Blog
Gearing Up For Winter
January 16, 2012
(Photo: Peter Holst)
Getting Your Cars (and Supercars) Ready for the Cold
By: Alexandra Straub
If you ask the rest of Canada, they’ll probably say that here in Vancouver, BC and the Lower Mainland, we don’t really have ‘winter.’ We just have rain! It’s true, but not always the case.
With one of the coldest winters expected, it’s important to make sure drivers and their cars are all geared up for the season. Most importantly, they are prepared for adverse weather conditions regardless of location.
Toyota Canada Inc. hosted the ‘Toyota Canada Winter Driving Event’ to share some great driving tips from the experts in the field. Here are the top five things they suggest to winterize your vehicle and make sure you’re prepared for the white, fluffy stuff also known as snow:
1. Check your tires: First, and most important, have your tires checked before winter strikes and make sure you have the right tires for the winter conditions you expect to face in the region you live in. Secondly, checking the air pressure frequently is also important because cold weather causes tire pressure to decrease and that can affect the degree of grip your tires have with the road surface. Finally, the condition of tires also is important as worn or damaged tires can hamper your driving ability, particularly when you need them to perform the most- it is best to replace tires before the tread depth is the regulatory 1.55 mm.
2. Winterize your vehicle: Fall is the best time of year to perform annual vehicle maintenance and keep your vehicle running at maximum efficiency through winter weather. Be sure to check your battery, oil and all fluids, brakes, lights, and engine belts and hoses. Have a winter driving kit on hand.
3. Plan ahead: Before heading out check weather and road conditions and ensure you have plenty of time to reach your destination safely…..driving quickly to make up time in winter conditions is almost sure to increase your chances of having an accident.
4. Clear snow and ice: Clear any ice, snow or frost from all windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof. After starting your vehicle, wait for the fog to clear from the interior of the windows to ensure good visibility all around before heading out on the roadways.
5. “Feel” what you’re driving: Avoid the use of cruise control when navigating slippery road conditions whether it is rain, ice or snow….your direct “feel” for your vehicle’s traction, as well as what speed you think is safe for the conditions, is enhanced when you have the personal control and live feedback from your steering, brakes and gas pedal as a combination
For those travelling outside of the Lower Mainland check out sites like www.drivebc.ca or www.shiftintowinter.ca for up-to-date road conditions.
Happy Winter Driving from all of us at Luxury + Supercar Weekend.
(Photo: Peter Holst)