Winter Driving in Canada: 7 Tips to Increase Your Safety

Winter driving in Canada can be a concern, especially if you have recently arrived and have never driven in snow. These seven tips will ensure your winter driving safety and help you prepare for emergencies. Even though winter officially arrives on December 21st, it’s common to see heavy snowfall, slush, and ice before then. While winter in Canada is beautiful, driving in hazardous conditions is stressful.

1. Prepare Your Car for Driving in Winter in Canada

Winter driving conditions are much different than summer and you must prepare your car. This checklist can help you get your car winter-ready! 

WINTER DRIVING CHECKLIST
✓ Install four winter tires
✓ Test your car battery
✓ Check your headlights and replace them if necessary
✓ Ensure your wiper blades are in good working condition
✓ Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing and your car from starting
✓ Check the fluid levels
✓ Buy extra washer fluid to keep in your car and check that it’s rated for -40 degrees Celsius
✓ Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel-line from freezing and your car from starting

2. Install Winter Tires for Greater Control

Winter tires are vital for driving in hazardous conditions and they exceed specifications for grip and traction. A specialized rubber compound helps winter tires adapt to the road surface and dig into snow and ice. The added traction allows the tires to adapt to winter conditions and grip the road without sliding.

Winter tires also improve stability and give you greater control when driving on snow-covered roads or changing lanes in slush or ice.

According to the Canadian Automobile Association, you should switch to winter tires as soon as the temperature is consistently below 7 degrees Celsius. Most automotive service centers or auto body shops in Canada can install winter tires or offer tire-changing services.

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3. Prepare a Survival Kit for Winter Driving in Canada

In addition to ensuring your car is winter-ready, it’s smart to add safety provisions for your comfort if your car breaks down:

VEHICLE PROVISIONS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER DRIVING
✓ First aid kit
✓ Extra clothing and footwear
✓ Blanket
✓ Non-perishable such as granola bars, dried foods, juice, and bottle water
✓ Matches
✓ Flashlight
✓ Cell phone and charger

Snow left on the roof can slide down the windshield and obstruct your vision. Or it can blow off the car and impede the vision of other drivers.

Remember to add extra time to your schedule to remove snow and ice from your car.

6. Reduce Your Speed in Winter Driving Conditions in Canada

Allow extra time to arrive at your destination and reduce your driving speed.

Winter driving is stressful and drivers need to be alert to changing conditions. You can expect a few big snowstorms each winter in Canada. It’s frustrating when you have to get somewhere during a storm. Traffic slows, snowplows are busy salting, plowing, and removing snow, and people are impatient. But, safety always comes first.  

Drivers must also pay attention to snow plows on the road. In Ontario, it’s illegal to pass snow plows working side-by-side on multi-lane highways. This Highway Traffic Act violation can result in fines ranging from $150 to $1,000.

7. Leave Ample Space When Driving in Winter

While keeping plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you is vital, it can be a lifesaving winter driving tip. A helpful guide is to keep a minimum of three car lengths between the car ahead. Or, keep eight to ten seconds between you and the car ahead.  It takes longer to stop on snow and ice-covered roads.

You can measure the seconds by watching the car ahead of you pass a fixed object such as a road sign or fence. Then, count how long it takes you to pass the same object. If your travel time is less than three or four seconds, it’s time to increase your distance. More space is better when driving in a snowstorm and will allow plenty of time to brake safely.

It’s harder to stop your car in snow and icy conditions. When you brake quickly, your car can easily lose traction. It’s best to drive slower to avoid slamming on the brakes.

8. Watch Out for Black Ice

Black ice is another danger when driving in winter in Canada, or freezing rain. Black ice is difficult to see because the ice is clear and almost the same colour as the road. It increases the risk of car accidents. Road signs will indicate where roads may be icy and slippery.

This dangerous driving condition happens when the road is wet and the temperature drops below freezing. Black ice is common on bridges and overpasses where cold air flows below.

Follow these Winter Driving Tips if You Hit Black Ice:

• Keep your steering wheel straight to avoid sliding or losing control of your car

• Avoid braking because it will cause your car to slide 

• Take your foot off the gas pedal to reduce your speed and let the car stop on its own

• Know how to use the anti-lock brake system (ABS) if your vehicle has it.

The best advice is to give yourself plenty of time if you absolutely must drive during a snowstorm or freezing rain. Your patience will help you to stay calm, make smart decisions, and be aware of other drivers on the road. Remember, driving in winter in Canada is stressful for everyone. But, when you follow these smart winter driving tips, the roads will be safer for everyone.

WRITTEN BY

Corinna Frattini

Senior Editor, Prepare for Canada

Corinna Frattini is the Senior Editor and Content Director for Prepare for Canada. She contributes articles to help newcomers achieve their goals in key areas related to living, working, and settling in Canada. With an extensive background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.

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