According to a recent ICBC survey, almost four in ten respondents feel less confident driving during winter. So, in keeping with our Winter Driving theme, here are ten tips to help avoid the dangers of winter driving, as outlined by www.CarCareCanada.ca:
- Check the coolant (antifreeze); coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years in most vehicles.
- (For those of us living outside of Victoria!) Check the owner’s manual to see if [your area] is considered “severe” and if so, have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 5,000 kilometres; consider changing to a “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
- Check the battery and exhaust system.
- Be certain the heater and defroster are working properly. If you have foggy windows, click here.
- Ensure that your windshield is free of dings and cracks. Cold temperatures can turn a small ding in your windshield into a major crack.
- Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
- Check tire tread depth and tire pressure; consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.
- Check to see that lights work and headlights are properly aimed. The end of Daylight Savings Time in the fall results in earlier nightfall and more nighttime driving. It’s the perfect time to upgrade your headlights. Remember, when it’s time to change your clocks, it’s probably time to change your headlights. Your headlights are a very important part of your car, so ensuring that it’s working properly could help to make sure that you are compliant with the highway code. If you would like more information on your headlights and the highway code you can Learn more here.
- Replace wiper blades every six months; consider special snow blades if the weather dictates.
- Be prepared for an emergency with the following items in your trunk: ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight, whisk broom, blanket, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, necessary medications and a first-aid kit.
We hope this helps you feel more confident hitting the roads this season! For more winter tips, check out our YouTube channel.
