Winter Driving – Preparation is the key

November is a month when we prepare ourselves for the chilly winters.  We can continue into the coldest season of the year unprepared at our own risk.

Some tips on how to keep safe on the road and stay alive if the going gets tough.
VISIBILITY
To have visibility during winter weather conditions, it is important to have right necessities available. Keep a snow brush and ice scrapper in your vehicle at all times during winter months. If you car is parked outdoors often, invest in a winter windshield cover to keep snow, frost and ice off of your windshield.

Always keep an extra wind shield fluid in the trunk and top it up for extreme temperatures.

CHECK-UP
Prior to the start of any season, make an appointment to have your vehicle fully serviced, especially prior to winter when weather elements can affect many performance elements of the vehicle. Have your battery and charging system checked to ensure it will have enough power to start the car on cold mornings. Check wiper blades for signs of wear and cracking and replace if necessary. Better yet, change to heavy -duty winter blades like teflon wiper blades. Also extreme cold is hard on engine oil. An oil change and new filter are good ideas for teh change in season.

PACK A VEHICLE EMERGENCY KIT
Keep the following on hand in your car, in the event you are stuck or stranded.
Cellphone with handsfree option.
Emergency car starter.
Gloves and hat
Shovel
Flashlight
Jumper cables
OR you could join a association such as Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) who help you anytime anywhere by giving your car a booster charge, or a battery change or tow your car to a desired location for further check up. It can be a real friend in the time of dire need for it is not easy or practical to do things when the weather conditions are so adverse.

Warming up
Canadian winters can be bitterly cold, so warming up your car is essential. Depending on where you live 60 seconds is all you need. According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), warming up your car for more than 60 seconds can be expensive, insufficient and harmful waste of fuel.
NRcan has more driving tips at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca

S o lets gets ready for a safe winter. Wishing you all a safe and prosperous winter.