Winter driving tips

The fact is, winter weather conditions can be a real challenge to the safety of both drivers and pedestrians. But knowledge, combined with a little common sense, patience and alertness, can help you get through hazardous Canadian winters unscathed.

Fact vs. fiction

Traffic flow
There's a commonly held belief that drivers should keep up with the "flow" of traffic despite poor driving conditions. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) says this is not the case at all. The CAA advocates slowing down from your normal driving habits during inclement weather, regardless of the speed of drivers around you. Give yourself plenty of breathing space, make sure there's a lot of room in front of you and between you and other vehicles and never brake suddenly. Drive only as fast as conditions will allow, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Tire pressure
Don't lower the air pressure in your tires for better traction. The CAA recommends having the correct tire pressure at all times of year, as per the manufacturer's instructions. This ensures the tires will function at their best capacity. Cold air outside already has the effect of lowering your tire pressure, so be certain to check your tires regularly during the winter months.

All-season or snow tires?
Simple. Snow tires offer the best grip and are the most effective when driving in an area that gets plenty of snow. That's what snow tires are for. All-season tires are sold all across North America, but not every community experiences the same weather as yours does in all seasons.

Vehicle weight
Some individuals pack extra weight into their vehicles to improve traction. This is a mistake, according to the CAA. Not only does it increase the wear on the vehicle's tires, it can also make your transport less effective than designed by the manufacturer. On top of that, the extra weight burns more gasoline, thus causing a detrimental effect on the environment. Exception to the rule: Pickup trucks are front heavy. To evenly distribute weight and limit fishtailing, owners can weigh down the flatbed with bags of sand or kitty litter (also handy for getting unstuck after heavy snowfalls).

Front, back or four-wheel drive?
Honestly, it doesn't matter. While higher ground clearance on some four-wheel drive vehicles such as SUVs may help you when you're trying to get unstuck, none are any less likely to go into a skid or help you stop any better. Also, SUVs and other high clearance vehicles have a higher centre of gravity and are more likely to roll over in a given situation. Four-wheel drives tend to be heavier too, so they make take longer to stop. Click here for advice on getting out of a skid, whether you're driving a front, back or four-wheel drive.