Monthly Archives: December 2011

Winter Vehicle Equipment and Supply Checkup

Canadian winters can be challenging for even the most seasoned driver. Weather and road conditions can be unpredictable, which makes advanced driving skill vital. Drivers must have the ability to maneuver quickly and adjust their speed promptly. In winter conditions, this can be difficult. Without the proper equipment and control, it can be impossible.

The first rule is to be aware. Always drive a bit slower in winter conditions. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings and maintain control. This means maintaining control of your vehicle and your emotions.

To keep your car winter-ready, have your battery, belts, radiator, hoses, tire pressure, lights, brakes, exhaust system, heater, wipers and ignition system checked. Do this BEFORE the first storm.

Maintain enough washer fluid to last you through the winter. Washer fluid should be able to withstand -40 degrees Celsius.

Before your start your journey for the day, remove the snow and ice from your car. Skipping this step will ensure that ice goes flying into the windshield of the person behind you, possibly causing an accident.

Keep your gas tank above a quarter tank.

Check the tread on your tires. Be sure to check your spare tire with every oil change.

All season tires may be suitable in some areas, but winter tires are required in the northern-most parts of Canada. They improve traction on snow, ice and slush.

Be sure your car is equipped with: an ice scraper, shovel, traction sand, jumper cables, road flares, flashlight with extra batteries, fire extinguisher, extra blanket, non-perishable food items, candle and tin can and matches. These items will be required if you are stopped for more than an hour.

With holidays, family vacations and the warmth of a roaring fire, winter can be the greatest time of year. Being stranded on the side of the road is certainly not what we envision for ourselves. Be sure this doesn’t happen to you and always be prepared.

Roadside Assistance Essentials when Faced with Cold Temperatures

Chances are, at some point in your life, you will experience a breakdown. Cars are extensive machines that occasionally, and for some models not so occasionally, malfunction. This leaves you stranded, hopefully, in optimal conditions. For some, you may have a breakdown in the dead of winter, in an isolated location. Fortunately, a roadside assistance company can fix most “break-downs” on the spot. The most important thing you can do to speed along the process of roadside assistance is “be prepared.”

The first thing to prepare is a kit that remains in your car at all times. Aside from winter essentials, there are assortments of tools that can help you get out of a bind, quickly. You will first need a manual for your car. These typically give step-by-step instructions on easy repairs, tire issues and mechanical troubleshooting. You will also want a small tool kit, including a wrench, hammer and screwdriver.

Always keep a first-aid kit and essentials kit on hand. Roadside assistance personnel can be magical with automobile issues, but they are not medical professionals, nor are they boy scouts responsible for keeping you fed and warm while fixing your car. Every car should have a days worth of water on board as well as food bars for long waits. Extreme weather conditions may require you to stock a warm blanket and/or extra clothing. Waiting in snowy conditions, in a car that will not start can get cold, quickly.

Be sure to have your own set of jumper cables. This one tool can prevent even having to call roadside assistance. Periodic checks of spare tires, jacks and other tools to change a flat can be your saving grace on a long, winter trip.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

Extreme winter weather can mean dangerous automobile travel. The risk associated with driving in winter weather can decrease if you are aware of proper safety rules and techniques to follow when driving in ice or snow.

(1) Always avoid driving when you are fatigued, have been drinking, are disoriented, on medication, or in an emotional state.

(2) Use appropriate accessories and tires on your car. Refer to your owner’s manual to see what tires or chains are suitable for your automobile.

(3) When warming up your vehicle, never do it in a garage or enclosed area.

(4) Check your tires on a regular basis and maintain a minimum of a quarter tank of gas. This prevents the gas lines from freezing in extreme temperatures.

(5) Never use cruise control when it is raining, snowing or there is ice on the road.

When driving in the snow:

(1) Try not to make quick moves. Accelerate and brake slowly and never accelerate or brake when in a turn.

(2) Maintain a slow and predictable speed. Give yourself ample braking and stopping distance.

(3) The four-second rule is increased to eight-seconds in rain or snow.

(4) Avoid stopping on a hill and avoid powering up a hill. Try to get enough inertia before getting to the hill. When over a hill, reduce your speed and go down slowly, with as little brakes as possible.

(5) If you do not need to go out, don’t. Keep enough supplies in your home to prevent having to leave on bad weather days.