Tips for choosing winter tires and Driving Safety Tips
Every year, as the first autumn leaves fall, you start thinking about it (or at least you should be): Switching to your winter tires. Keeping in mind it is strongly recommended to use winter tires (not all-season) for an optimal grip on cold pavement and improved braking and cornering performance, these useful tips will make winter driving easier and safer for you and your family!
According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, winter tires offer up to 50% or more traction than all-seasons. Even if you drive an SUV or live where the streets are cleared of snow regularly, installing winter tires on all-wheel positions will improve surface grip in every type of road condition at temperatures below 7°C.
How to choose your winter tires
Look for the Mountain Snow Flake symbol embossed on the sidewall of the tire.
Ask your tire expert to help you find the right thread design for your driving style and local driving conditions.
Make sure all four tires are the same type, size and have the same tire line, speed rating and load index.
Remember winter tires are mandatory in Quebec and some mountainous regions of British Columbia.
When you bring your car to the garage for your winter tire installation, ask your mechanic for a winter tune-up (brakes, battery, heaters, defrosters and wipers, etc.).
Follow winter driving tips
Always remember to test your brakes and steering as soon as you hit the road.
Reduce your speed, especially before corners and before going down hills.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and give yourself extra time to stop safely.
Stay alert for black ice, especially on intersections, bridges and overpasses.
Avoid using cruise control in the winter.
For rough winter conditions, always make sure to keep the following items handy: jumper cables, towing cable, flares, gloves, boots, blankets, food, a flashlight, a cell phone, a first aid kit, and an ice scraper.
Trick for getting out of a snow bank
Remove snow from around the tires and try to get more traction with salt, sand, or traction pads. Once one of these traction-aids is applied, try to slowly drive out. Avoid accelerating too hard, you will only dig yourself deeper. If you can't just drive right out at the first attempt, try to rock back and forth. Each rock back and forth should allow you to drive further, until you manage to completely get your vehicle out. If you still cannot get out of the snow bank, you may require the assistance of a towing expert.
Trick for Straightening a Skid
If your vehicle starts to skid, resist the temptation of hitting the brakes, release the accelerator and gently steer into the skid (if the rear of your car is sliding to the left, you should steer carefully to the left). If you overcorrect the skid, you'll end up sliding in the other direction. Once you have the vehicle straightened out, you can gradually accelerate to continue your forward movement.
In general, our Canadian winter conditions are not what we could call ‘driving-friendly’. But, with the right equipment, a good amount of caution and awareness, you can maximize your safety and comfort throughout the entire season.
Enjoy and drive safely in festive season!
