Tips for Safe Driving This Coming Winter

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving

You can never be too prepared when it comes to winter, especially in Canada. Rather than putting off the necessary work until the last minute, try starting to prepare you vehicle now. You'll be happy you did when your life is less stressful come the onslaught of winter.

Make sure your battery is fully charged and in working condition. Clean posts and make sure the connection is strong. Replace your battery if it does not hold a full charge, has cracks in the casing, or seems otherwise unsafe. We carry a line of high quality Optima Batteries to help get you going.

Check your ignition. Check and replace any worn or damaged wiring. Replace any worn spark plugs. Make sure that all lights are working properly and replace any that are burnt out. Make sure that your head lights are properly aimed. Be sure to check and service your brakes to ensure even braking. 

Install winter tires. Do not mix tires with different tread patterns. This can cause uneven traction. It is important that you check your tire pressure frequently to ensure you have the best traction on icy surfaces. It is best to check your tire pressure in colder temperatures to prevent under inflation. If tires are checked in a warm garage they can lose pressure when in cold weather, making the tire pressure unreliable on ice.

Check your exhaust for leaks that could result in harmful carbon monoxide emissions in your vehicle. Check radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks and replace any that are worn. Make sure the heater and defrost work well.

Visibility is important, especially when the weather is bad. Be sure that your windshield wipers are in good working condition. Replace any windshield wiper blades that streak. It is worthwhile to get wiper blades that are designed for winter. If you are in need of new windshield wiper blades, check out some of the wiper blades carried by Auto Truck Depot. Be sure to keep your windshield washer fluid full with fluid for up to -40°C and always keep extra in your vehicle.

Safety tips

Check the weather patterns before driving, especially before driving on the highway. Be prepared for the weather. Keep your vehicle stocked with an ice scraper/brush, flashlight, booster cables, a shovel and warm clothes. You never know when you might need these things.

Always drive at speeds that are safe for the conditions. This is often slower than the speed limit. Keep distance from other drivers to reduce collisions. This is especially important when conditions are icy. Know how your vehicle handles, and drive appropriately and brake slowly. Avoid locking your wheels as this can cause you to lose control.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Sources Cited:

Transport Canada. Winter Driving: You, Your Vehicle and Winter Driving. N.p.: Transport Canada, 2015.CAA. Transport Canada. Web. 12 Dec. 2015. http://www.caa.ca/working-for-you/safe-driving/winter-driving.

Protect Your Battery From Winter Damage

Battery issues are the number one cause of vehicle break downs, and the cold winter months don't help the situation. Batteries can die at any time, but they are most likely to croak in the winter due to power output drops, a decrease in the battery's ability to accept charge, and of course an increased power load from things like heaters and other electronics. 

There are various tips that can help you avoid a dead battery this cold season, and one of the first things you should do is check the clamps and connections on your battery for corrosion. Keep your connection clean to ensure your battery is able to get a strong connection to your vehicle. If you have a struggling battery that is over 5 years old, replace it. You are better off replacing it before it leaves you in a roadside situation.

Keep your battery fully charged. A full charge can protect your battery from freezing, especially if left unused for more than a day at a time. Optima Batteries explains that an uncharged battery can freeze at warmer temperatures because the sulfuric acid and distilled water are not properly mixed. This can be avoided by keeping your battery fully charged when the car isn't in use with an advanced battery charger. You can also avoid trouble by making sure everything electrical is turned off when parking your car. This includes the radio, heater and lights. To increase your chances of starting a vehicle that has been parked in the cold, be sure to turn off everything electrical before turning the ignition. 

If you are unable to start your car or turn on any lights, there's a chance your battery might be frozen. Optima Batteries suggests that you do not try and jump start a frozen battery. You should check the battery casing for cracks, and if any are visible, a replacement battery is needed. If the casing appears to be okay, it is best to remove the battery from your vehicle to a warmer location to thaw on its own. Once this process is complete, reinstall into the vehicle, and if there are no problems starting, there is likely no lasting damage done to the battery. Optima recommends fully charging your car battery to prevent further issues from occurring.  

If your vehicle is in need of a new battery, check out our Optima Batteries.

Auto Truck Depot

107, 42 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta

Toll Free: 1-855-253-4330

Local: 1-403-253-4330

info@autotruckdepot.ca

www.autotruckdepot.ca

Works Cited:

Optima Batteries. What Happens if My Car Battery Freezes?. N.p.: Power Source: What Powers Your Passion?, 20 Jan. 2014. Optima Batteries. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/experience/power-source/what-happens-if-my-car-battery-freezes/.

AA. Battery Breakdowns: Most Common Cause of Battery Breakdown at Any Time of Year but Particularly Winter. ,N.p.: Breakdown Advice & Information, 20 Sep. 2014. AA. Web. 19 Jan. 2016. https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/winter-flat-battery-breakdown.html