Ottawa Tires

Posts Tagged ‘winter driving’

Copyright (c) 2008 Kimberlie Hutson
This time last year I was driving to work one morning when I skidded on a patch of ice. I was driving down a duel carriageway at 50mph (well under the speed limit) about ¼ of a mile away from a major motorway. As I came round a slight bend the car started to shake and that’s the last thing I remember before I woke up in hospital. My car bounced of the central reservation rolled over a few times before ending up on its roof on the verge. I was lucky, I was driving a fairly new car with more airbags than I knew I had, a few broken bones later I was back on my feet and vowed to have a little bit more respect for harsher driving conditions. It was a major road, which at any other time would have been gritted and my taking that fact for granted almost cost me my life.
However, there are a few simple bits of information, which despite being common sense I neglected to take into consideration. A lot of modern cars will have a warning light, which notifies the driver when it is below 3 degrees. You don’t really need this light to tell you when it’s cold and possibly freezing. If you are driving in potentially icy conditions (which in this country could be at least a third of the year), careful driving is essential.
We all know the basic information which is common sense, if the car starts to spin; you have to steer into the skid and if the car does start to spin, never break or make any sudden movements. With careful driving and common sense, you should be able to avoid skidding on ice in the first place.
If the tires suddenly go very quiet there is a good chance you could be driving on black ice, this is almost invisible to the eye and often occurs on windy roads where the sun cannot reach. Very slowly take your foot off the accelerator and do not be tempted to slam your breaks on. If you are fortunate enough to have ABS (anti lock breaking system) this should help prevent your wheels locking. In icy conditions, it can take up to tens times longer to stop. You may be in a rush to get to your destination, but ask yourself if it’s worth a detour via A&E. If you get behind someone who does seem a little nervous, shouting abuse and driving in their boot will not help. On the other hand, if you’re the one with someone trying to climb into your back seat, you might feel more comfortable pulling over if and when it’s safe. When it is icy, try and plan your journey with a little more time than you normally would, just because you think you’re the best driver since sliced bread, the person in front of you may not be so confident and trying to over take on a icy bendy road could prove fatal.
Its not just heavy breaking which can cause your car to spin. If you accelerate too hard in icy conditions you are just as likely to spin your wheels too. Heavy breaking and heavy accelerating can also increase your fuel consumption so try and keep your revs as low as possible and your actions as clam as possible too.
Always keep an emergency kit in your car, if your car decides its going to break down at night when it’s below freezing there are a few things you are going to need. A blanket, touch, hazard triangle, non-perishable snacks and an in car mobile phone charger. Even if you don’t normally carry a mobile phone, consider investing in a cheap pay as you go, just to keep in your car with the number for your breakdown service as well as a few other essential numbers. If you find yourself stranded on a dark country road, walking to the nearest house or shop may not be practical or safe.
When driving in icy conditions just remember that prevention is better than cure, take your time, be safe and sensible and if the worst should happen, make sure you’re prepared.

October was not a particularly cold month as far as the seasons go, in fact some days felt more like early spring than late Autumn. However, as November sets in, so too do the colder temperatures. As nights draw in and days getting shorter, the weather and lack of daylight make driving very difficult. This means that drivers have to take more care whilst on the roads. Winter is also the worst possible time to break down so it is vital that your car is in good working order with all the parts thoroughly checked.

Batteries lose power as the temperature drops so regular checks on your battery and charging system are vital. Some batteries may have been worn out or may no longer effectively hold charge. You need to ensure that these are both in top condition as if the battery fails then that’s the end of the journey for you and the car. This could require a call out to your breakdown service, as well as a long wait in the cold, wind and rain.

It may seem trivial but you need to check your wipers on a regular basis to ensure that they are clean and in a good condition. Remember to always turn off the wipers before switching your engine off because the water may freeze over night. If the wipers freeze to your windscreen, when you turn on the engine the wipers will try and return to the “rest position” and this could burn out the motor and damage the wiper blades.

You never know what the UK weather is going to throw at you at the best of times and winter can be unpredictable. This means you should always have a set of supplies, should you be unfortunate enough to get stranded. You will need some blankets to keep warm, maybe an extra jumper too. Plus some water to stay hydrated is always a good idea and some energy bars as they have long shelf lives.

