4 Easy Safe Winter Driving Tips

Winter driving is back!

It’s officially that time of the year when every morning kicks off by scraping windshields, preheating the car, and trying to remember to unplug the extension cord before pulling out of the driveway. When the snow starts to fall, it reminds us of some of the harsh realities of winter driving. To avoid skidding or getting stuck in the ditch, you also must adjust your driving behaviour. Just as you need to dress differently for the cold weather, your driving style needs a few extra layers. Below are four tips to keep you and your vehicle driving smoothly this winter. 

1. Clear Away All The Snow and Frost

We get it, sometimes the mornings can be chaotic and rushed. Trust us when we say that taking 90 seconds to clear the snow off your car and adequately scrape your windows will always be worth it. Be sure to wipe loose snow off the hood of your vehicle so that it doesn’t blow onto your windshield and obstruct your vision while you drive. Ensure that your headlights, taillights, and licence plates are visible and that all of you defrost your windows entirely before you hit the road.

2. Set Your Tires Up For Success

If possible, switch to winter tires, or at least all-season tires. Deeper treads are ideal for clearing away snow, giving you maximum traction, and improving vehicle control. Studded tires are a good choice on wet roads when the temperature is near zero. However, they don’t outperform winter tires in freezing conditions. Regularly check your tire pressure to help prevent a blowout. Your owner’s manual or the tire’s sidewall will indicate the proper pressure – usually between 30 and 33 lb/in² for an average passenger car. Just don’t forget that tires lose pressure at the rate of 1 lb/in² for every 5° C drop in temperature.

3. Winter Driving = Taking Your Time

Need to get to work on time? Well, that’s never going to happen if you’re busy pushing your vehicle out of a snowbank, or worse, you’re waiting for assistance after a collision. When road conditions are not ideal (covered in snow and ice, for example), remember to give yourself more time to reach your destination. Start your trip slowly, testing your braking and steering to get a feel for the road conditions. The key is to maintain control of your vehicle at all times, even if that means driving under the posted speed limit. Stay alert as you approach intersections. Scan the road for traction, such as sand or bare pavement, and always accelerate and decelerate gradually.

4. Stay Calm, Cool and Collected

If you find your vehicle skidding, remain calm and take your foot off the accelerator. Don’t lock the brakes. Instead, break steadily, look where you want to go and steer in that direction. Leave at least a 3-second following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Suppose the driver ahead of you suddenly brakes. In that case, you’ll have the time and space needed to stop safely, ensuring that you and everyone on the road arrive at their destination safely.

5. Consider Better Protection With an SGI Package Policy

No one ever plans on experiencing a claim, just like no one ever plans to drive directly into a snowbank. That’s why they’re called accidents, and that’s why you should consider adding a package policy to protect not just your vehicle but your wallet as well. You typically have a $700 deductible for collision claims with plate insurance. Still, for as little as $15/month, you can get a $100 deductible (plus that price automatically includes additional coverage like extra third-party liability and family security insurance!).

With HWI Click you can quote, buy and manage your package policy online from any device, 24 hours a day, seven days a week! In the event of a claim, protect your vehicle, and your wallet, with an SGI package policy custom built for you by you.

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