Prepare for winter driving pains before the snow starts falling
Posted Sep 27th 2010 10:47AM
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Autumn is arriving in all its colourful glory, but before you know it, winter will be on our doorstep. For drivers across the country, winter means switching gears to adapt to more challenging driving conditions. Will you be ready when the first snow flies?
If you're like many other Canadians, "it usually takes several weeks or a couple of good snowfalls to get used to the idea of winter driving," says Angelo DiCicco, general manager of Young Drivers of Canada for the greater Toronto region.
So there's no better time than now to start thinking about winter. Your first step should be getting your vehicle mechanically prepared, including proper winter tires.
"Think about buying a set of winter tires in the fall," he advises, "because if you own a popular make of car, those tires could be quickly sold out when winter really hits."
DiCicco also recommends winter tires over all-season radials since "all-season means they're not really good for any season." He recommends that winter tires be installed when fall temperatures drop to about 7 degrees celsius.
Perhaps most importantly, he says, is that you gain about three meters of stopping distance at 50 kph with winter tires. That distance can make all the difference between getting to work and having a really bad day.
And at this time of year, tire pressure also starts to vary with the shifting temperatures (about 1 psi for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature). It's necessary to check tire pressure at least once a month or more often. (It's been reported that 20% of all vehicles have at least one tire that's dangerously underinflated.)
Even if your vehicle has a tire pressure sensor you can't fully rely on it, DiCicco points out. Sensors don't tell you there's a problem until a tire is 25% underinflated. "That's far too late," he says. "By that time, it's going to affect your ability to stop in a controlled fashion."
Other key mechanical components to check are:
-Electrical system -- battery, ignition, lights
-Brakes and brake lines
-Exhaust system -- check for leaks to reduce risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
-Heating/cooling system -- check radiator and hoses for leaks, defrosters for proper operation, and have sufficient antifreeze rated for coldest weather
-Windshield wipers -- check wiper condition and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid
If you're not mechanically handy, fall is the best time to book a winter tune-up appointment with your service centre. Do it before winter takes you and other drivers by surprise.
Equally essential for winter driving is having the right attitude, says DiCicco. Until you've gotten used to the idea of winter again, it's too easy to continue summer driving habits. That can lead to a false sense of confidence and driving faster than you should.
Adopting a winter driving attitude means anticipating what could happen when the weather is adverse. Allow yourself plenty of time to clear snow completely off your car before heading out on the road, he advises. It reduces the risk to anyone following you and it allows you to see other drivers more clearly.
Once you're on the road, especially after the first snowfall of the season, be extra wary of intersections. That's where patches of ice tend to accumulate and they can create some of the most dangerous driving situations.
It's also wise to keep a winter driving kit in your vehicle. It could save your life if you ever get stranded. Among the items you should pack, DiCicco recommends:
-Cell phone
-Long-handled scraper with snow brush
-Windshield washer fluid
-Booster cables
-First aid kit
-Reflective cones or flashlight
-Blankets
-Warm clothing
The third essential for safe winter driving is the right driving technique. Based on DiCicco's expertise, here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a statistic:
-Drive with your low beam headlights on all the time. It makes you 20% more visible and reduces your chances of being in a head-on crash by 18%. Daytime running lights don't activate the rear tail lights. "That's really dumb," he says, "because 33% of all crashes are rear-enders."
-Check your rear view mirror every 5-8 seconds to keep an eye on the driver behind you. When approaching a red light, gently touch the brake pedal so the driver following you can see you slowing down.
-If you find yourself in a skid, look where you want to go and steer where you look. Shift into neutral (automatic transmission) or declutch if you have a manual transmission. Doing so will make it easier to regain control.
"Driving is one of the most advanced psycho-motor skills most of us will ever develop in our lives," says Angelo DiCicco. Winter can play havoc with those skills, but following his timely advice can help keep them sharp.
DiCicco also recommends winter tires over all-season radials since "all-season means they're not really good for any season." He recommends that winter tires be installed when fall temperatures drop to about 7 degrees celsius.
Perhaps most importantly, he says, is that you gain about three meters of stopping distance at 50 kph with winter tires. That distance can make all the difference between getting to work and having a really bad day.
And at this time of year, tire pressure also starts to vary with the shifting temperatures (about 1 psi for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature). It's necessary to check tire pressure at least once a month or more often. (It's been reported that 20% of all vehicles have at least one tire that's dangerously underinflated.)
Even if your vehicle has a tire pressure sensor you can't fully rely on it, DiCicco points out. Sensors don't tell you there's a problem until a tire is 25% underinflated. "That's far too late," he says. "By that time, it's going to affect your ability to stop in a controlled fashion."
Other key mechanical components to check are:
-Electrical system -- battery, ignition, lights
-Brakes and brake lines
-Exhaust system -- check for leaks to reduce risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
-Heating/cooling system -- check radiator and hoses for leaks, defrosters for proper operation, and have sufficient antifreeze rated for coldest weather
-Windshield wipers -- check wiper condition and make sure you have plenty of washer fluid
If you're not mechanically handy, fall is the best time to book a winter tune-up appointment with your service centre. Do it before winter takes you and other drivers by surprise.
Equally essential for winter driving is having the right attitude, says DiCicco. Until you've gotten used to the idea of winter again, it's too easy to continue summer driving habits. That can lead to a false sense of confidence and driving faster than you should.
Adopting a winter driving attitude means anticipating what could happen when the weather is adverse. Allow yourself plenty of time to clear snow completely off your car before heading out on the road, he advises. It reduces the risk to anyone following you and it allows you to see other drivers more clearly.
Once you're on the road, especially after the first snowfall of the season, be extra wary of intersections. That's where patches of ice tend to accumulate and they can create some of the most dangerous driving situations.
It's also wise to keep a winter driving kit in your vehicle. It could save your life if you ever get stranded. Among the items you should pack, DiCicco recommends:
-Cell phone
-Long-handled scraper with snow brush
-Windshield washer fluid
-Booster cables
-First aid kit
-Reflective cones or flashlight
-Blankets
-Warm clothing
The third essential for safe winter driving is the right driving technique. Based on DiCicco's expertise, here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a statistic:
-Drive with your low beam headlights on all the time. It makes you 20% more visible and reduces your chances of being in a head-on crash by 18%. Daytime running lights don't activate the rear tail lights. "That's really dumb," he says, "because 33% of all crashes are rear-enders."
-Check your rear view mirror every 5-8 seconds to keep an eye on the driver behind you. When approaching a red light, gently touch the brake pedal so the driver following you can see you slowing down.
-If you find yourself in a skid, look where you want to go and steer where you look. Shift into neutral (automatic transmission) or declutch if you have a manual transmission. Doing so will make it easier to regain control.
"Driving is one of the most advanced psycho-motor skills most of us will ever develop in our lives," says Angelo DiCicco. Winter can play havoc with those skills, but following his timely advice can help keep them sharp.