You need to be extra vigilant on the roads this winter. As we head towards Christmas many people are going to be in a rush and this is statistically the time of year when most road incidents happen. Ice, snow and rain make roads very slippy and you must take care and ensure that you are fully refreshed when driving. If you feel tired at any time make sure you pull over and take a break.

Car finance is readily available this winter so whatever type of finance deal you are looking for, whether it be Yes car credit or car loans then search online where some of the best deals can be found.

Winter is nearly upon us, is your car ready for the change of weather? According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are over 6,400,000 vehicle crashes each year and 24 percent of these crashes are weather-related.  What kind of weather is the most dangerous? Believe it or not, statistically it is the rain. Because water reduces vehicle traction, maneuverability, as well as visibility – these three in combination can cause problems in rain and almost any kind of bad weather. What are some things you can do to prepare your car for the highest degree of safety before inclement weather sets in? Here are a handful of items that you can add to your auto service checklist:•    Windshield Wiper Blades – Are your blades working properly. If you rarely use your blades during the summer and live in places where the sun can dry them out, it is most likely that the rubber will harden and the blades will not work as well when you need them.  If you live in an area where you expect heavy snow during the winter, you may want to consider switching your blades for snow blades .•    Tires – This is a big one. There are many inspections to be made on your tires before winter sets in. The first is to make sure they are properly inflated. Under- or over-inflated tires can reduce the gripping action as the tread won’t meet the road surface as it was designed to. If you are in a place where there is a lot of snow or ice, try using tires made just for this kind of weather. Snow and ice tires have a special tread compound and a unique tread design to increase road-gripping abilities.•    Your Shoes – Yes, your shoes. Snow and mud can compound on the bottom of your shoes, which can cause slippery braking. This and when the snow melts off of your shoes and gathers on the floor, can make your floorboard slippery and difficult for you to use your gas, clutch or brake accurately.•    Watch The Braking – If you have driven in ice and snow, this one is problem second nature to you, but so many people forget to retrain themselves and their driving habits during the winter. Avoid harsh use of your brakes while driving. If you need to make an emergency stop in a car equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), firmly press the pedal down and hold it to the floor. •    Coolant – Flush and refill your cooling system as recommended. Check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant periodically. •    Heater and Defroster – Make sure your cars heater and defroster are in good working condition before you have to depend on them. A failed heating system will leave passengers cold, while a broken defroster can dangerously reduce visibility.•    Battery – Nothing worse than getting caught in the cold with a dead battery and we all know how the weather can drain a battery. Before it gets too cold out, hire a technician to check your battery. Only professional equipment can detect weak batteries. •    Stay Prepared – Last, keep a blanket, shovel, flares and some high-energy snacks in the vehicle just in case you get hung up in the snow or cold weather. While it may be warm in your car and warm at the destination you will arrive at, anything can happen, leaving you without heat during your travels. When this happens you want to make sure you have something warm as a backup to wear until help comes. Take precautions in checking over this list and hopefully your winter driving travels will be safe and warm.

Here are some tips for winter drivers, find the basic car maintenance checklist to keep your car in top running condition this winter driving season. Make sure you, your passengers and your vehicle are safe in cold weather, wet and snowy driving conditions. As the temperature is dropping, car batteries produce less power, belts and hoses become more brittle, tires lose air pressure and engine oil thickens. To some it up, winter is hard on your vehicle.

These tips can help drivers get ready for winter’s tough conditions:

Cooling System The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked to prevent breakdowns and potential engine damage from freezing or overheating. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked at the same time.Oil Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. In those very cold regions, you should switch to winter-grade oil, which has a lower viscosity and makes starting your vehicle easier, may be necessary when it is really cold.Windshield Wipers Replace your worn windshield blades. If your winters are really harsh, get rubber-clad (winter) blades. Carry extra windshield-washer solvent and a quality ice-scraper. These things are super important; you need to see to drive safe. Battery Can’t remember when you purchased a new battery? A weak battery is likely to fail in the winter. Have its charge checked at a good repair shop to be sure.Tires

Bald tires are beyond dangerous in the winter’s wet snow and ice. Replace them with all-season tires or snow tires if your region gets heavy snow. Check the air pressure of all tires including your spare.Emergencies Carry gloves, boots, blankets, a winter coat, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, a cell phone, some non-perishable snacks, and WATER. You may not think you will need these things, but you never know. Better to be prepared. Keep your car in top running condition all winter long. Have a happy and safe winter driving season.

