Winter Driving Advice

Most us in northern climates do not drive our hobby cars in the winter. We reserve the salted roads and higher potential for collisions for our daily drivers, be they winter beaters or relatively new cars. Regardless of what you have, it is always wise to prepare your car for the demands of winter. Stay alert, slow down and stay in control — the three key elements of safe winter driving:

• Drive according to highway and weather conditions.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.

Be Prepared — Driver's Checklist

Get your vehicle winter-ready with a maintenance check-up. Don't wait for winter to have your battery, belts hoses, radiator, oil, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater/ defroster, wipers, and ignition system checked.

The condition of your vehicle's tires is important. Worn and damaged tires can hamper your ability to drive safely. Have them checked or replaced before winter begins. Remember to check tire air pressure frequently, as it decreases in cold weather.

Check weather and travel conditions before heading out. Don't take chances if the weather is bad. Allow yourself extra time for travel, or wait until conditions improve. Visit the Ministry's Travellers' Road Information web site at:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditions/index.html and www.ontario.ca/511

or call the Ministry of Transportation Travellers' Information number for local highway conditions: 1-800-268-4686. This number is also listed in your local phone directory. The Weather Network is also updated regularly with current highway conditions.

If you are travelling a long distance, plan your route ahead of time. Let someone know of your destination and expected time of arrival.

Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing for getting out of your vehicle.

Before clearing snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof, start your car and turn the windshield defroster(s) on (i.e., hottest air and highest fan speed). By the time you've cleared the ice from the windows and the snow from car, the frost/fog on the interior glass should be mostly gone. Before driving off, wait for the fog to clear from the interior of the windows so you will have good visibility all around.

Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded.

Winter Tires

While regular or "all-season" tires, including wide and high-performance tires, may be adequate in some areas, they may not be suitable for driving in the snowbelt regions of southern Ontario and throughout the north. If you live and drive in these areas, consider using winter tires. They improve driving safety by providing better traction, braking and handling during frost, snow, slush, and particularly under icy conditions. Installing four winter tires provides greater control and stability. Never mix tires of different tread, size and construction. Also, consider adding traction control and stability control options when purchasing your next vehicle.

For excellent information about the importance of having winter tires, see CBC's MarketPlace reports on winter tires: Get a Grip and Winter Tires.

It is best install winter tires in sets of 4, regardless of whether you have front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or 4-wheel drive. Even the cheapest set of snow tires will out-perform "all-season" tires on snow or ice. Mounting and dismounting tires from your rims to switch back and forth between seasons doesn't do the rims or tire bead any good so get a set of winter rims for your snow tires. The going price for a set of used rims from the junkyard (recycling centre) is about $50/wheel. If you're going to keep your car for a few years, the winter rims will pay for themselves in mounting costs alone.

When buying new tires, check the service policy of the tire shop. Most tire shops will rotate your tires for free and this should happen about every 10,000 km. It doesn't hurt to rotate them more often and you might want to rotate them with every other oil change. Regular rotations ensure that your tires wear evenly and that all four wear out at about the same time. With regard to rotations, some shops include free balancing of the tires that are rotated to the front. This is a nice feature and should be given serious consideration if available from one of your local tire shops.

If your car was equipped with more than one size of tire, you will get better traction if you buy a narrower tire (eg, a 70 series tire rather than a 60 series), which usually means you need to get your vehicle's base model's wheels that are smaller (eg, 14" rather than 15" in diameter). Narrower tires provide better traction in the snow but follow the recommendations for size and pressure in your owner's manual.

Storage of out-of-season wheels

Often times, the tire shop will be able to store your wheels for you so you don't have to lug them back home. Sometimes the service is free but it is common for the tire shop to charge a storage fee ($5/wheel) until you switch your summer or winter tires back on. If you're short on space, this might be a worthwhile option.

