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Tag: winter driving tips

  • Top 9 Winter Safety and Driving Tips 2022

    Top 9 Winter Safety and Driving Tips 2022

    No matter if you’re driving in winter for the first time or an experienced driver needing an easy refresher, there are some great winter driving tips that apply to everyone. Since the conditions vary in every Canadian city, we’ve created an array of winter driving tips to keep you safe during the coldest period of the entire year.

    The winter driving season in Canada is just beginning, and most areas of Canada’s True North will see lots of ice and snow on the roads for the next six months.

    Every region has their unique set of winter driving rules, including whether winter tires are necessary or not, and driving during the winter season is a different experience from driving during the spring, fall and summer.

    If you’re in the cold Maritimes provinces, the frigid Prairies or the temperate GTA or Vancouver regions, these guidelines will help you stay safe while you traverse the cold Canadian climate.

    Top 9 Winter Safety and Driving Tips

    Early Checks

    You need to conduct a few simple inspections on your vehicle before driving off throughout the year.

    1: Fluids Check:

    Winter Safety and Driving Tips
    Winter Safety and Driving Tips
    • Check the oil in your engine. The oil should be in the top state and be in the correct amount (otherwise, fill it up with the help of your mechanic)
    • Check the coolant (Known as antifreeze). It protects against corrosion and assists the engine in maintaining the temperature in the summer. In winter, it lets the heater throw warm air and prevents freezing the water in the radiator.
    • Transmission fluid (usually Gear oil) should be examined regularly to keep your transmission in good condition.
    • Check that the battery in your vehicle is fully charged (also verify the battery’s age and ensure cables aren’t loose)

    2: Visual Clearance:

     Make sure you check the side mirrors (they must not be in a damaged condition).

    • Install rear cameras (if possible) for rear (Reverse) clearance.
    • Use liquid soap to clean windows and windscreens.
    • Make sure to check the blades of your wipers. Replace the wiper blades if needed.

    3: Tires:

    • Make sure that your tires are in good shape.
    • It is essential to regularly monitor the tire’s pressure and condition, particularly in winter.
    • If the tread thickness of the tire is less than 2 millimeters, then it’s time to replace the tires on time to prevent any driving accident.

    4: Lights:

    • Check that your car’s front, rear, and Indicators are operating correctly.
    • Driving with low beams is dangerous due to high beams cause high reflection.
    • Fog lights should only be used in foggy or rainy weather conditions.
    • Fog light provides the best view when on the road.

    5: Clear your car of SNOW AND ICE

    Clear your car of SNOW AND ICE
    Winter Safety and Driving Tips

    If you’re taking an excursion when it’s stormy, rainy or bitterly cold out, ensure that your car is clean to view the driver’s windows. Make sure you clean all the windows on your vehicle’s front side, and your headlights and your backlights.

    Cleaning the car’s top inadvertently could cause water or snow to spill over your windscreen as you descend. In some areas, it could result in a fine for the offence.

    Ice formation is on the car’s surface because of cold weather conditions. The deicing spray is a good solution if it’s difficult to remove the ice from your windshields. Ensure your wipers are up before you leave the car to keep them from freezing on the windscreen.

    6: MAINTAIN A SAFE DISTANCE

    Others who are not experienced on roads with ice or do not have correct tires installed are a big risk when driving during winter. Reduce your speed as you drive.

    If you are driving during winter, maintaining an appropriate distance between the vehicles is crucial because you require sufficient space to brake properly.

    You could risk losing traction if you take a lot of force with your brakes. So, you must keep your speed low and let other vehicles overtake you if they choose to follow you or accelerate.

    A VERY SIMPLE RULE OF THUMB is that, during normal driving conditions, keep a distance from the VEHICLE in front equal to the distance you’ll cover in 3SEC at a given speed. If you are driving in fog or slick ROAD CONDITIONS, INCREASE THE DISTANCE to the equivalent of 6SEC.

    7: Drive With Extreme Caution in the Freezing Rain

    Drive With Extreme Caution in the Freezing Rain

    Driving in rainy and cold temperatures is a necessity in some cities. Temperature variations are typical across many areas, resulting in various road conditions. If there’s a lot of freezing precipitation, you’ll see many slippery and icy roads.