As many know, winter weather can wreak havoc on an automobile, not only because of the harsh environment but because auto accidents are at an all time high during the wintry months. In addition to auto accidents, other outdoor activities such as snowboarding or skiing can also increase the risk of an accidental injury happening. Individuals must know the risks they are taking and how to reduce these risks to prevent personal injury from happening.

It is not too surprising that the leading cause of death during severe winter weather is the result of motor vehicle accidents. However, by learning and adhering to safe winter driving practices, many accidents can be avoided in cold, wet, or snowy conditions.

Be Prepared

Both drivers and their automobiles must be prepared for winter driving.

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Poor visibility and icy and snowy roads require extra caution to ensure winter driving safety. Important winter driving tips to remember and put into practice when driving in winter weather are:

* Wear your seat belt (in all seasons, not just winter)!

* Remove all snow and ice from windows, headlights, roof and hood.

* Turn on your headlights – to see and be seen.

* Slow down! Drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions. While a speed limit is posted, it is wise to use common sense and decrease speeds to below the speed limit in dangerous weather.

* Beware of bridges and overpasses. They can get icy while the road is not at all icy.

* Be aware of what “black ice” is and how to recognize it. Black ice is a thin layer of ice that is almost invisible and can be mistaken for dry pavement (usually forms when snow has melted and re-freezes). It can cause extremely serious car crashes.

* Take care when accelerating so you do not lose control, even if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle.

* Leave plenty of room for stopping. This can be especially critical for four-wheel drive vehicles which can get up more speed, but cannot stop any faster than other vehicles. In fact, given that many of these vehicles are heavier, they may take longer to stop.

* Do not pump anti-lock brakes. Instead, “stomp and steer.”

* Do not use cruise control in winter weather.

* Stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow.

* Be alert. Avoid alcohol and medications that cause drowsiness. Do not drive if tired, since winter driving can cause mental and physical fatigue, which reduces reaction time.

* Avoid distractions, such as talking on cell phones.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Winterize your car by checking at least the fluid levels, wiper blades, tire tread and pressure, oil (level and proper grade), battery, lights, and antifreeze

Other Winter Traveling Tips

When traveling in winter weather, fill your gasoline tank and do not let it run low. Keep several other items on hand in case you become stranded such as a blanket, warm clothes, flashlight with extra batteries, flare, cell phone or citizens band (CB) radio, small shovel, sand or cat litter (for traction), and jumper cables.

After the Storm – Enjoying the Snow Snowmobile Safety

Snowmobile accidents account for a large number of serious winter sports accidents. Most serious snowmobile injuries are to males under the age of 20, and most snowmobile accidents can be prevented. The state of Wisconsin reports that alcohol is a contributing factor to most snowmobile accident deaths.

It is important to keep in mind safety while snowmobiling including avoiding use of drugs and alcohol, avoiding areas not marked on trails, or large bodies of water that appear frozen but may not be, also use a safe speed.

Skiing and Snowboarding

The most common injuries for people in snowboarding or skiing accidents are head injuries, which are also the most common cause of death in skiers and snowboarders aged seven to 17.

Safety tips for skiing and snowboarding include:

* Wearing a helmet.

* Viewing the route ahead to avoid obstacles and collisions with others.

* It is wise to ski in areas with less traffic, as to avoid accidental collisions and injury.

* Being in good physical condition.

If you have been involved in a snowmobile crash or other winter accident, contact an experienced snowboard attorney to find out more about your legal rights. You may be able to file a snowmobile crash lawsuit and obtain monetary compensation for damages sustained during a snowmobile crash or other winter accident.