RWD Ballast

For best fuel economy, you should not be carrying any extra weight. However, a little extra weight in the trunk (or in the bed if you have pickup truck) of your rear-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for winter driving. The extra weight provides additional traction and can be added with a pair of sand bags on each side of the trunk. Sand is also useful for spreading on icy surfaces. Make sure the ballast is securely fastened so that it doesn't become a projectile in case of a sudden stop.

Play it safe!

Make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the rigours of winter and keep your fuel tank sufficiently full — at least half a tank is recommended.

Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir and that it is rated in the -40°C temperature range. Keep an extra jug in the vehicle.  Remember that the windshield washer fluid's temperature rating is for when it's in the jug.  Once you spray it on the windshield, the antifreeze component (usually alcohol: methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol) will evaporate once sprayed the winshield to leave rapidly-freezing water behind.  Also, alcohol will evaporate from the winshield washer tank (especially if not consumed over the previous summer) and could leave you with a tank of coloured water (with a bit of detergent).  Use your windshield washer regularly to continuously purge old fluid so you can keep topping it up with fresh fluid.

If you are in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone, use it only when necessary. Even if you know where you're going, it is helpful to use traffic-enable GPS navigation (like Google Maps) so you can be routed to good roads.  When you need help, pull well off the road to make or receive a call. Remember, dialing 911 on your cell phone will connect you with the emergency services contact centre in the area. Please use 1-888-310-1122 to contact the OPP for non-emergencies.

If you experience car trouble on an Ontario provincial highway we recommend that you stay in your vehicle to avoid personal injury.

PLAY IT SAFE!

Severe winter driving conditions may make you nervous, uncomfortable, or fearful. Stay off the road unless your trip is absolutely necessary. Proper preparation and the right skills will help you face the challenge of winter driving.

On The Road

Visibility

Turn on your vehicle's full lighting system in poor visibility. It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow and white-outs impair visibility. Do NOT use the vehicle's fog lights unless the visibility is so bad that that you need to see the area immediately in front and each side of the car. Using the fog lights at all times will impair your long distance night vision.

Spacing

It takes longer to stop on a slippery road. It's important to leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. A guide to safe spacing under normal driving conditions is the two-second rule. In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, double to the four-second rule. If drivers behind you are following too closely, slow down and allow them (encourage them) to pass.

Two second rule:

• Pick a marker on the road ahead, such as a road sign or telephone pole.
• When the rear of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two."
• When the front of your vehicle reaches the marker, stop counting. If you reach the marker before you count "one thousand and two," you are following too closely.
• In winter, and especially during poor weather conditions, double the two-second rule.

Braking

Make sure you know how to use your braking system in all weather and road conditions. Consider taking an advanced driving course that teaches emergency driving skills.

How To Regain Control Of Your Vehicle In A Skid

A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface. Skids can involve the front, rear, or all four wheels. Most skids result from driving too fast for road or traffic conditions. Sudden, hard braking, going too fast around a corner or accelerating too quickly can cause your vehicle to skid and even roll over.

Once in a skid, steer in the direction of the skid. To do this, look where you want your vehicle to go and steer toward that spot. Be careful not to oversteer. If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.

Your vehicle may have Threshold Brakes or Anti-lock Brakes. To find out how to regain control of your vehicle in a skid using either braking systems, visit the Driver's Handbook Online at:

www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/driver/handbook/section2.11.6.shtml

Remember: It takes vehicles longer to stop in winter weather conditions and driving downhill.

Stay alert, slow down and stay in control.

Be Prepared

To ensure you are prepared to handle winter road conditions, consider an advanced driver-training course that teaches emergency driving skills

Snowy Roads

Snow on a road may be hard-packed and slippery as ice. It can also be rutted and full of hard tracks and gullies. Or it can be smooth and soft. Wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Remember, look far ahead as you drive, so you can recognize hazards and have plenty of time to respond. Adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions. Slow down and avoid sudden turns of the steering wheel, and sudden braking and accelerating which could cause a skid. Extra caution should be exercised when driving in these road conditions.

