Preparing for winter will help you stay safe

Nov 07, 2009

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Special to the Star

With Christmas approaching, this is a busy time of year. It's all too easy to get caught up in the season and forget the kind of weather you may have to drive in.

Winter conditions should not come as a surprise to us as Canadians. It only makes sense to be prepared to avoid finding yourself on an icy road heading for the ditch.

The most essential thing to do in preparing your vehicle is to install winter tires. All-season tires begin to lose their grip below 7C. Winter tires use specialized rubber compounds to deliver traction at temperatures down to minus 25C. All vehicles – front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – should have four winter tires installed for maximum safety. Never install just two.

If your vehicle has AWD, keep in mind that this is a performance feature, not a safety feature. It only enhances grip during acceleration, not during cornering or braking, and can lead to over-confidence when it comes to stopping or turning. This leads to a tendency to drive faster than conditions warrant, which explains why a disproportionate number of AWD vehicles slide into snowy ditches.

Windshield washer nozzles should be clear and aimed at the windshield. Wiper blades should be replaced after the fall season. Top up the windshield-washer antifreeze every couple of weeks. If you were using summer grade fluid, replace it with fluid good to minus 40C.

Have a good-quality pair of sunglasses within easy reach to reduce road glare caused by wet winter roads on sunny days.

Know how to clear fog or frost off the inside of your windows efficiently. Use your air conditioner in winter as an effective dehumidifier. Clean snow and slush off shoes before getting in to reduce the moisture level inside your vehicle.

Be sure all your lights are clean and visible, and working properly. Make sure your battery is in good shape and clean the battery terminals and cables. Synthetic oils do not congeal in cold weather the way conventional oils do, aiding in starting and lubrication at cold temperatures.

Focus on driving. Don't let yourself become distracted by cellphones, navigation aids or passengers. It is critical to pay attention to your driving environment.

Never drive wearing a winter coat or boots. Many crashes occur when motorists apply the brake and gas pedals at the same time, not being able to feel the difference through oversized boots. After removing all the snow and ice from your vehicle, take off your coat and boots and drive wearing regular shoes. A sweater or light coat will make you more comfortable and will reduce fatigue.

If you encounter whiteout conditions, don't blindly drive on. Pull over and wait for visibility to return.

Check the weather forecast before you drive anywhere. If there is a warning of freezing rain, snow or bad driving conditions, stay home.

If you're unsure of how to drive in these conditions or lack confidence, enrol in a winter driving school to help you learn limited-traction driving skills.

Always remember the golden rule: When traction decreases so should your speed.

Ian Law can be reached at www.carcontrolschool.com

Toronto Star