Spinning your wheels

It's unavoidable at times. A little too much gas around the corner, a patch of ice, an extra-heavy snowfall, and before you can say "gotta get those snow tires" you're in the ditch. Here are a few strategies to get you through a jam that is, unfortunately, one of the not-so-pleasant aspects of the great Canadian winter.

According to Wayne Salatino, Road Service Supervisor at CAA in Thunder Bay, no one wants to end up in a snowbank but "if it does happen, it is best to be prepared," he says. "That means making a list and checking it twice to ensure the car and driver have everything they need to get safely out of a snowbank." Transport Canada recommends that every car carry a winter emergency kit.

Carry the following in case you're stranded far from home:
• extra antifreeze and windshield-washer fluid
• a flashlight and extra batteries
• hand crank
• blankets
• candle (to keep you warm)
• matches
• hazard markers or warning triangles (available at safety supply stores)
• a small or child-sized shovel
• extra hats and mitts
• chocolate or granola bars
• sand in a bag or in a bucket
• water bottle (if you have to shovel, you need to stay hydrated)
• cell phone (to call family, roadside assistance service or tow truck)

To get better traction during the winter, Transport Canada recommends that cars be outfitted with a matching set of all-season or snow tires that meet Canadian standards. Why snow tires? Because their tread grips instead of slides. In 1999, Transport Canada announced the introduction of a new industry standard to help Canadian consumers identify and buy snow tires that provide a higher level of traction for Canada's harsh winters. This standard is being implemented by North America's tire manufacturers, and is being monitored by Transport Canada. The tires are marked with a mountain and snowflake symbol.

Even with snow tires and safe driving strategies you can still end up in a snowbank. That's when a membership in a roadside assistance program pays off. For a small annual fee you can call a company and they will send a tow truck to get you. With the cost of towing a car at approximately $50/hour, a membership can be nearly paid off if you only make one call per year.