{"id":2548,"date":"2019-11-06T08:34:57","date_gmt":"2019-11-06T15:34:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/?p=2548"},"modified":"2025-07-14T04:24:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T09:24:31","slug":"13-best-tips-for-driving-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emanualonline.com\/blog\/13-best-tips-for-driving-in-winter","title":{"rendered":"13 Best Tips for Driving in Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Winter is the most challenging season for car drivers. Weather conditions keep changing and the risks associated with winter driving increase pretty quickly. The best way to arrive in one piece at your destination is always to adapt your driving style to the road condition. Being prepared to face various emergencies and making sure your car is ready to handle whatever winter throws at it is essential to safely drive through winter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nIn this article, we will share some of the best\ntips and tricks you should know before taking your car out for a spin\nin the worst winter condition possible and ensure you stay safe and\nsound until spring comes around again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properly Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\nDuring winter times, car drivers are more likely\nto encounter difficult road conditions such as snow, ice, water, cold\nweather, and low visibility. To make sure your vehicle is properly\nprepared to drive on ice and snow all winter long, always follow\nthese basic steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Car<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Install winter tires <\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\nTires are probably the most essential point when\nit comes to safe winter driving. You should always install winter\ntires on your vehicle. That\u2019s simply not negotiable. Winter tires\nare designed to provide better traction in harsh winter conditions\nand will make your winter driving a lot easier. Depending on where\nyou live, winter tires may already be required by law but, even if\nthey aren\u2019t in your area, you should always equip your car winter\ntires if the temperature drops below 7\u00b0 Celsius at any time during\nthe winter season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winter tires are identified by a pictogram, printed on their side, representing a 3 peak mountain and a snowflake called the 3PMSF symbol. To receive the 3PMSF certification<\/a>, tires must meet high-performance standards for traction in winter conditions. This certification should not be confused with mud and snow tires (M + S). This type of “4 seasons” tires is only good to be used all year long if you live in California or somewhere where there is no “real” winter. They are not suitable for use in Canadian winter weather for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nYou should also check the air pressure of your\ntires regularly. While this should be done regularly no matter the\noutside weather, it\u2019s especially important during winter.\nGood-quality, well-inflated winter tires will give you the best\ntraction possible and will also improve the overall fuel efficiency\nof your vehicle, which is not to neglect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect your brakes regularly <\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\nAlways have the brake system on your car checked\non a regular basis to ensure balanced braking. If you can feel the\nvehicle pulling to the side when applying the brakes or if the car\nseems to drag when the brake pedal is released, have it checked by a\ntrustworthy auto mechanic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While having a brake system in good shape<\/a> is always important, jammed brake pads or sticking calipers causing the car to pull to either side when braking can easily send your car out of control, especially when braking on a slippery surface or in a curve. Stuck calipers could even cause a wheel to suddenly block which would surely send your car into an uncontrollable spin. Worn out brake pads will also considerably extend the distance required to stop your vehicle which could make the difference between a near miss and rear-ending the car in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\nBefore leaving for a drive with your car, always\ncheck the windshield washer tank and make sure it’s full. Always use\na fluid suitable for temperature as low as -40 \u00b0C or the fluid may\nfreeze up in the lines and prevent the whole system from working.\nDriving in the winter without windshield washer fluid can reduce your\nvisibility, especially when driving in near 0\u00b0C weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think ahead before you hit the road<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best strategy to stay safe while winter driving is always to avoid driving in bad weather whatsoever. But we all know this is not always an option. If you absolutely need to get somewhere in the winter, check the weather forecast and road conditions before leaving. Allow more time to get to your destination and, if road conditions are really bad, wait for them to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When traveling, always let someone know where you are going, what route you\u2019ll be taking and the expected arrival time. If something happens, at least someone will be looking for you. If driving becomes too risky while on the road, find a safe place to stop and wait for the weather to get better. In such a case, it is often better to park your car and take shelter somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Winter<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A good idea is to keep an emergency kit including the following items in the trunk of your vehicle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n