Winter Driving

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA®) recommends you keep the following items in your trunk:

• shovel
• sand or kitty litter
• traction mats
• tow chain
• compass

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At temperatures below 7°C, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity, resulting in reduced traction. Winter tires retain their elasticity to grip at much lower temperatures.

Tires marked with the pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake meet specific snow traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in severe snow conditions.

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Winter weather is hard on your vehicle and its engine. Prepare for winter in the fall, by getting a complete check-up of your:

• Battery
• Ignition system
• Lights
• Brakes
• Tires
• Exhaust system
• Heating and cooling system
• Windshield wipers

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Visit Environment Canada's website for local weather reports, before you leave home. The safest strategy is to avoid driving in bad weather conditions.

Watch for black ice at temperatures between +4°C and -4°C, where the road surface ahead looks black and shiny. It is often found on shaded areas of the road, bridges and overpasses long after the sun has come out.

Transport Canada is pleased to collaborate with organizations that share an interest in safe winter driving.

Transport Canada worked with the Canadian Automobile Association - CAA to develop the brochure Winter Driving - You, your vehicle and winter driving. It is distributed through CAA store fronts and Transport Canada directly. As one good idea can give rise to another, the partnership continued with the development a "Winter Emergency Kit Video". CAA works to promote safe winter driving through media outreach and communication with their members.

Canadian Tire shares Transport Canada’s goal to inform Canadians about safe winter driving. They have contributed space in their stores, flyers and web sites to promote preparedness for driving in a Canadian winter.

A good way to avoid skidding is to drive appropriately for road and weather conditions: SLOW DOWN. Allow extra travel time and be very careful when you brake, change lanes, make turns and take curves. Even careful and experienced drivers can skid, so be prepared.

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