According to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia, the average number of crashes in which someone is killed or injured due to driving too fast nearly doubles from fall to early winter — from 114 in October to 222 in December. So it makes sense that in addition to traditional seasonal tire changes, Canadian drivers should adopt other precautionary measures to prepare their car for winter.
And since 1947, employees at Speedy Glass team has seen it all, which is why they’ve assembled a few tips to help drivers prepare their cars for winter in order to cut down the risk of accidents.
Before winter settles in, it’s important to assess your vehicle to determine potential problem areas, while keeping an inventory of the necessary upgrades needed for your car to run smoothly and safely. In addition to having the sparkplugs, brakes, suspension and wheel alignment checked out by a professional, don’t forget your headlights. A driver with damaged headlights will, on average, lose four seconds of reaction time in an emergency situation. Another concern for Canadian drivers is that collisions with animals on highways are on the rise and according to the most recent Statistics Canada data, accidents causing material damage have gone up 40 per cent in five years. Properly functioning headlights can help a driver react faster to that deer suddenly crossing the highway.
Measures must also be taken regarding chips in windshields. During winter, even the smallest chip can become a full-on crack due to contrasts in temperatures — moving from -30 Celsius outdoors to 20 inside the vehicle. In addition to affecting a driver’s visibility, an improperly installed windshield can also decrease its ability to withstand airbags in the case of a collision. And remember, snow and ice must be removed from the windshield and the wiper fluid reservoir topped up. Nothing is more dangerous than reduced visibility due to winter precipitation and the accumulation of salt on your windshield.
Here are more safety tips from Speedy Glass:
Tire Pressure: A vehicle’s tires must be filled adequately to offer the best-possible performance and grip on the road. Each time the temperature drops by six degrees Celsius, the tire pressure drops by one pound per square inch. Professionals suggest increasing the pressure of your tires from two to four pounds per square inch during winter.
Maximize visibility: Windshield wiper manufacturers recommend they be replaced twice per year to ensure their efficiency. Anti-rain treatments are another way to ensure maximum visibility. This type of treatment is especially useful during the winter given the way ice can affect the windshield’s water repellent efficiency, making it easier to remove ice from a treated windshield.
Fuel: Driving low on fuel can damage your vehicle in cold weather. Keeping a full tank decreases the risk of freezing any of the ducts. The trunk of your vehicle should also include a winter kit consisting of a minimum of a shovel, adhesion plaques, jumper cables, a thermal blanket and a flashlight which could prove to be essential in an emergency situation. A first aid kit is also good to have on hand.
Battery: Cold temperatures can weaken your battery. Ask a professional to check for traces of corrosion to ensure worry-free starts and make sure your cables are firmly fastened.
Brakes: Avoid driving on icy roads with brakes that are not in perfect condition. Regular check-ups are essential.
Anti-freeze: Anti-freeze helps maintain the optimal temperature for a car to run smoothly. Professionals recommend a complete emptying of the cooling system on a regular basis.
The Courier is giving away one emergency kit, compliments of Speedy Glass. To win, be the 10th person to email [email protected] and use the words “Car Care” in the subject line. The winner must be able to pick the prize up at the Courier office.
The kit includes:
- One headlamp
- Two glow sticks
- One can of tire sealant
- Two elastic straps
- One set of booster cables
- One first aid kit
