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How to Drive in Snow? Essential Tips to Drive like a Pro in Canadian Roads this Winter

Driving in the snow can be tricky, but with a few smart tips, you’ll handle it like a pro. Wondering how to drive in snow? Start by slowing down, keeping a safe distance from other cars, and avoiding sudden braking. Winter tires are a must for better grip, and it’s always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Read this dedicated article about driving safe in the snow, and Stay Safe out there!

Below are 20 Tips for Winter Driving in Canada or Snow Driving

In general that will keep you safe, in control, and driving confidently over difficult road conditions.

Equip-Your-Vehicles-with-Winter-Tire

Equip Your Vehicle with Winter Tires

Winter tires are very important in safe driving in Canadian winter. This provides a much better traction when driving through snow and ice than the all-season tires would do. Properly inflated winter tires contribute to the best control and minimize the risk of skidding, thus being handled more safely on snowy or icy roads.

Slow-Down-While-Driving-in-Canadian-Winter

Slow Down

Speed limits are set for ideal conditions which are perfect for driving. Winter weather does not avail of these conditions. Icy roads and poor visibility call for a slower pace. Driving slowly gives you a wider reaction time against any sudden changes, like obstacles or slipping patches of the road, reducing the chances of accidents.

Safe-Following-Distance-While-Driving-in-Canadian-Winter

Keep a Safe Following Distance

Stopping distances are much longer in winter. Make sure to give greater distance between your car and the car in front. Extra space gives you time to stop without a crash if you need to do so on icy or slushy roads where sudden stops could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Remove-Snow-Ice-from-Vehicle

Remove Snow and Ice from Your Vehicle

Before you start driving, make sure that your vehicle is free from snow and ice, especially the windshield, windows, mirrors, and even the roof. This will give you a better view of the road conditions, and will also eliminate the possible chance of snow falling off of your car, which could blur your vision or create a hazard to other motorists as well.

Make-Use-of-Gentle-Movements-While-Driving-in-Canadian-Winter

Make Use of Gentle Movements

Sudden actions like: braking, steering, or acceleration, can cause your vehicle to slide on icy roadways. All actions should be smooth and gradual for better control on the road and to reduce the danger of losing traction.

Be-Prepared-for-Emergencies-Driving-in-Canadian-Winter

Be Prepared for Emergencies

For driving in Canadian winter, it’s a must to have an emergency kit in the car that should comprise a blanket for warmth, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water. These will come in handy if you break down or become stranded and thus assure your safety until help arrives.

Avoid-Cruise-Control-While-Driving-in-Canadian-Winter-on-Snow

Avoid Cruise Control

It is dangerous to use cruise control during winter. This feature reduces your ability to immediately decelerate once you reach slippery surfaces. You would want to be in full control of the acceleration so that you can react appropriately to the changes in the road
condition.

Brake-and-Accelerate-Gently-While-Driving-in-Canadian-Winter

Brake and Accelerate Gently

This could happen if you take your foot off the accelerator pedal quickly, apply the brakes hard, or change direction quickly on wet, icy, or snow-covered roads. To handle a skid on slippery roads, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. Do not make any sudden turns that might make you lose traction of the wheels. Do not slam on the brakes.

Avoid-Sudden-Lane-Change-While-Driving-on-Snow-in-Canada

Avoid Sudden Lane Changes

Sudden lane changes on snow-covered roads can result in loss of control if the lanes have not been evenly plowed. Always signal early and move smoothly, making sure your tires don’t lose their grip as you switch from one lane to another.

Learn-How-to-Handle-Skids-on-Snowy-Roads

Know How to Handle a Skid

If your vehicle starts to skid, stay calm. Do not slam on the brakes. Take your foot off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Skidding usually occurs when going too fast for road conditions. Always drive slowly enough to
keep control of your vehicle.

Dont-Stop-on-Hills-While-Driving-on-Snow-Roads

Not Stopping on Hills

Driving on snow means staying off icy hills: This makes it hard to get going again. If you have to stop on an icy hill, make sure that you leave room between you and the car in front of you. When driving forward accelerate carefully: Do not spin your tires or
slide backwards.

Keep Your Vehicle in Good Condition

It is necessary to check your car regularly in winter. Battery, brakes, and heating systems should be working properly. Windshield wiper fluid should have a rating for sub-zero temperatures, and wiper blades should be in great condition to handle snow and ice.

Weather Conditions

Check forecasts of weather and road conditions before heading out. Follow weather apps or news and stay updated frequently,, as the weather updates in Canada can fluctuate within a short period of time. If possible, avoid traveling in snow storms or on roads with poor conditions. If you have to travel, allow plenty of time to reach your destination since the speed limits are lower and there might be delays.

Use Low Beams in Snowy Conditions

During heavy snow conditions, the high beams reflect off the snowflakes and reduce visibility. Instead, turn on your low beams, which give far better light to view the road without creating glare. Keep your headlights clear from snow, and align them properly.

Use Winter Windshield Washer Fluid

Regular windshield washer fluid will freeze in extreme cold, reducing your visibility. Switch to winter-specific washer fluid designed for sub-zero temperatures; that way, your windshield will be clean during a snowstorm or when salt from the roads accumulates.

Anticipate Traffic Lights and Stop Signs

Approach traffic lights or stop signs much sooner than when the road is normally dry. This will provide extra time for braking and avoid sudden stops which may cause skidding into the intersection or stopping too far into the intersection.

Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full

Cold weather can cause condensation in your gas tank to build up and freeze in the fuel lines. Keeping your tank at least half full minimizes this risk and ensures you won’t
run out of fuel during delays or in an emergency.

Turn Into the Skid for Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles

If you do happen to skid with a rear-wheel-drive car, you will want to lightly turn the wheel in the direction the back wheels are sliding. This helps to allow you to gain traction back without amplifying the instability overmuch.

Know When Snow Chains Should be Used

Snow chains can provide extra traction in heavy snow conditions. They are, however, rarely needed and are often prohibited on certain highways. Make sure you understand local regulations and how to properly install chains before trying to use them.

Remain Calm in Whiteout

Visibility can be severely reduced during whiteout conditions. If you are caught in a whiteout, reduce your speed and turn on your lights. Avoid stopping in the middle of the
road. If you have to pull over, pull over in a safe manner and wait until conditions
improve.

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