Winter Driving Tips
It’s been a while since Ontario, and particularly the GTA, has experienced the amount of snow we received early this week. The storm left motorists stranded on many roadways and highways, for hours on end. This is a stark reminder to us all to ask, “Am I prepared?” It’s essential to carry a winter safety kit in your vehicle, no matter if you drive a compact car or a full-sized SUV, when there’s a jack-knifed tractor trailer blocking the road, no one is getting by.
We thought we would remind everyone what a great winter emergency kit contains. Remember, when renting a car be sure to transfer your emergency kit into the rental vehicle!
How to prepare your car for bad weather?
Here are items to include in your kit:
- Warm blankets
- Hat, gloves and boots
- Snowbrush/Ice scraper
- Spare tire and a tire iron
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Traction aid – salt/sand or non-clumping kitty litter
- Flashlight
- Candles with a deep can and matches
- Water bottles
- Food – nonperishable snack foods like; energy bars/meal replacement bars/granola bars
- First aid kit
- Portable charging block for cell phones
- Road flares
- Toilet paper
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself stranded in your vehicle, it’s a good idea to do light exercises to keep good circulation. Also, start your vehicle for 10 minutes every hour to maintain heat, however be sure to check that the exhaust is not blocked by snow.
Remember that fuel = heat. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep your fuel tank topped up whenever possible, but particularly in the winter months.
Happy driving and stay safe out there!