    If driving during this kind of weather, motorists must be extra cautious as the risk of losing control of the vehicle is greater, and visibility can be reduced.

    9: Make a winter driving safety Plan Ahead

    Notice and Be Notified

    Being visible to pedestrians and vehicles is among the best ways to prevent accidents. Make sure your headlights are on and free of frost, and ensure a safe distance between your vehicle and others according to the guidelines. Being able to see other vehicles that are in your blind spot could be difficult, especially in the winter months. Be cautious with your speed and keep alert for any movement on the road.

    Beware of driving in very bad conditions.

    If the forecast for the weather says it’s going to be a miserable day, you should avoid getting in a vehicle. It’s better to be patient until you’re stable enough to drive and confident the road-maintenance vehicles will return.

    WHEN IT’S SLICK, KEEP YOUR COMPOSURE AND CONTROL

    If it’s snowing or freezing, do not put too much pressure when you brake. The brakes are pumped to make you stop fast and not slip when you have to stop immediately.

    If your vehicle is equipped with modern braking technology called Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), that will aid you in stopping under difficult conditions by pressing the brakes.

    If your vehicle is equipped with a standard transmission, accelerating by shifting the gears rather than brakes will reduce the speed.

    This is particularly useful in the case of descending a slope. Be sure not to let the clutch flutter when you release it. Otherwise, you’ll be able to start an unintentional skid.

    In snowy winter conditions, do not slow or accelerate too quickly in curvy turns. If you begin sliding when stopping, remove your foot from the brakes and turn the steering wheel in the direction you wish to.

    Safely driving in winter weather can be challenging, particularly in the northern regions prone to snow and ice. Driving in winter can be difficult even for the most experienced driver. However, not all drivers are the same.

    If you’re trapped and helpless If you are in a bind, follow these steps:

    • Be in the car until assistance arrives.
    • Don’t drive away from your vehicle unless you are sure of the exact location of the vehicle.
    • To attract attention, wave a bright cloth, then turn off the parking lights.
    • If you think you can alter your situation, take your time, energy, and thoughts to eliminate that circumstance.

     

     

  • How to drive in snow safely?

    How to drive in snow safely?

    In this article, we will talk about how to drive safely in the snow? Snowy conditions can create difficulties for drivers and may even result in an accident. This is why preparing yourself before taking off on your journey in the snow is essential.

    It’s important to know How to drive in snow safely? and also think about different driving methods when you’re faced with challenging conditions.

    How to drive in snow safely?

    How to drive in snow safely?

    1. Wear dry and comfortable shoes
    2. Start slowly, use low revs, then shift to a higher speed as fast as possible.
    3. Use the second gear, as this will reduce wheel slip; certain cars come with a winter mode that performs the same function, so make sure to verify that your vehicle has this feature in the manual of your vehicle.
    4. Make sure you are speeding correctly and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, leaving more than 10 times the recommended distance.
    5. Be prepared for an uphill run by allowing plenty of space in front of you so that you can keep a steady speed without having to change gears.
    6. Make use of a lower gear when driving downhill. Try not to stop braking unless required. Make sure to allow plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.
    7. When you approach an intersection, you should brake before moving on the wheel. If your car loses grip, don’t panic, and the most important thing to do is to get your foot off the accelerator and ensure that the wheels are pointed in the direction you intend to go.
    8. If you happen to encounter the possibility of a skid, gently steer into it. For instance, when the rear of your car slides to the right, turn towards the left. Don’t lift your hands off the steering wheel or put your foot on the brakes.
    9. When driving in snowy conditions, ensure that you utilize dipped headlights. Relying on the daytime running light is not enough as they aren’t always putting lights at the rear of your vehicle.
    10. Turn the fog light on if visibility is reduced to less than 100m. Be sure to switch them off once visibility increases.
    11. If the road hasn’t been gritted, be cautious of driving on wheel tracks or in other vehicles because the packed snow will be more slippery than fresh snow.
    12. Controls like the brakes, the accelerator, steering, and even gear changes must be controlled smoothly and gradually.
    13. Sunglasses are a great way to cut down the glare caused by the low winter sun shining on the snow.
    14. Reduce your speed and allow for more space to slow down and turn
    15. Finally, it is essential to consider the surroundings you’re driving through, particularly microclimates that may be visible along the route. They are the areas the sun doesn’t have enough time to the surface and could remain icy even after another road is thawed. Bridges are an excellent illustration. They’re typically the first to freeze and the last to be thawed. Therefore, be aware when you’re driving through wide spaces.

