months are all about togetherness, so let’s make our roads safer for all!

• Clear Your Car: Don’t be the car driving around with a mountain of snow on its roof. This is not only dangerous; it’s illegal in many of these areas.
• Use Your Lights: This is common sense, but it is important that especially in low visibility conditions such as heavy snow or fog.
• Be Patient: Everybody’s doing their best to stay safe. If someone is driving a little slower than you would like them to, cut them some slack.

Final Thoughts

In Canada, winter driving is nothing to fear! It's something to prepare for. Be it preparing your car for winter or adjusting your driving patterns, the biggest takeaway is to remain calm, careful, and prepared for everything.

Keep in mind, it’s not only to arrive at your destination but to arrive safely. So, bundle up, drive slow, and enjoy a taste of Canadian winter (through the windshield). You’ve got this!

Stay safe out there!