5 tips to prepare yourself for winter driving

Navigating Quebec’s harsh winters can be a daunting task for any driver. This is even truer if it’s your first experience of driving in winter. In any case, it’s crucial to adapt your vehicle and your driving style. In this guide, you’ll find our top 5 tips for adapting to the challenges of winter driving.

 

Change your winter tires on time

First, let’s answer that question everyone asks: “By what date should you have installed your winter tires?”. Since 2019, the deadline for installing winter tires in Quebec is December 1 (a penalty ranging from $200 to $300 is to be expected for anyone who violates this law).

However, as fall conditions are rather unpredictable, it is advisable to proceed before this date. In fact, mid-October seems to be the unanimous choice of experts. Why is this? Because temperatures generally drop below 12 degrees Celsius, which reduces the grip of summer tires.

So it’s a mistake to think that the first snowfall is your official reminder to switch to winter mode. Let’s not forget that snow, even when melting, is the cause of many road accidents and run-offs.

We’re frequently asked the question: if I don’t have winter tires, could that prevent me from being covered by my insurer? The answer is… No! Even if you don’t have your winter tires, your insurer won’t be able to use this as a reason to avoid paying you. That said, it’s far from a good idea…

 

How to choose the right winter tires?

Should I opt for snow tires or ice tires? It all depends on the type of road you drive on. For people who do a lot of highway driving, ice tires are ideal. However, if you drive mainly in the city, where snow drifts are frequent, snow tires are essential. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right tires:

• Avoid combining different tires on the same car.
• Take stock of the type of road most often used.
• Ask for different quotes to analyze the quality/price ratio.
• Make sure the tire has a snowflake pictogram, even if some people doubt the certification

 

Have your car inspected

When it comes to winter driving, prevention is always the key. It’s essential to make sure your car and its various systems are ready for the cold, snow, wind, ice and black ice. Items to inspect before the first snowfall include:

 

The brakes

Regardless of a car’s model and safety rating, brakes are subject to wear and tear. The system uses fraction to function properly, so this wear is expected and totally normal. However, there comes a time when maintenance is recommended. And no, it doesn’t depend on the odometer reading. It depends on our driving habits, our braking approaches and much more.

To make sure your brakes keep up with your winter driving maneuvers, a garage inspection is highly recommended. Generally speaking, mechanics carry out an inspection at every tire change to identify any anomalies. When in doubt, it’s best to leave it to the experts.

 

The battery

With the harshness of Quebec winters, starting your engine requires a lot of energy from your battery. Checking that it’s in good condition in the bitter cold can save you a lot of headaches!

Good to know: testing a battery takes no time at all. So it’s perfectly reasonable to ask your mechanic to check its condition when you change your winter tires. If necessary, he’ll be able to make recommendations based on his observations.

 

Windshield wipers

Here’s something that’s easy to check out for yourself. It may seem obvious, but it’s not! The effectiveness of windshield wipers in cold weather is essential. It determines the level of visibility for the driver: the basic criterion for safe winter driving.

Before the first snowfall, it’s a good idea to check that your front and rear wipers are working properly. Do they have a good grip on your windshield? Are the rubber or silicone strips in good condition? Do they leave streaks on the glass when the windshield washer function is activated? Here are some points not to be overlooked when it comes to checking them.

A quick inspection of your vehicle can make the difference between safe and dangerous winter driving. Fall is the best time to entrust this activity to your mechanic or dealer’s service department.

 

Carry an emergency kit

A breakdown, a road hazard, an accident: these are just a few examples of situations that are frequent in winter – even among the wisest drivers! That’s why it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit with you:

• Shovel
• Snow broom
• Booster cables
• Thermal blanket
• Flashlight
• Signal flare
• Wireless charger for your smartphone
• A gallon of window cleaner
• Warm socks and an old pair of boots

 

Caring for your car all winter long

Taking good care of your car during Winter can make all the difference to your driving, but also in the event of a car insurance claim. For example, every driver benefits from taking the following measures:

• Remove salt from carpets
• Opt for a rustproofing treatment
• Monitor tire pressure
• Prioritize the use of winter mats
• Keep fuel levels high
• Removing ice and snow from inside rims

 

Promote good winter driving practices

There’s no denying it: preparing your vehicle for winter driving is essential. But what good are these measures if you don’t adopt good driving practices?

Here are some of the best practices to adopt, no matter how often or where you drive:

Always have an adequately filled fuel and windshield washer fluid tank.

Whatever your destination, it’s important to leave point A with peace of mind. Sufficient fuel and windshield washer fluid is one of the first things to check. Sufficient windshield washer fluid protects you from dangerous situations, such as not being able to wash your windshield on a dark freeway.

Pay attention to your speed

Collisions happen so quickly in winter. And, in most cases, it’s a question of braking too hard, too late. Slowing down, especially on slippery or snowy days, is a good way to prevent accidents.

Leave cruise control aside

The famous “cruise control” function is not ideal in winter. In winter, a driver must ensure that he has full control of his vehicle at all times.

Brake earlier

Intersection pavements can be more slippery than you think. Braking in advance is the best practice for yourself, your vehicle and the people and cars sharing your road.

Knowing how to react in the event of a skid

Anyone who’s ever skidded will tell you: there’s no need to panic. Intuitively, we’re all inclined to brake, move our steering wheel or accelerate, when in fact we should be doing just the opposite.

In the event of a skid, it’s vital to steer in the direction you want to go, and keep a straight line. If a braking manoeuvre has caused the skid, simply take your foot off the brake.

Prepare for road conditions

Road conditions can vary greatly from one place to another, even within a small radius. Before setting off, it’s a good idea to check the roads using online tools such as Québec 511.

 

Are you ready for anything?

Taking the right precautions and preparing your vehicle for winter driving is an excellent way to protect yourself. However, some accidents are impossible to avoid. This is where a car insurance policy can save you a lot of headaches. Talk to one of our Fort Insurance specialists today!

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