Driving a car at the best of times requires some serious skill and patience. So it is understandable that winter driving is even more of a challenge. It can be downright dangerous to drive a car in icy and snowy weather conditions. There are things that you need to ensure are taken care of before you head out into the cold. Safe driving starts with preparation and attention to detail. It can also begin before you even get into the car. Driving in the winter is somewhat of an acquired skill that must be learned and practised to be at its best.

Your winter driving experience begins with your vehicle. It needs to be in the best shape possible in order to take on the challenging road conditions. Maintenance of both the engine and the tires is more than essential. Tires that are fit for winter conditions are a must so that you can stay on the roads and manoeuvre safely. Get your tires inspected if you are not sure what type of condition they are in. Keep all engine maintenance up to date too. Get your oil changed regularly as well as a yearly tune up right before the winter season hits.

Driving in the winter requires that you actually learn how to handle your car in certain situations. A good driving instructor should be able to teach you how to turn the wheel if you fish tail or slide otherwise. There are certain reactions that can make a slide so much worse and nobody wants to end up in the ditch. Learn how to drive for all weather conditions because they do vary and what you may do in the summer may be harmful if you were to do it in the winter.

You will be doing yourself a great favor by keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. It should be stocked with a variety of helpful things like a flashlight and batteries, flares, blankets, First Aid Kit and some kind of reflective material. It may also be useful to have a jack or jumper cables for the car in case it breaks down. You never know when you may need something in an emergency situation. Driving with a cell phone during the winter is a great idea too just in case you get stuck.

If you do become stranded in the winter with your vehicle, do not get out and go wandering off. You will likely be found frozen in the snow that way. It’s always best to stay right where you are until someone can come to you. Even if your engine is not running, it will be much colder out of the car than inside. Always drive with your headlights on so that others can see you coming. Take it easy on the brake as well as the gas, especially when slowing and starting. Safe winter driving starts with every driver behind the wheel. Co-operate with others on the road to ensure everyone makes it to their destination safely.

Want to save money on car repairs and costly emergencies? Make it a point to schedule into your calendar a winter booster check for your car. Keep these tips in mind for your winter travel, and you will have a safer winter travel season all around!
A gas tank which is kept filled helps keep moisture from forming. Make it a habit to go ahead and fill up when your tank is half empty.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or so if your driving is mostly stop and go or consists of frequent short trips. Personally, I would change my oil every 2000 miles, regardless. It will save you loads of trouble in the long run. Go ahead. Schedule it into the planner.
Wiper blades are one of those things we usually never think about until we need them, and they are not working! Have you ever tried driving in sleet and snow with impaired visibility, thanks to dud wipers? Talk about nerve wracking! Go ahead and replace old wiper blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber clad winter blades to fight ice build-up.
Stock up on windshield washer solvent. You will be surprised how much you use. And, of course, carry an ice-scraper. I keep one in the car, and one in the house just in case my doors freeze and I can not open them immediately.
Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working condition.
Worn tires do not help any time of year, least of all in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. It is a good idea to check tire pressures once a month. Let the tires cool down before checking the pressure. Do not forget to rotate your tires, too!
Make sure you have a spare and that the jack is in good condition.
Be prepared for emergencies, even if you live in a warmer climate. A winter emergency list should include gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flash light, and a cell phone. Put a few high energy snacks in your glove box. You can buy survival aids in the camping section of your sporting goods store.
It may take you less than an hour to get your car checked for winter and prepare for any emergency. That is time well spent and it can save you a giant headache this winter season! Indeed, it could even save your life and the lives of those you love.

