Winter Driving Tips

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

Before Heading for Snow Country:







Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition.
Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing.
Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Carry a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive.
Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it's "snowed in," sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow; First Aid kit; and an old towel to clean your hands.
It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas.
Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay.
Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow or, ice or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.





Slow down. A highway speed of 55 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather - but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment.





Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment.
When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.

Car DrivingTips







Car DrivingTips
Drive to save fuel
Whether you drive occasionally or everyday, you can decrease the amount of fuel you use by taking the steps described below:

Driving Skills
The driving technique of the person behind the wheel is the single most important factor in determining the fuel economy of a particular car. A economy-conscious driver can achieve 30 to 50% better economy than most other drivers. You, too, can better your car’s efficiency simply by following the following instructions:

The Attitude
Always think about fuel economy while you drive.
Always drive for better fuel economy.
Avoid driving when you are angry or upset.
Use public transportation whenever possible.
The 30-second Warm Up
Do not let your engine idle for more than 30 seconds after its initial start. Engines warm up faster when they are in motion.
Idling for more than 30 seconds not only wastes fuel but also harms your engine, since the amount of lubricating oil being pumped to the engine’s various parts is the minimum when the engine is in neutral and idling.
Depress the accelerator just once when needed, as unnecessary pumping wastes fuel.
Do not rev the engine immediately before turning it off. This dumps raw fuel on the cylinder walls; washing away the protective lubricating oil film and increasing engine wear during the subsequent start. This also wastes fuel.
Avoid Fast Starts
Jerky acceleration or fast starts can increase fuel consumption by approximately one kilometer per litre in city driving.
Accelerate briskly but smoothly upto 50 kph, then moderately up to 65kph. At this speed, keep a steady pressure on the accelerator – just enough to maintain speed.
Drive at Moderate Speeds
Imagine that there’s an egg that you don’t want to crush under your right foot; this will result in even better fuel savings.
A self-imposed 80kph speed limit will save fuel.
Driving below the indicated speed limit on highways will produce even greater fuel savings
Avoid Low Gears, Get Up To Speed Quickly
Keep your car's speed over the 35kph mark whenever possible.
Skip a gear (go from 1st to 3rd or 4th) if you are on a flat road or slope.
Run through all gears quickly and gently if going uphill.
With automatic transmission, get the car rolling, then ease up on the accelerator to let the gearbox shift to the highest possible gear ratio at that speed.
Hill-Climbing Techniques
Driving in hilly terrain consumes more fuel than driving on roads with no change of elevation. The following tips will help increase fuel economy in the hills:

Build up speed before approaching a hill to avoid fuel-wasting hard acceleration while going up the slope.
The momentum developed will carry the vehicle over the crest, and gravity will help the vehicle go down the other side. Do not, however, turn your engine off or leave it in neutral while going downhill, this can be dangerous.
Keep Tyre Pressure Up
Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption significantly. Please refer to Driver Energy Tips No. 2 "Wheel Alignment and Tyre Maintenance" for more information.

Avoid Short Trips
Distances of 1 to 8 kilometers are considered short trips to drive to.
Short trips take their toll on fuel economy due to cold vehicle parts, cold tyres and improper engine lubrication.
It takes approximately 25 kilometers for a vehicle to achieve fuel efficient operation.
Avoid starting the engine until you are ready to pull out.
Plan ahead. Combine as many shopping errands as you can into one trip.
Try to incorporate shopping trips into your commute.
Travel during off-peak hours when there is less traffic.
Operating air conditioner in city traffic reduces fuel economy by approximately 9%.
Park in the first reasonable parking space available.
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