Winter Car Safety Tips
Wintertime… getting up is harder, days are shorter and colder.
Yet there is so much to do! Getting the kids to school and you to work or an appointment? Getting dressed for the outdoors, cleaning the snow off the sidewalk and car, it’s all working against you and slowing you down. Now’s not the season to let safety slide. Follow our top tips for winter car safety.
Be prepared
Check the weather reports every evening to know if you’ll need more time in the morning to dig out or clear off your car. Before driving off, always clear your entire car of snow and ice, including mirrors, all windows, and the top of your car. It’s dangerous to leave snow on your car’s roof. It can fly off and hit another car on the road or, when you make a stop, come sliding down onto your own windshield, potentially damaging wipers and obstructing your view.
Car parked in the garage? Stay safe!
Parking your car in a garage can make your winter travel routine easier. Your car is sheltered from the elements and you save some time clearing snow and ice from windows. If your car is parked in an attached garage and the motor is running, carbon monoxide can quickly build up and seep into your home. Never start your car and leave it running in a garage. An ADT by Telus interactive remote garage door opener works with smart technology. Open and close your garage door from your smartphone and receive notifications if you’ve forgotten to lock it, then secure it in an instant from the easy-to-use app.
Driving in snow and ice? Avoid these winter mistakes!
- Too little gas in your tank. Always keep your tank at least half full, winter weather can mean unexpected delays on the road.
- Not maintaining your car battery, wiper blades, and tire pressure.
In very cold temperatures, your battery works harder when you're starting your car. Winter wiper blades can help keep your windshield clear in winter storms. Tire pressure can drop along with the temperature. Making sure all these essentials are maintained will keep you safer on the road.
- Winter driving without proper snow tires. Tests consistently show that snow tires deliver better traction and grip in snow and on icy surfaces. They offer an extra margin of performance and safety over both all-season and all-terrain tires.
- Unnecessary lane changes. Be patient! Stay in your lane! A few minutes of patience could save you from a winter accident.
Cruise control. Never use cruise control when dealing with slick winter road conditions. Cruise control could add more power at the wrong time, leading to a loss of control. Retain full control of your gas pedal, brakes, and steering for safe driving.
Drive with emergency supplies.
You need more than a snow brush and ice scraper in your car in winter. Make sure your car contains a winter driving safety kit that includes:
- Shovel
- Warm, practical winter clothing, including boots designed for walking
- Blanket
- Emergency reflectors
- Tire traction mats and rock salt
- First aid kit
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Water and non-perishable snacks
ADT by Telus Smart Security can help with your winter comfort and convenience.