Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Are you ready for winter’s worst?
Winter driving is much less nerve-racking when you know you’re ready for anything. Weather the cold with confidence by making sure your vehicle is prepared.
There’s still time to winterize your vehicle, if you haven’t already done so.
- Get a complete tune-up, oil change and inspection (including fuel, ignition, electrical, heating and cooling, braking and exhaust systems).
- Have your tires checked for wear, proper inflation and suitability for the season. Winter tires offer the best traction for winter conditions.
- Be sure you have winter wiper blades.
- Top up windshield washer fluid.
Load up with essentials
- Brush and scraper
- Cell phone
- Snow shovel
- Traction aids, such as anti-skid mats, sand or salt
- Lock de-icer (in your pocket – not locked in your vehicle)
- Booster cables (check your owners manual for proper usage)
- Flares or reflectors
- Flashlight
- Tool kit
- Spare fuses and bulbs
Pack a survival kit for out-of-town travel
- Candle and matches
- Non-perishable food
- Warm clothes and blankets
- First-aid kit
Before you drive away
- Leave early so you won’t be tempted to rush on slippery or snow-covered roads.
- Remove snow and ice from all the windows, mirrors, headlights and tail lights.
- Clear off your hood so snow won’t blow into your vents and fog your windows.
- Clean snow from your footwear so your feet won’t slip off the pedals.
- Crack open a window for better ventilation.
- Select fresh, rather than recirculated, air for your heater.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV and check out the following section on our website:
- Winter Preparation in Driving Tips
- Driving to Conditions in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Winter Preparation directly
