The Zen of Winter Driving

Whether you’re an experienced driver or just beginning, mindful preparation and good driving habits will help you survive and thrive in winter driving conditions. In 2021, CAA Atlantic received 159,000 calls for roadside assistance, and provided almost 102,000 roadside rescues - including thousands during the winter months. Dead batteries, flat and underperforming tires, and tows are common requests during this annual festival of weather.

Consider these tips and prepare now for the winter driving season:

Prepare The Vehicle

Get Winter Tires:

• All tires are purpose built to work in specific conditions. From November to March in Atlantic Canada, winter tires deliver best performance and peace of mind under all conditions – rain, slush, ice, snow.

• Winter tires are the best option when temperatures are 7 C and below. They’re made of a rubber compound that stays soft, flexible, and able to grip the road in wet and cold conditions. Winters have a deeper, wider, and more jagged tread which delivers that all-important important traction between your vehicle and the road.

• All of this helps reduce breaking distance on cold, wet, ice and snow-covered roads by up to 25%. Having four matching winter tires improves vehicle handling. Check tire pressure often, especially before any highway driving,

Battery Love:

• Batteries don’t get enough love and attention for the work they put in.

• Have your car battery tested for its strength now, before the cold really hits. CAA provides battery tests and replacements for Members. We’ll come right to your house and do that. Of course, you can go to any garage to have it done properly.

Mechanical Systems:

• There’s never a bad time to get a vehicle check-up. A few things to examine:

• Windshield wipers. Level-up your wiper game with winter grade wipers (better for snow and ice)

• Brakes

• Battery and alternator

• Lights

Top Up Your Trunk:

• Washer fluid

• Replacement windshield wipers

• First Aid kit

• Food (in case you get stuck)

• Shovel, scraper, and brush

• Flashlight

• Spare gloves, a tuque, and blanket

Tips for Drivers

• Give yourself extra time to reach your destination

• Avoid driving in particularly bad weather conditions. If you must drive, check travel conditions before heading out. If possible, wait for conditions to improve. “When in doubt, chicken out!”

• Clear all windows of condensation and frost. Take the time to

• Remove snow from your vehicle; roof, hood, windows, and lights.

• Slow Down! Match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

• Have a heart! Avoid passing other vehicles when weather and road conditions are bad.

• Pack your patience.

Winter Driving Myths

Winter Driving Myth #1: Hot water can clear your windshield. Hot water can cause the glass to crack. The best

way to clear your windshield of ice and snow is to use a window scraper and your vehicle’s warm air. Don’t

forget to clear-off your head and taillights.

Winter Driving Myth #2: Put anti-freeze in your brake lines to avoid them from freezing up.

Brake fluid is designed to never freeze. It’s not only unnecessary to add anything, but it could cause serious

mechanical issues.

Winter Driving Myth #3: Four-wheel drive helps you brake better.

Four-wheel drive can be helpful in snow, but it doesn’t help you stop. Braking is the same in two-wheel or fourwheel

drive, so remember to always allow extra stopping distance in winter conditions.

About CAA

CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing over 6.8 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside

service, complete automotive and travel services, Member savings and comprehensive insurance services. CAA

also advocates on issues of concern to its Members and Canadians, including road safety, the environment,

mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection. CAA was named Canada’s most trusted brand in 2022 by the

Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.