Become a winter driving pro!

You don't have to have lived in Quebec for very long to know that weather conditions can take us by surprise and make winter driving a real feat worthy of an Olympic discipline! Snow, cold, freezing rain, black ice, gusts of wind, poor visibility... The list of factors to consider in order to drive safely is quite long!

Whether it's related to some professional mandate on the road, a remote workplace or an event where you have to be present, you can't always afford to stay at home or go to your destination by public transportation when road conditions are particularly difficult. So I thought it would be a good idea to present you with a few simple tips to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Prepare your vehicle for winter

One of the most important things you need to do to ensure your vehicle is safe for winter is to have good winter tires. If you need to have them installed by a mechanic, don't wait until the last minute to make an appointment, since garages are overflowing in the weeks leading up to December 15. Also, make sure you have a working spare tire and all the tools you need to install it.

Of course, always have a snow broom, scraper, windshield washer fluid and a sturdy shovel that won't crack under the weight of the snow. You can also get gas line de-icing fluid and a small bottle of lock de-icer. And please don't leave it inside your car!

Good winter windshield wipers and traction aids are also useful to ensure good visibility and easy wheel clearance in the snow. Salt, sand and even non-clumping cat litter are also economical options to consider in case of a lack of traction!  

Check the quality of your battery charge and have jumper cables available in case your vehicle refuses to start in cold weather. On some rural roads, especially late at night, a good Samaritan may not be available. Consider subscribing to a roadside assistance service. There are also small, portable, self-contained booster systems that can be purchased for as little as $100.

Remember to leave a pair of gloves and a toque in your vehicle to be comfortable in case of a cold weather incident. Also, bring a flashlight or headlamp because it gets dark early in the winter.

Carry a roadside assistance kit, including flares to secure a perimeter if you have to stop on the shoulder of the road.