Safety 5 min read Published 2024-01-15
Winter Driving in Canada: Essential Tips for Safety
Learn how to prepare your vehicle for harsh Canadian winters and stay safe on icy roads. Expert tips on winter tires, emergency kits, and safe driving techniques.
Essential Winter Driving Tips for Canadian Roads
Winter driving in Canada presents unique challenges that require special preparation and attention. Here's what you need to know to stay safe on winter roads.
Vehicle Preparation
- Install winter tires when temperatures consistently drop below 7°C
- Check battery condition - cold weather reduces battery performance
- Ensure proper antifreeze levels and concentration
- Replace wiper blades with winter-specific ones
- Keep washer fluid topped up with winter-grade fluid
Emergency Kit Essentials
- Shovel and ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Extra warm clothing
- Sand, kitty litter, or traction mats
- Emergency food and water
Safe Driving Techniques
- Maintain longer following distances
- Brake earlier and more gradually
- Avoid sudden movements (steering, braking, accelerating)
- Watch for black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
What to Do If You Get Stuck
- Stay with your vehicle
- Clear the exhaust pipe of snow
- Run the engine and heater for short periods
- Keep one window slightly open for ventilation
- Use your emergency kit supplies
Written by Mike Thompson