It never fails. With the first cold snap of the season, comes plenty of vehicle breakdowns and crashes. BCAA Road Assist has experienced double the normal call volumes since the cold weather streak hit the province, and is asking drivers to prepare for the challenges of driving in cold, icy and snowy conditions.
To avoid falling victim to “old man winter”, BCAA urges you to fully prepare your vehicle and learn the essentials of good winter driving — that is, to stay alert, slow down and stay in control.
BCAA’s top ten winter driving and vehicle prep tips include:

1.  Give your vehicle a winter check-up. Check fluids, tire tread and
inflation, lights, wipers, brakes and check your battery to ensure
the power is there when you need it.

2.  Install four matching winter tires. Don’t mix tires with different
tread patterns, internal construction and size, as it diminishes
vehicle handling.

3.  If you’re heading out on a long trip, pack an emergency kit including
a shovel, extra windshield washer fluid, sand or kitty litter, fuel-
line antifreeze, a thermal blanket, extra clothing and footwear, and
a first-aid kit.

4.  Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them. If
you have tire chains, make sure you have practiced installing them
before you’re standing knee-deep in snow.

5.  Plan ahead, check road and weather conditions. If driving is risky,
stay home if you can. If not, proceed with caution and keep your
radio tuned to a local station for ongoing weather advisories.
(more…)