- Blizzards/Heavy Snowfall: Snowfalls of at least 10 centimetres in 12 hours, or 15 centimetres in 24 hours.
- Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes while falling or as soon as it hits the ground. It can lead to ice storms, with ice covering roads, trees, power lines, etc.
- Cold Snaps: Refers to temperatures that fall rapidly over a very short period of time, causing very icy conditions.
- Winds: They create the conditions associated with blizzards. Winds also cause blowing and drifting snow, reduced visibility and wind chill (colder temperatures than the actual temperature due to the wind).
- Black Ice: Refers to a thin layer of ice on the road that can be difficult to see or can make the road look black and shiny.
- Slush: Wet snow which can make for slippery roads.
Top tips of safe winter driving:
- Slow Down
- Stay Alert
- Stay in Control
- Drive according to weather conditions
- Maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
- Look in the direction you want to go
- Turn on your vehicle's full head light system in poor visibility
Be prepared - Is your vehicle ready?
As winter approaches, it is important to get your vehicle 'winterized' by having a scheduled maintenance check done at your mechanic. As part of this check, make sure to have your mechanic check your car's tires, battery, belts, hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust
system, heater/defroster, wipers and ignition system. This will ensure that your vehicle is ready and functioning properly for winter conditions. Also, your fuel tank should be kept half-full at all times during the winter and you should have a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid to maintain clear visibility at all times. Finally, make sure to have a warm blanket in the vehicle in case you need to pull-over and turn your car off.
On snowy days, before you start driving, be sure to clean off all snow and ice
from your car windows, lights, mirrors and the roof. Do not start driving until the fog has cleared from the interior of the windows to ensure safe and good visibility.
It is also a good idea to change your all-season tires to winter tires because winter tires stay soft in cold temperatures which is safer for driving, as opposed to having all season tires which become hard like hockey pucks. Winter tires that are in good condition can shorten breaking distances by 25%.
Remember, your winter driving skills will improve with practice and experience. Try to stay relaxed when driving for the first time in the Canadian winter, be prepared and remember these helpful tips!
