WINTER TIPS
Safety In The Snow
WINTER TIPS
It may look pretty , but winter is tough on cars . It ’ s important to do a winter checkup to ensure that your vehicle is ready for the severe conditions of a Canadian winter .
Here are a few things you can do to prepare your vehicle for winter :
• Ensure your battery is fully charged . You need full power to start your engine in cold weather . If your battery can ’ t keep a full charge , replace it .
• Check your brakes and replace if necessary .
• Replace your wipers with wintergrade ones .
• Use cold-weather windshield washer fluid .
WINTER TIRES ARE AN INVESTMENT IN SAFETY Tires are the only contact between you and the road . How they perform can make the difference between life and death . It ’ s smart to have the right tires for the right conditions , and for most of Canada , this means having winter tires on your vehicle .
Consider the following :
• Winter tires are designed for use in snow and will always have this symbol on the side of the tire :
• Having four matching tires ( same make , model , and tread pattern ) will give you the best results .
• Check your tire pressure once a week , especially before highway driving . Check your tires when they are cold , rather than in a warm garage . Tire pressure goes down in the cold weather so a tire that has good pressure indoors will be under-inflated when it is below zero outside . Use the maximum pressure amount shown in the owner ’ s manual or on the doorframe as a guide , but never go above the pressure shown on the tire sidewall .
CONSIDER PACKING A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT
A basic trunk kit should contain the following :
• A small shovel
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Road flares
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Chocolate bars for energy
• Booster cables
• Waterproof matches and a “ survival ” candle in a deep can ( to be used to warm hands , heat a drink , or use as an emergency light )
• Extra windshield washer fluid
• Fuel-line antifreeze
• Ice scraper and brush
• Flashlight ( and batteries )
Remember , you can never be too prepared for the hazards of winter driving . It ’ s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you and your family are safe on the roads . +
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