Free Article DirectoryA free article archive and directory of articles from authors on a range of topics.

Living in Canada, most drivers have to deal with snow and ice every winter. The following tips should help every Canadian have a safe winter whether they need to know how to prepare their car or what to do if stranded.

Let’s start at the beginning by preparing our car for the winter ahead.
During autumn, you should visit your mechanic and have a tune up. This will help your car run smoothly during the cold weather. You can check out our Car Tune Up Winter Check List to learn more as well as Winter Weather Check List to ensure you are ready for any emergency.

Before you leave your driveway, remove all the snow and ice from your car. You should de able to see through all windows and all ice and snow should be gone before driving down the road. One piece of ice flying off your car can do damage to another vehicle or even a person on the side of the street.

Look at your headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Make sure they are in working order and are visible. You should also make sure that you have windshield washer fluid in your car, which will truly help keep your windshield clean.

Plan your route. Watch weather reports. Let others know when you are leaving, the route you are taking, and the approximate time you plan to arrive. Make sure you have at least a little over a half a tank of gas.

Do not let your car warm up in a garage or even under a carport. Carbon monoxide builds up quickly in an enclosed area and is odorless.
Bring your cell phone if you have one.
Leave a few minutes early than normal to give you time to drive on the icy roads.

Driving on snow should be done slowly. Any quick turns can put your car skidding across the pavement out of control. While driving keep on your headlights if it is snowing or foggy. Stay far enough behind the vehicle in front of you that if you must stop you do not have to slam on the brakes. Watch ahead for dangers such as blowing snow. If you see ahead a stretch of road that looks clear, beware, this could be black ice. Do not accelerator on black ice.

With the sun shining on the snow you should wear sunglasses. The sun can be very bright reflecting off the snow and can cause your eyes to become damaged or can make you very sleepy.

Do not pass any city vehicle or other vehicle that is plowing the snow or spreading the snow unless you have no option. These vehicles should be treated as emergency vehicles.

Low visibility conditions are very dangerous. You should drive with your four way flashers on and drive slowly. Use both front and rear window defrosters. Do not use high beams, which reflect the snow. When you step on the gas or brakes, do so very gently. Do not use cruise control.

There are times when it is best to stay at home or the office and not venture off on the roadways. These include during freezing rain, whiteouts, and blizzards.

If you do find yourself stranded do not leave your car in seek of help. You should stay with your car and only run it for short periods of time. Always make sure that snow is not covering the tailpipe prior to warming up the car. While you have the engine running, crack a window. Cover all skin with clothing so you do not get frostbite. To keep your blood circulating, do stretching exercises. If you are stranded during the day, use a brightly colored cloth and tie it on your antenna. At night use your emergency flashers.

Article Tags: Canada, car, emergency, weather, winter