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Written By
Corinna Frattini
Nov 17, 2025
•Driving
Winter driving in Canada can be challenging, especially if you’ve never driven in snow or icy conditions before. Temperatures can drop below freezing, visibility can disappear in seconds, and storms can make roads slippery and unpredictable.
This guide explains how to stay safe on Canadian winter roads, offers actionable tips, newcomer-friendly advice, and safety information.
If you’re new to driving in Canada, our Driving Test Guide explains the process for newcomers, incluing tests, documents, and provincial requirements.
Winter conditions are much harsher than many newcomers expect. Preparing your vehicle is the first, and most important, step to staying safe.
Pro tip: The Canadian Automobile Association, recommends switching to winter tires as soon as the temperature is consistently below 7°C. Most Canadian auto shops can install winter tires or offer tire changing services.
Cold temperatures thicken fluids, drain batteries, lower tire pressure, and reduce visibility. Doing a winter safety check ensures your car performs reliably in freezing weather.
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GET FREE GUIDEWinter tires are one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents in snow and icy conditions.
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) recommends installing winter tires once temperatures consistently drop below 7°C.
Most provinces do not legally require winter tires, but they are strongly recommended everywhere and mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15.
Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures, helping them:
You’ll feel the biggest improvement when braking, accelerating, turning, or driving through slush.
Even a short drive can become dangerous if you get stuck, lose visibility, or slide off the road. Every newcomer should keep a winter safety kit inside their vehicle.
First aid kit
Blanket
Water and non-perishable food such as granola bars, dried foods, and juice
Flashlight
Cell phone and charger
Ice scraper and snow brush.
Canadian weather changes quickly. A clear sky can turn into a whiteout within an hour.
Check road conditions before leaving using:
If there is heavy snowfall, blowing snow, or freezing rain, consider delaying your trip. Reduced visibility and icy roads make it harder for vehicles to brake or stay in their lanes.
Understanding Canadian road signs, speed limits, and local driving etiquette can make winter driving safer. Review our 10 Essential Driving Facts for Canada
Driving with snow on your car is dangerous—and in some provinces, illegal.
Snow left on your roof can slide onto your windshield or blow onto other vehicles. Ice on your windows reduces visibility and reaction time.
Clear:
Plan an extra 5–10 minutes to remove snow before you leave.
Slowing down is the most important winter driving habit.
On snowy or icy roads, your stopping distance can double or even triple. Reducing your speed gives you more time to react.
Snowplows drive slowly and create clouds of snow that limit visibility.
In Ontario and several provinces, it is illegal to pass a snowplow working side-by-side.
Following too closely is one of the most common causes of winter collisions.
Pick a fixed object ahead—like a sign or tree—and count the seconds until your car reaches it. If you count fewer than 8 seconds, increase your distance.
Ice reduces traction, making it harder for your tires to grip the road. Even with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) brakes, stopping too quickly can cause your car to slide.
Black ice is one of the most dangerous winter hazards because it is almost invisible.
Black ice often looks like a shiny, wet patch on the road. It commonly forms on:
If you hit black ice:
Do not brake suddenly
Keep your steering wheel straight
Ease off the gas pedal
Allow the car to slow down naturally
Use gentle steering to regain control.
They are required in Quebec and on some highways in British Columbia. Other provinces strongly recommend them.
Anything below 0°C increases the risk of ice. Freezing rain is particularly dangerous.
Modern vehicles typically need 30 seconds to 2 minutes to warm engine components.
The battery may be frozen or drained. Use a booster pack, ask for a jump-start, or call roadside assistance.
Stay home when there are:
Give yourself extra time, avoid rushing, and plan your route. With practice, winter driving becomes manageable—and even routine. Winter tires are one of the most effective ways to reduce accidents in snow and icy conditions.
New to Canada? Download our free Rental Application Guide to learn how to apply for your first home with confidence.
WRITTEN BY
Corinna Frattini
Senior Editor and Content Director, Prepare for Canada
Corinna researches and writes content to help newcomers make informed decisions about housing, employment, banking, and aspects of settling in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada. Her writing combines research, practical guidance, and clear language to support newcomers on their journey.
© Prepare for Canada 2025
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