Tips For Safe Driving In Winter

• The first thing that needs attention is our vehicles. Winter driving can be tough all on its own and having mechanical failures and being stranded in the middle of nowhere is only going to add to the grief. Before you start any trip, it is necessary that you are confident about your vehicle’s health. Address any issues you have before stepping out and make sure your vehicle has undergone its service recently. This simple DIY winter car repair and maintenance guide can help you keep your vehicle in good condition and perform well in winter.
• You may have overlooked the importance of pricy winter tires, but the truth is they work, and having winter tires can improve your driving performance, which drastically enhances safety. Plus, they are even mandated in a few provinces which only proves their benefits. Find out more about winter tire laws across Canada in this article. Also, ensure your brakes are functioning properly. The last thing you want is your brakes not working and you not being able to stop in time to prevent an accident. Check these parts in your car before your next winter drive.
• Choosing the correct winter tire can significantly improve the driving characteristics, traction, and control of the vehicle. Our ultimate winter tires buying guide helps you make the right choice when choosing a new set of winter tires for your vehicle.
• Lastly, fill up on fuel and maintain at least 3 quarters of the fuel tank. This will not only keep you from being stranded or frozen but can also increase rear-wheel traction, the weight of the vehicle for a quick stop, and eliminate moisture in the tank.

• Once you are on the go, you will face different types of road conditions including snow, slush, ice, and black ice. While snow may be the easiest of these to tackle, it can get tricky with an increase in the amount of snow. Driving in deep snow is hard on not just the driver but also the vehicle. If faced with deep snow that almost immerses the tires, maintain a steady speed and try not to stop completely. Of course, you will have to stop at traffic lights but try to avoid a complete stop if possible. Stopping in deep snow will cause your tires to get stuck and any attempt to accelerate will only plummet you further into the snow. Maintaining steady momentum can allow the vehicle to pass over the snow without getting stuck. 
• Slush or wet roads are ice or newly formed snow on the road surface which is similar to driving in rainy conditions. The tires have a tendency to hydroplane and so it is advised to drive slowly and maintain enough distance from the ongoing traffic. Icy and wet roads are notorious for causing skids and loss of vehicle control and the only way to avoid this is to drive slowly and brake or accelerate gradually. Doing so can prevent the driver from losing control of the car and maintain a steady path ahead.

• One of the most dangerous types of roads is one with black ice. This is when a thin layer of ice freezes over the road and appears to be bare asphalt. This can give the driver a false impression that the road is clear and may start to accelerate or brake which can cause a complete loss of control and result in accidents. This is usually seen on highways where most drivers think to drive fast which multiplies the chances of a dangerous accident. It is best to assume the road is covered with ice and drive accordingly to prevent any unforeseen situations. Highway overpasses tend to freeze more quickly and stay frozen longer compared to the rest of the highway, so be extra careful when driving on overpasses. 
  

• If your car starts to skid or slip due to any reason, there are a few things you can do. Start by easing off the brakes. Heavy braking can cause the wheels to lock up, increasing the chances of accidents due to lack of grip. Instead, you can pump the brakes gradually to stop without skidding or if you have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) then it will do the job for you. If you have a manual transmission, then downshifting can help you slow down gradually and avoid the use of brakes. This is especially useful when going down hills, just remember not to feather the clutch or the vehicle can skid.

• Do not brake hard or accelerate when taking turns on snow and ice-covered roads or you are likely to skid off uncontrollably. If, however, you do start to skid when braking into a corner, then ease off the brakes and point your steering wheel in the direction that you want to go.

A. How To Control Understeer Or Front-wheel Skid?

A front-wheel skid occurs when the front tires lose traction and you continue to move straight ahead even after turning the steering wheel. If you do start to skid, do not slam on the brakes or accelerate. Steer in the direction you want to go while letting off the gas pedal. Let the traction on your tires steer the vehicle without touching the gas or brake. Once you are clear of ice or a wet patch, you can accelerate again.

B. How To Control Oversteer Or Rear-wheel Skid?

A rear-wheel skid occurs when the back end spins out of control. Unlike understeer, if you start to oversteer, turn into the slide. Meaning if you are sliding to the right then point your wheels to the right. This will cause the vehicle to even out and return the car to the correct position. However, there is a possibility that you may oversteer to the left then, so make sure you do not panic and oversteer in any direction.

• The traction or grip on the tires is much lower when driving over snow and ice-covered roads and so it takes longer to stop than in dry conditions. Give yourself some extra room when trailing to have plenty of time to react to any emergency situation that may arise ahead. Keep your eye peeled on the road ahead and if you find any hazards, give yourself enough time to react. 

• During snowstorms, snow plows and salt trucks are commonly found on main roads and highways. Maintain a safe distance from snow plows and do not drive beside these trucks or tailgate them. Snowplows often leave snow clouds in their wake which can compromise driver visibility and cause accidents. 

  
  

• Visibility is extremely important during foggy winter settings. First, make sure your vehicle is clean of any snow and ice including the headlights and taillights. Get rid of all the snow from your vehicle before you start since driving covered in snow can even fetch you a fine in some states. Keep your headlights on and stay focused on the road, being aware of the road and traffic ahead. You can also use auxiliary lights and fog lights to increase visibility and road presence while driving in bad weather conditions.

• If visibility becomes worse due to a snowstorm or fog, then it is best to stop near any building and take shelter. Driving in poor visibility conditions is one of the leading causes of accidents in winter as it eliminates any chance to react to an emergency. Put your vehicle in defrost mode to remove ice from the windows and make sure the windshield washer fluid is topped up. While you are at it, make sure that all other fluids in your vehicle are serviced.

When it all comes down to it, the best advice is to avoid driving in heavy snowstorms and bad weather conditions. If you have to drive, check the weather forecast before going out. There are several apps and websites available that provide a good report of the local weather and road conditions as well as snow plow maintenance operations.