3 Tips To Get Your Car Ready For Winter
There’s nothing quite like winter driving in Edmonton; unforgiving temperatures, freezing rain, blowing wind, black ice, and low visibility all combine to create some of the most hazardous driving conditions on the planet. Without a doubt, winter driving in Edmonton can be a challenge, but luckily there are ways to make it easier.
Here are three important tips to help you stay safe on Edmonton roads this winter.
- Get your winter tires installed
It may not be the law, but the rules of common sense urge you to install winter tires. The best time to change your tires is right around the first snowfall. Winter tires are designed for better traction on icy roads and they respond better in cold weather than all-season tires. That means you’ll have better handling and you’ll brake quicker with winter tires, which could be the difference between an accident and a safe winter. For best results, be sure to have four matching winter tires installed, as mixing and matching will mean your tires have different treads and different wear, reducing their effectiveness overall.
- Make sure your wipers are winter ready
After the tires, the next most important piece of equipment for winter driving in Edmonton is your windshield wipers. Visibility is often an issue during Edmonton winters and when the snow is blowing, wipers are your only defence. If it’s time to replace your wiper blades, your best bet will be to get new wipers specially made for winter conditions. These winter wiper blades will be better equipped for ice and snow, making it safer to drive in even the worst conditions.
- Pack an emergency kit for winter
If your daily commute takes you from your garage to an indoor parking facility at your work, you may never even need a winter jacket to make the trip, but it’s important to have warm clothes in your car in case you get stuck along the way. If you’re traveling outside the city, you’ll want to make sure to have the following in your care in case of emergencies:
- Socks
- Sweaters
- Mitts
- Boots
- Winter jackets
- Blankets
Aside from clothes, your emergency kit should also include jumper cables, as well as a brush and scraper. Kitty litter or traction aids are also a good idea and can help you get free if you get stuck in ice or snow.
At Drayden Insurance, helping people is our business. That means making sure you have all the advice you need to stay out of accidents as well as helping you to get back on the road if an accident does happen. If you’re looking for insurance or have any insurance related question, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.