Ice

Be careful when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these sections of road freeze much sooner in cold weather and stay frozen long after the sun has risen. Watch out for frost, areas of the road that appear black and shiny, as they can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction. Slow down, keep your foot off the brake, and be ready to shift to neutral or step on the clutch as your vehicle crosses these areas.

Stopping Distances

In winter driving conditions, it takes all vehicles longer to stop on snow-covered roads. After a good snow fall, visit an empty parking lot and do a few emergency stops to see how well your car stops on snow-covered roads. Start off with low speed stops and gradually increase the speeds until you have a good feel for how your car responds. If your car doesn't want to stop in a straight line, you may need to have the brakes checked. Be sure to stay away from anything you can hit if you lose control in the parking lot.

Snow and Slush Spray

On snowy, wet and slushy roads, large trucks and buses can blow moisture onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility. Always drive defensively and leave enough space to avoid their snow spray.

The Unexpected

Know what to do if it happens to you.

If you get stuck or stranded, don't panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you are in an area with cell phone service and have a cell phone, call for help. Remember, dialing 911 on your cell phone will connect you with the emergency services contact centre in the area. Please use 1-888-310-1122 to contact the OPP for non-emergencies.

Be careful if you have to get out of your vehicle when on the shoulder of a busy road. If possible, use the door away from traffic.

If you attempt to free your vehicle from the snow, be careful. Dress warmly, shovel slowly and do not overexert yourself. Do not attempt to shovel or push your vehicle if you have a medical condition. Body heat is retained when clothing is kept dry. Wet clothing, due to the weather or perspiration, can lead to a dangerous loss of body heat.

Draw attention to your vehicle. Use emergency flashers, flares or a Call Police sign. Run your motor sparingly. Be careful of exhaust fumes. For fresh air, slightly open a window away from the wind. Exit your vehicle occasionally to make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of drifting snow before running the engine.

Winter Driving Survival Kit

It's a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers should you become stranded. Recommended items include:

• Ice scraper/snow brush
• Shovel
• Sand or other traction aid
• Tow rope or chain
• Booster cables
• Road flares or warning lights
• Gas line antifreeze (please remember that many fuels already contain ethanol nowadays)
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Small tool kit
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Blanket
• Non-perishable energy foods – e.g., pemmican, chocolate or granola bars, juice, soup, bottled water
• Candle and a small tin can
• Matches

In blizzard conditions, especially overnight, make sure one person stays awake, because help could take some time to arrive. Maintain circulation by moving your feet, hands, and arms.

Remember that drinks can freeze in cold weather so don't carry drinks in glass containers. Cans of pop can also freeze and spill their contents.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

Alcohol is not a good survival item and should never be part of your survival kit. And remember: NEVER drink and drive! Not only can the candle and small tin help with lighting, but also generate some heat while waiting for help.

Road-Ready and Weather-Wise

• Listen to the radio for road and weather updates and check conditions before leaving. The Weather Network is continuously updated with Ontario Traveller information.
• Plan extra time to get to your destination and consider delaying your trip in bad weather.
• Notify a friend or family member of your destination and anticipated arrival time.
• Always exercise caution and drive according to conditions.
• Watch for the flashing lights of snow and ice control vehicles. When approaching them from behind, slow down, stay back, and be patient. DO NOT PASS around or between them.

For more information, you please visit these web sites:

https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safevehicles-safetyfeatures-winterdriving-index-693.htm

http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/health/emo/pdf/Winter%20driving.pdf

Credit

This article is based on large part on the information contained on the following MTO web page:

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/winterdrive/winterdrive.shtml

For provincial highway condition information, call:
TRAVELLERS' ROAD INFORMATION
1-800-268-4686
Local GTA: 416-235-4686
Provincial TTY: Niagara Region TTY:
1-866-471-8929    905-704-2426
This information is also available in the blue pages of your telephone directory OR on the Internet:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/index.html

ISBN 0-7794-2217-1 © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2007