Winter Driving School is Now in Session (+video)
We want you to stay safe this winter and these great driving tips might help you get to where you’re going. The last tip in the video from Mark Stolberg, MasterDrive Instructor, is a must see!
Winter Driving 101:
- Make certain your vehicle is equipped with a full set of four winter tires.
- Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter reduces the risk of error due to slow reflexes or distraction.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
- If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
When driving through deep snow:
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It can take much longer to stop on icy roads.
- Use the primary controls one at a time. Do not try to stop AND steer at the same time. Slow down and THEN turn.
- The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
- Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
Driving long-distance through winter conditions:
- Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
- Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition. A snowstorm is no time to deal with a breakdown.
- Pack a cellphone, blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
- If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
- Don’t overexert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
- Tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
Concerned about driving in severe winter conditions? Give yourself more peace of mind by clicking SERVICE REQUEST and scheduling a thorough winter inspection for your vehicle to make certain everything is operating properly and to minimize the chance of breaking down.
Enjoy this video by Smart Drive Test that is full of additional safe driving tips for winter:
And, if you haven’t made the investment in winter tires yet, our advisors can help by showing you which tires are most appropriate for your vehicle and why they truly are worth every penny. Stay safe, drive carefully and get where you need to go without stress.