Stay Safe This Winter: Essential Winter Driving Tips and Vehicle Preparation

With the first snowfall behind us, winter is officially here. By now, most drivers have swapped out their tires for winter ones and brushed up on key safety tips for the season. But winter tires are only one part of the equation when it comes to staying safe on icy, snowy roads.

Nobody wants to find themselves stuck in a snowbank or facing a winter emergency far from help. Fortunately, with the right preparation and a few essential driving skills, you can greatly reduce the risks of winter driving. Let’s explore how to stay safe this season, from mastering your winter driving skills to ensuring your car is ready for the road.

Winter Driving Skills: How to Handle Snow and Ice

Winter weather can lead to challenging road conditions, including ice storms, blizzards, and black ice. If you encounter a tricky situation, knowing how to steer safely can make all the difference.

Oversteering vs. Understeering: What’s the Difference?

Oversteering happens when your vehicle rotates more than intended, causing the rear wheels to slide out. This is often called "fishtailing."

Understeering occurs when your car doesn’t turn as much as you intend, causing it to go wider through a turn due to a lack of traction on the front wheels.

Correcting Oversteering:

If your vehicle fishtails:

• Turn the steering wheel into the skid (e.g., if sliding to the right, steer to the right).

• Gently press the gas pedal to regain traction in the rear wheels.

• Ensure your best winter tires are on the rear wheels to help prevent fishtailing.

Correcting Understeering:

If your car doesn’t turn enough:

• Ease off the gas pedal to regain control.

• Steer gently in the direction of the turn you want to make.

• Reduce speed when cornering to give your tires better traction.

Winter Driving Essentials: Locknuts and Safety Kits

What Are Locknuts, and Why Are They Important?

Locknuts (or locking wheel nuts) secure your car’s wheels and help prevent theft. These special nuts require a unique key to remove or tighten, which is crucial during seasonal tire changes. Keep your locknut key handy—it’s often stored in your glove box, trunk, or near the spare tire.

Build a Winter Safety Kit:

A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Be sure to include:

• Thermal blankets

• Protein bars and water

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid supplies

• Jumper cables and a tow rope

• Sand or salt for traction

• A physical roadmap and a written emergency plan

Top 10 Winter Driving Tips

1. Check the Weather: Always review the forecast before heading out. Delay travel if storms are expected.

2. Brake Gradually: Pump your brakes gently to maintain traction and start braking earlier than usual.

3. Increase Following Distance: Leave extra space between vehicles to account for longer stopping times.

4. Clear Snow Completely: Remove snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, and lights before driving.

5. Drive to Conditions: Adjust your speed based on road and weather conditions.

6. Minimize Lane Changes: Stick to one lane to avoid losing control in snowy lane dividers.

7. Top Up Wiper Fluid: Keep your windshield clear with winter-grade wiper fluid.

8. Wear Light Clothing: Remove bulky jackets while driving to ensure seatbelts fit properly.

9. Buckle Children Correctly: Dress kids in lighter clothing and use blankets for warmth after securing them in car seats.

10. Carry a First Aid Kit: Having access to first aid medical supplies are helpful in in case of a minor injury or medical situation.

Is Your Vehicle Winter-Ready?

Even the best driving skills can’t compensate for an unprepared vehicle. Ensure your car is up to date on maintenance to handle Canadian winters. Bring your vehicle into My Neighbourhood Mechanic for a courtesy multi-point inspection. Rui and our expert team are here to help you stay safe, no matter what the season throws your way.

Call us today at (416) 761-1717 or request an appointment online. Let’s make this winter safe and stress-free!