The most important tips for driving in Canada in winter

Driving in the winter season in Canada can be a very challenging experience. If you have recently moved to Canada, you may not have had the experience of driving in extremely cold and snowy weather with temperatures as low as -1 or -2 degrees Celsius. However, driving on remote highways, especially in temperatures below -25 degrees Celsius and in conditions with a lot of snow and ice, requires special skills and experience. Below, we will try to provide some tips that, when followed, can help you drive more safely during the winter season in Canada. Driving in Canadian winters requires special attention and skills due to its unique weather conditions. These are important tips to keep in mind for winter driving in Canada:

1. Use Winter Tires: Winter tires designed with special treads and materials for snow and ice are crucial.

2. Skill in Snow and Ice Driving: Training and practice on how to drive in snowy and icy conditions are essential.

3. Use Headlights on Dark Days: In Canada, days are shorter in the winter, so using headlights during the day is important.

4. Maintain Safe Following Distance: In winter conditions, the safe following distance between vehicles should be greater than usual.

5. Extra Equipment: Always have extra equipment like a spare battery, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a paper map, a flashlight, candles, heat packs, sunglasses, anti-icing windshield fluid, a small shovel, sandbags, waterproof matches, and a booster cable in your vehicle. Overall, being aware of weather conditions and local guidance is crucial.

Winter Driving in Canada

1. Always have an important box in the trunk of your car. This includes warm clothing, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, a paper map, a flashlight, candles, heat packs, sunglasses, anti-icing windshield fluid, a small shovel, sandbags, waterproof matches, and a booster cable.

2. Always have a snow brush in your car to be prepared for snow clearing if necessary.

3. For driving in icy conditions, use winter tires or summer tires with anti-slip chains.

4. Make sure to check the condition of your brakes, radiator, battery, and heating system before starting your journey.

5. Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance between vehicles so that you can brake easily if needed.

6. In icy conditions, watch out for freezing on trees and bridges, as these areas can become more slippery.

7. Use engine braking instead of combination brakes to prevent slipping.

8. Always have a charged mobile phone with you.

9. If you cannot reach your destination due to adverse weather conditions, wait in a safe place in case of emergency.

10. Pay close attention to traffic information and road conditions, and change your route if necessary.

11. Always have an air compressor for adjusting tire pressure in your car.

12. Only drive in extreme cold conditions when necessary and with confidence in your vehicle.

13. Be careful of snowplows and vehicles with special license plates for road clearing.

14. Always have warm gloves and boots for emergencies.

These tips will help you reach your destination more easily in the harsh winter conditions of Canada.

Vital Tips for Winter Driving

One of the vital tips for winter driving in Canada is to invest in winter tires. In temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, winter tires perform better in terms of grip and control. These tires have taller treads and more traction, which help your vehicle perform better in snowy and icy conditions and reduce braking distance by up to 25%.

Winter tires are mandatory in British Columbia from October 1st to March 31st and in Quebec from December 1st to March 15th. However, it is recommended to switch to winter tires in other provinces as well when the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius. Additionally, having winter tires may earn you an insurance discount, so it's better to make this switch sooner rather than later.

Turning on your car's heater is a common practice in Canada to combat extreme cold. This is because of the severity of the cold and its impact on vehicles. In cold conditions, the heater is connected to the car's engine to warm it up. This action helps warm the engine oil and reduce friction in the parts. In areas where the temperature drops below -15 degrees Celsius, this action is vital.

Furthermore, keeping your gas tank full helps reduce moisture in the fuel system and prevents adding extra weight to the car, which can slow it down. In slippery conditions, using cruise control is not recommended as it can lead to loss of control. Always maintain control of your vehicle.

On snowy and icy roads, when going around curves, apply the brakes gently and smoothly instead of sudden braking. If you experience severe skidding, release the brakes gently and steer in the direction you want to go. These techniques will help you navigate tough winter conditions more safely.

Control Skidding at the Front of the Car

1. Keep calm and avoid sudden braking, as it can make the situation worse.

2. Release the gas pedal and allow the car's traction to normalize naturally without using the brakes or gas.

3. When passing through icy patches, reduce your speed and brake gently. Keep the steering wheel straight.

4. After passing through slippery areas and when conditions improve, you can increase your speed.

Control Skidding at the Rear of the Car

1. Release the gas pedal to regain control over your speed.

2. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid to regain control of the car. This action helps improve control over the vehicle.

3. Avoid excessive steering, as it can worsen the situation. Ultimately, make sure that snow and ice are cleared from your car before starting your journey and use anti-icing windshield fluid to keep the windows clear. These measures will help you with driving in cold winter conditions.