    How to Reduce your anxiety while driving in winter or snow?

    How to Reduce your anxiety while driving in winter or snow?

    Dark and gloomy days, cold weather, slippery roads, and high traffic volumes – all these things can cause you to feel nervous while driving during winter. However, you can overcome your worries by using these suggestions to help you feel more comfortable driving in winter.

    Pack your winter-related emergency kit with everything you’ll require if your vehicle stops working or is stuck in the snow. It includes an ice scraper for warning triangles, a first aid kit shovel, and more.

    Recheck and check again

    Before setting out on your trip, ensure your vehicle is ready for the cold roads. Check that your car is running sufficient fuel, that the tires are fitted with snow chains in case you’re driving through snow, your headlights are in good condition and functioning well, the antifreeze is replenished, and you’ve tucked away from your winter survival kit in your car, and the list goes on.

    Remain calm

    In winter, driving may mean longer trips than normal due to congestion. When you’re driving, be sure to stay at a safe distance. You must ensure that you’re taking every precaution to stay secure, such as maintaining a safe stop distance, using your headlights and indicator, and traveling slowly to ensure that you feel secure while driving.

    Make yourself ready for the most terrifying.

    The breakdowns and accidents rise in winter due to the slippery roads and snow. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of what you can do if you are in such a scenario.

    The fact that you have a winter kit with you doesn’t suffice. It is also important to learn what you can do with these products correctly to get your vehicle up and running. Learn how to change a flat tire, jump-start an automobile, fit chains for snow, and so on.

    Get a Pass Plus certification.

    It is also possible to seek assistance from a professional master driving in icy and snowy conditions. You can do this by obtaining a pass plus certificate.

    The course is six hours long and will prepare you to drive in various circumstances, including in bad weather. This will help you become more confident not just driving through winter but also taking on other difficult roads, like motorways or driving in the dark.

    FAQ about how to drive safely in the snow?

     

    How fast should I drive in snow?

    Limit your speed to half if you must travel through snow and ice. For instance, if you typically travel 60 miles per hour on the highway, lower your speed by 30 miles/hour.

    How do I drive with snow chains on tires?

    Snow chains are a viable option for driving in snow. But, you shouldn’t drive more than 30 miles an hour using snow chains; they’re only an interim solution. Get rid of the snow chains immediately, or avoid driving with them if you intend to travel at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour.

    What are the dangers of driving on snow and ice?

    1. Light snow is more hazardous on roads. A thin dusting of snow on the roadway is much more hazardous than the snow covering the road because it melts and then re-freezes into a slick of ice, which you cannot discern due to the hot road. Ice is also less slippery than snow and can provide less traction for your tires.
    2. Black ice. The black ice layer is of ice on the pavement at night, which is difficult to spot because it’s translucent. Avoid driving in the dark following the snowstorm if it is.
    3. Low visibility. Blowing snow and foggy windows make it difficult to see clearly. If you cannot discern where you are, others likely have the same issue.
    4. Slippery roads and the loss of traction. Losing traction on the road when tires aren’t able to control or move the vehicle safely can lead to losing control over your car. This is the reason why you should avoid driving when you can.

    What do I do if I skid on ice or snow?

    1. Take your foot off the pedal. This stops the wheels from turning. Make sure you are using your brakes instead.
    2. The brake pedal should be pressed with a steady pumping motion. Many vehicles come equipped with anti-lock brakes. The vehicle will sense the skid and automatically compensate by slowly rotating the wheels when you press the brakes. It should be possible to sense this happening.
    3. Keep your car away from any skiing. If you see your car beginning to skid toward the right side, steer it to the left. If you notice your car skidding to the left, steer towards the right. Make sure you don’t like oversteering. Gradually and gently guide the vehicle in the right direction.