Road conditions get so bad during winter, with snow and ice making it very difficult for them to drive. With a few innovative strategies, you can stay safe and feel confident while navigating the streets during the cold months. At “Driving Tutors,” we prioritize teaching how to stay safe, especially when weather conditions are harsh.
Here are the top 10 winter driving tips every driver should remember to stay safe on snowy and icy roads.

Prepare Your Vehicle Before Winter Hits

Before the cold weather sets in, ensure your car is winter-ready. That includes getting winter tires, checking your battery, and ensuring your wiper fluid is rated for freezing temperatures. At “Driving Tutors,” Driving schools in Brampton, we often stress that preparation is critical to safe winter driving. You should also check your car’s oil and coolant levels and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Also, ensure your heater and defroster are checked and in good working order.

Keep a safe following distance.

Winter roads are slippery, so stopping distances can be much longer than usual. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a five to six-second following distance from the car in front of you. That gives you extra time to react in case of sudden stops or skids.

Drive slowly and smoothly.

Speed is your enemy on icy roads. Accelerating, braking, or turning too quickly can easily cause you to lose control. Keep your driving smooth and slow to avoid sudden movements that can lead to skidding. At “Driving Tutors,” Driving School Mississauga, we teach these critical techniques to our students to help them feel more in control during harsh weather.

Brake and accelerate gently.

When you brake forcefully, your wheels may lock up, and you could skid dangerously. Instead, apply gentle pressure to your brakes when stopping. The same goes for accelerating. Gradual, smooth acceleration can help prevent your wheels from spinning on icy patches. Braking and accelerating slowly can also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes and engine. It can also help lower the possibility of an accident.

Know How to Handle a Skid

If you hit an icy patch and begin to skid, don’t panic! Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.”Driving Tutors,” Driving Schools Brampton emphasizes this critical skill during our winter driving sessions to ensure our students are well-prepared.

Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control, as much as this may seem comfortable during regular road use, can be risky where there is ice or snow on the roads. Cruise control is always preferable in a car because it allows you complete control of your vehicle speed instead of adjusting with cruise control, delaying your reaction towards slippery roads. Therefore, it is advisable not to use cruise control, especially when driving on ice or snow; thus, the importance of cruise control is high. However, this makes it necessary to manipulate the speed manually, as the case may be.

Keep your gas tank full.

Winter conditions can cause unexpected delays or detours; the last thing you want is to run out of gas in the cold. Keep your tank at least halfway filled to prevent frozen gas lines and ensure you’re prepared for any unforeseen stops or traffic.

Use low beams in snow.

This is especially true during winter when there is intense snowfall, which can limit visibility. You should have low beams on when driving in snowy conditions because high beams can cause reflections from the snow.

Don’t Rush

Rushing through snow-covered roads increases the risk of accidents. Plan and leave extra time to reach your destination. We always advise our students at “Driving Tutors” Driving School Mississauga to prioritize safety over punctuality, especially in poor weather. Be aware of the conditions on the road and slow down. Be sure to leave plenty of space for other drivers.

Get Prepared for Emergencies

Nevertheless, as people try to adhere to these measures, they may sometimes need to be corrected. An emergency survival kit in your car, including items such as blankets, a flashlight, food and water, and a first aid kit, is always advised. If the situation turns into a protracted snowstorm, those supplies will go a long way in [allowing a person to remain safe. Nevertheless, pack a distress signal and a portable phone charger into your survival gear. Just be sure that the emergency kit is the rest are up to date and check your automobile before each use.

Conclusion

Winter driving doesn’t have to be scary if you take the appropriate precautions and are well-prepared. At ”Driving Tutors,” Driving School Mississauga, we focus on giving drivers the skills to navigate winter conditions confidently. Whether driving in Mississauga or anywhere else, these tips can help you stay safe when the snow starts to fall.

Become more knowledgeable about winter driving techniques by enrolling in a course at “Driving Tutors” Driving Schools Brampton. Our experienced instructors can teach you to handle even the harshest road conditions. Safe driving starts with the proper knowledge!