Get your vehicle ready for winter

Winter weather is hard on your vehicle and its engine. Prepare for winter in the fall, by getting a complete check-up:

washer fluid in the -40C temperature range and carry an extra jug in your vehicle.

Battery
Your motor needs a fully charged battery to start in cold weather. Clean battery posts and check the charging system and belts. Have your battery tested in the fall and spring. Replace weak batteries before they fail.

In the Event of an Accident

Conditions like snow storm white outs, which hamper visibility, and "black ice" a near-invisible layer of ice caused by snow melting and freezing again, make winter driving unpredictable and often dangerous. If you find yourself in a skid, steer in the direction you want to go and avoid overreacting to keep control of the car. In the event of an accident, remain calm and call for help.

Ignition system
Replace defective ignition wires, cracked distributor caps and worn spark plugs, since they can make starting difficult or may cause a sudden breakdown.

Try to get to the right side of the road as far away from traffic as
possible.

Lights
Make sure that all lights work and that headlights are properly aimed.

Stay in your car with your seatbelt on. Put the hazard lights on so
others on the road can see you.

Brakes
Check or service your brakes to ensure even braking. Pulling, change in pedal feel, or unusual squealing or grinding may mean they need repair.

If a flare is available, use that to call attention to your vehicle.

Flares should be lit outside your car. Place the flares behind your vehicle on the road.

If you get stuck in snow, straighten the wheels and accelerate

slowly. Avoid spinning the tires and digging yourself in deeper. Rock the vehicle back and forth, using its weight and momentum to get out trouble.

Tires
Check pressures often, especially before any highway driving. Properly inflated, high quality winter tires will give you the best traction on winter roads and increase fuel efficiency. Check your tires before you have driven. Use the maximum pressure amount shown in the owner's manual or on the doorframe as a guide, but never go above the pressure shown on the tire sidewall. Winter tires have been designed for use in snow. They carry a pictograph on the side-wall of a peaked mountain with a snowflake, these tires meet the highest standards for winter traction performance.

If you can't get going, run the engine only a few minutes at a time
to stay warm. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by periodically cracking a window. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow.

If you get Stranded

The No. 1 rule is to stay with your car. It provides shelter and is easier for rescuers to spot. Tell someone where you're traveling and what route you're taking. Take your cell phone and car charger along and dial 911 if you can get a signal. Again start your car and run it for about 10 minutes per hour -- this will allow you to run the heater as well as ensuring that it will still start. The last thing you want to do is run out of gas, so keep a close eye on the needle. You should also raise the hood to indicate that you're in distress. Ration out your snacks and water in case you end up stuck for a long period of time. Dehydration is common in cold weather, so drink about a cup of water per hour. Continue to check the tail pipe to make sure it's not packed with snow. If it is, clear it -- carbon monoxide can back up into the car and kill you. Finally, tie a coloured towel around your antenna or call police sign on your window and light a glow stick inside your car so you can be seen.
Crisis Response Academy 2010

Exhaust system
Check for leaks that could send deadly carbon monoxide into your vehicle.

Heating and cooling system

Check your radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks and leaks. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump and thermostat work properly. Test the strength and level of the coolant/anti-freeze, and make sure the heater and defroster work well.

Windshield wipers
Make sure that your wipers are in good condition. Replace blades that streak. Purchase wipers designed for winter use. Fill up on winter

What should you include in a winter driving kit?

A well-stocked winter driving kit helps to handle any emergency.

Defensive Driving Tips

Before starting your car make sure your wipers are not frozen to wind shield Let your engine warm up while clearing all windows Check all lights to ensure they are working and are visible While driving make all moves slowly and carefully When Going up hills try to allow a good distance between you and the car in front If you begin to skid let off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction of the skid (when your wheels are locked your car is a toboggan) Regular Brakes learn how to pump your Breaks gently ABS learn how it feels when they work Stopping/Turning start decelerating in advance of a stop or a turn

It should include:
Bag of sand , salt or kitty litter Traction mats Snow shovel Snow brush Ice scraper Booster cables Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate) Extra clothing, including a hat, wind-proof pants, warm footwear and gloves Trauma First aid kit Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water Matches and emergency candles only use with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide A Light stick which can provide ambient light and attract rescue Crank Radio

Extra windshield wiper fluid appro- Games/Books for entertainment while waiting if stranded priate for sub-freezing temperatures Garbage bags Extra motor oil A whistle to draw attention Roll of duct tape Personal Phone/Contact Book Roll of paper towels/toilette paper Road maps Flashlight (and extra batteries) "Call Police" or other help signs or brightly coloured banners. Wool Blanket

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plus HST

Descending a hill pick your maximum speed and gently on/off your break to maintain it Ready Yourself - Remove bulky clothing that could restrict your ability to steer. Clean your boots of snow to prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals.

Check the following items on your car:

Antifreeze levels Battery and ignition system Brakes Exhaust system Oil Heater and defroster Lights and flashing hazard lights Thermostat Windshield wiper equipment Tires.

Improves stopping distance Improves traction Stays soft in cold temp All 4 tires should be replaced Install Late Oct/early Nov (>7C) Remove in spring (<7C) Doubles your tire life

Facts

Stopping distance at 50km/hr

*Fournier L., Comparative Evaluation of Performance of All-Season tires and Winter tires, Ministry of Transportation, Quebec, 2002.

Check weather & road reports Plan your route & advise someone Fill up on gas and washer Fluid Clear all windows, lights & mirrors Ensure wiper blades clear windshield Check tire pressure & condition Fully Charge your cell phone Test braking

Before you go

Wear several layers Mittens and gloves Hat, scarf and ear mitts Boots and extra socks Extra Jackets with a hood, rain coat Safety vest or arm bands Blankets and Towels

Dress like you are walking

Public Transportation Pedestrians & Congestion Stop and Go Traffic Narrow Roads & Pot Holes Speeders & Debris Lane position Snow Plows

Road Hazards

Take Control
Make all moves slow & deliberate Leave room when going up hills Stopping/Turning deceleration Learn how to use your brakes Descending a hill Remove bulky clothing Clean snow off your footwear

If your in a accident
Try to get to the right shoulder Stay in your car with the seatbelt on Turn your hazard lights on Call for help Turn your engine off If its safe light road flares If you have to leave go far

Slow down gradually (drive at a speed that suits the conditions) Turn the full lighting system of your vehicle on Be patient (avoid passing, changing lanes and crossing traffic) Increase your following distance Looking as far ahead as possible Don't stop in an active lane Don't let others control your speed Try to get off the road if visibility is near zero

When visibility is bad

Skid Control
Rear Wheel Skid Front Wheel Skid

Stay with your vehicle Call for help / Alert People Run your engine 10 min/hr Check your tail pipe for snow Light a flare, turn on hazard lights Light a glow stick & hang it Keep warm and active Listen to radio for updates

If your get stranded

Signs & Symptoms

Shivering Slurred speech or mumbling Confusion or difficulty thinking Poor decision making ABCs Keep casualty warm (trying to remove warm clothes) Remove wet cloths Drowsiness or very low energy Give Warm Fluids Progressive loss of consciousness Recovery Position Shallow breathing

Treatment

Get your vehicle checked in the fall Practice driving after 1st snowfall Consider winter tires Plan routes and share your info Listen to weather & road reports Dont let others control your speed Build an emergency vehicle kit Stay home if you can

Thank You