In winter, road conditions change quickly and require you to adapt your driving. Discover our expert tips for safe winter driving, from preparing your vehicle to the right actions to take if you start to skid.
Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for cold-weather conditions. Here’s what you should check:
Also take the time to restock your winter emergency kit. In addition to the usual items, add:
For your safety, also keep reflective triangles or a reflective safety vest. Add a battery-free flashlight, a few tools, a first-aid kit, a warm blanket and nonperishable food.
You may not know this, but driving with snow or ice on your car, windows or licence plate can be costly. It can lead to a $60 to $100 fine (plus fees). Read our tip How to properly clear snow and ice off your car to avoid getting a ticket—and, more importantly, to stay safe on the road.
To avoid losing control of your vehicle:
Watch out for areas prone to black ice—bridges, overpasses and open sections—especially when the temperature hovers around 0°C.
Good to know: On rural roads, the surface can quickly switch from dry to snow-covered or icy. Slow down to avoid surprises on slippery patches.
Understeer occurs when centrifugal force exceeds the grip of the front tires and your vehicle slides forward, often due to excessive speed or sudden braking (wheel lockup).
To correct your course:
Perform this manoeuvre gently—especially if you drive a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Releasing the accelerator too quickly could cause the rear end to skid.
Oversteer occurs when the rear of your vehicle starts to swing out.
If the back end of your car slides:
In winter, it is generally recommended to avoid using cruise control, especially when roads are slippery or snow-covered.
“Using cruise control in winter limits your ability to adjust acceleration and braking based on road traction. To maintain optimal control of your vehicle, choose manual, smooth and reactive driving instead.”
If you’re not fully comfortable driving in winter, practice in a large, empty parking lot. Test your turns, braking distances and skids at moderate speed. This will help you better understand how your vehicle reacts and anticipate situations for improved road safety. Winter driving courses are also a great idea!
It’s best to postpone your trip if a storm is coming, visibility is reduced or weather conditions become too unstable. Sometimes this is the safest choice. Wait until the weather improves and roads are cleared before heading out.
Winter driving tips apply to electric vehicles (EVs) too. On icy roads, accelerate gently, since the instant power of an EV can cause a loss of traction. Make sure your tires are suitable and your EV’s traction battery is properly managed to drive safely when temperatures drop.
Check out our advice on electric vehicle winter tips for more information.
Electric or gas-powered cars, RVs, ATVs or motorcycles
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