Canadian winters tend to be pretty and filled with snowy scenery, but the ensuing driving conditions are significantly less attractive to the average commuter. The roads become a serious challenge, even hazard, when filled with heavy ice and snow. Freezing rains and blizzards can also drastically hamper visibility and increase travel times. Now, more than ever, driving safely is a primary concern. Safe winter driving consists of three components: preparation, caution, and good habits. Here are some tips to help you stay safe this winter season:

Prepare Ahead

Inform yourself on the dates of first frost and first snowfall. Check tire pressure regularly to ensure sufficient tread depth; also consider changing in dedicated winter tires for dramatically better traction in difficult weather. Make sure to have a functional, well-tested battery, and stock up on antifreeze and windshield fluid. Inspect safety lights, windshield wipers, radiator hoses, and drive belts, and don’t hesitate to get pre-winter service from a mechanic if you are concerned.

Clear Snow and Ice

Never drive off with snow or ice still clinging to your vehicle. Clear the windshield, windows, mirrors, and lights. The roof should be cleared to the best of your ability as well, since large sheets of snow can slide off and block your view, or hamper other vehicles. To facilitate all of this, keep a good ice scraper and brush in the car. After parking and before driving, clear snow from around wheel wells and under the vehicle to prevent it from freezing solid and affecting steering or braking.

Drive Defensively

Drive only as fast as you can control your vehicle. In winter, that often means well below speed limits, since traction is difficult on winter surfaces; even a small amount of acceleration can lead to loss of control. Increase following distance to give plenty of room to react to sudden stops, lane changes, or dangerous situations. Patience and defensiveness are critical to avoiding time-wasting accidents.

Brake and Accelerate Gently

Be gentle with the gas and brake pedals, as too much abrupt power can cause wheels to lock up or spin in place. Instead, coasting and braking lightly in snowy conditions is far more ideal. When skidding inevitably occurs in bad weather, ease off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want to go; stay calm until traction returns. On slippery roads, it may be useful to turn off cruise control to avoid wheel spin.

Beware Black Ice

Black ice, i.e. thin and transparent ice almost invisible on the road surface, is a serious road hazard that commonly forms in chilly weather. It is prevalent in early mornings, especially after melted snow refreezes overnight. Black ice is especially dangerous on bridges, overpasses, and slopes; it is recommended to slow down significantly in areas where you suspect it has formed.  

Keep an Emergency Kit

When disaster strikes, a short drive can become unexpectedly and unbearably long in the Canadian winter. Keep some items for such a situation in your trunk, including warm blankets, extra jackets, a flashlight, a snow shovel, an ice scraper, abrasive material (e.g. sand or litter), as well as more typical things such as snacks, water, and a first aid kit. Make sure to keep your gas tank topped up as well, especially for longer drives.

Avoid Unnecessary Travels

Before leaving home, check Environment Canada warnings, provincial 511 road reports, and local forecasts. In the even there is a major storm, freezing rain, or blizzard warning, consider postponing. Try to stick to major highways and drive when visibility is better, and keep someone informed of your expected itinerary so they can check in if something is amiss.

One of the keys to winter safety that may get overlooked is your vehicle’s brake system. The difficulties of traction in winter conditions means that your brakes must work all the harder to stop the vehicle, and the wear on your pads, rotors, and calipers can be amplified in these times of trouble, extending stopping distance to put you in unnecessary danger. If your brakes are showing signs of wear and tear, we recommend addressing it ahead of the next big storm. Inroble's premium brake rotors and calipers are built for excellence, even in harsh Canadian winters.

Make sure to drive smart, stay prepared, and keep your brakes in top condition. We wish you safe travels!