Along with cold weather and snow, winter brings it’s own particular challenges to maintaining and improving gas mileage. There are a few specific things you need to do in the winter to maintain good fuel economy.
Make sure your oil is the proper grade for winter. As temperatures drop it causes the oil in your car to become thicker. If it gets too thick it will not be able to properly lubricate your engine. Not only will an engine that isn’t properly lubricated use more gas but it can also sustain considerable damage. It could even cause damage to the point where the engine would need to be replaced.
Check your owners manual to determine the proper grade of oil for the winter. Generally cold temperatures require a thinner oil then you would use during warm weather. If you are using a multi-grade oil it might work just fine in the winter. Again, check your manual or ask your car dealer what the proper grade for your car is.
A second problem that cold weather brings is a change in your tire pressure. In cold weather the tire pressure drops. If your tires were at the proper pressure at 70 degrees, those same tires will be 5 to 10 pounds too low at 20 degrees and will be 7 to 14 pounds too low at zero degrees.
The most common gas robbing condition drivers face is low tire pressure. It is estimated that at least 25 per cent of all cars on the road have at least one tire that is too low. At 5 to 10 pounds under inflated you will be decreasing your miles per gallon by 2 to 4 percent.
Every 10-degree drop in ambient temperature results in a one to two pound reduction in tire pressure. If you set your pressures in November, they’ll be too low in February.
To correct and prevent the problem of low tire pressure you need to check the tire pressure on a regular basis. Check them every month at a minimum. Also check them when there is a significant fall in temperatures.
These are just two of the gas robbing situations that winter causes. You can prevent the loss of fuel economy and in fact improve gas mileage by being aware of these conditions and take steps to avoid them.

Time is ticking, and Old Man Winter is slowly but surely sneaking up on you. It’s time to make sure you’ve got the rock salt for your front steps, the winter tires for your car and the door snake to make sure you’re not heating the whole outdoors. You’re going to make sure your house is ready for winter before the first snow falls. The question is, is your car insurance?
Most people don’t give their car insurance a whole lot of thought when they’re thinking about winter, even though they probably should. Studies show that the number of car insurance claims filed between November and March (i.e. when the snow’s going to be falling!) climbs dramatically. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to connect the nasty weather with the increase in traffic wipeouts. If you knew you were going to slam face first into a brick wall you’d want to make sure you were well protected first. Why would you do any less for your car?
The first thing you need to know about making sure your car insurance is pumped up for winter driving is that you may need to raise your liability limits. Every state has their own rules when it comes to liability insurance, but most of them have a minimum amount of coverage you have to have before they consider you safe to be out on the roads. Unfortunately, this is one of those cases where “just enough” may equal “not enough”.
Take a second to think about what will happen if you take a slide on the icy, wintry roads and slam into a car with a driver and four passengers. You have three passengers in your own car. That’s a total of eight people whose medical care you’re going to be responsible for. ICU care can total $5,000 or more per day. That’s $40,000 for a single day of care for each of them, and that number doesn’t even consider emergency care, follow-up care and any long term rehabilitation that might be required.
Most experts recommend that you set your liability limits to $100,000 per person or $300,000 per accident, and it’s easy to see why.
Next, let’s talk about comprehensive and collision car insurance. If you’re sharing joint custody of your car with the bank or another lender you’ve already been given the third degree on what kind of insurance you have and the importance of making sure you’ve got full coverage. If you aren’t carrying full coverage, you need to be. Liability is good, but it’s not going to cover the damages to your car after an accident (or a close encounter of the telephone pole kind). And you’re going to be completely out of luck if an icicle comes crashing down from the top of your second story awning and decimates your windshield.
For this, you’re going to need comprehensive and collision.
The last thing you want is to be without wheels for weeks or even months while you save for repairs that weren’t covered by your car insurance, so contact your agent and make sure your coverage is winter ready.
Then let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Some have said all you need is a good pair of shoes to get you where you desire to go. And a lot of people feel this way when speaking about their vehicle. But in truth your vehicles tires are closer to like your feet. Utilizing the wrong kind of tires would be like trying to walk with two left feet. In other words it is very hazardous.This is particularly true when it comes to winter driving. Even though handling technology has come along way over the past few years and the bulk of cars are said to to have the ability to handle most driving conditions it is still strongly urged that if you are going to be driving in snow and ice that you only utilize tires rated for snow and ice.Other than winter tires there are other tires referred to as “all season tires” or M+S (mud and snow) tires. Several believe that these all season tires will be fine to drive in snow and ice with. But this is not correct. You can only utilize tires for this.Tests have shown that all season tires are able to firm up and lose their grip and traction ability when the tires reach zero Celsius. This will cause them to lose traction on the ice and can lead to unsafe driving if temperatures get to low.

If you are in need of tires that will aid you with driving in winter conditions then I would use the Nokian winter tires. Especially the Hakkapeliitta RSi – these tires go way above standards to handle the most serious of winter driving needs.