Prepare fort the Cold Front
Well, it’s official. “It’s so cold out my face hurts” season has finally arrived. The current frigid February forecast is surely payback for the beautiful mild winter that we experienced during December and January. Today we’re back with some winter driving tips to ensure that you get from point A to B safely during the brutally cold conditions. We will also provide you with packing lists so you’re prepared if anything goes array.
Plan Ahead
Does tomorrow morning’s forecast call for 10 cm of snow and a low of -26? The frigid temperatures paired with a fresh snowfall means that people are probably going to be driving slower and more cautiously. AKA set your alarm and plan to leave earlier than normal for work. Allowing yourself sufficient time for your vehicle to warm up and to scrape your windows sets you up to make it to your destination with ample time. Bonus, you won’t have to speed to make up for the lost time.
Remove Ice & Snow
In a hurry? Take the time to properly remove built-up ice and snow debris from your windshield as well as your side windows and mirrors. Low visibility on the road increases your chance of getting into an accident, affecting your safety and other drivers’ safety on the road.
Black Ice
Be on the lookout for deceiving black ice. Its transparency allows it to easily blend into the rod, wreaking havoc for commuters. If you do happen to drive upon black ice, let your foot off the gas and with both hands on the wheel, continue steering straight. Ride it out and apply the gas once you’ve secured control of the vehicle.
Belt Up
It goes without saying that you should always be wearing a seatbelt while you’re driving but seriously, buckle up. Seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. Airbags don’t sufficiently protect passengers and can cause serious harm if ejected while unbuckled.
Emergency Car Trouble Kit
Packing as many items on the list as possible will help to alleviate any car troubles that you may encounter. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Flashlight…and extra batteries
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Rope for towing
- Ice scraper
- Rock salt
- Road Map to identify your location
Missing some items? You can find a pre-packed hit here!
Survival Kit
We know, the term survival kit sounds pretty intense. In the off chance that your vehicle doesn’t start and you’ll be waiting a prolonged period of time for a tow truck or friend/family member to come to your rescue, you’ll wish you had packed these.
- Warm blankets: No need for explanation. You’re going to want as many warm layers as possible.
- Extra hats and gloves: These items are great to have even when your car is running perfectly fine. We’ve all been know to forget our toque in the house. A backup will always come in handy.
- Portable cell phone charger: A portable cell phone charger is always very convenient, and even more so when your cell phone and car battery are dead at the same time. Keep one in the glovebox so you can power up and stay connected.
- Food and Liquids: Keep non-perishable snacks in your trunk for when you get stuck or stranded somewhere. If you’re waiting a while you will want something to snack on. In an ideal world, your bottled water wouldn’t freeze over, but packing a couple won’t hurt.
Stay Safe
Beat the cold front by planning ahead to ensure the health and safety of yourself and others on the road this winter! We hope you find these winter driving tips helpful!
For any more questions about our process, or to book an appointment at our Auto Spa or collision centre, call us at (306) 525-6000 or visit us at one of our convenient locations.
