Town Mice: Avoid Nasty Surprises
If you live in town, you are probably surrounded by high snow banks and roads that are often infrequently or inadequately cleared. How to cope? Think ahead.
Avoid nasty surprises by respecting municipal parking signs. If your vehicle is stuck in a snow bank, use a shovel to remove the snow from around the tires and under the vehicle and create a forward and backward rocking motion with the car.
In town, traffic signals often force us to make frequent stops. It's important to keep in mind that the condensation formed by the heat of cars in contact with the cold road surface creates ice – often hidden under snow. Another good reason to slow down and keep your distance – especially when stopping at intersections.
Finally, be aware that leaving your car in an underground parking lot during the day and then exposing it to the winter cold at night may cause your tire pressure to fluctuate widely. It is thus vital to frequently check and adjust your tire pressure to avoid rapid tire wear, save gas, and, above all, ensure your own safety and that of other drivers.
Country Mice: Keep Your Distance
If you live in the suburbs and must travel long distances to and from work each day, don't panic.
When driving on the highway, keep an even longer distance than usual between you and the vehicle in front to help you maintain control of your car in case of a sudden stop. And, above all, be doubly cautious and slow down when approaching bridges, curves, and exits, which are often icier than usual.
Finally, many of today's cars come with up to three different electronic control systems to assist the driver in maintaining traction and control. However, it is important to remember that these systems cannot compensate for tires of poor quality.
Everything you need to know about winter driving with a single click
More valuable tips about winter driving are available online at Michelin's Winter Driving Academy, www.michelinwintercentre.com. This entertaining website, created by Canadian experts for Canadian drivers, offers videos, tips, and hints to help you keep control of your vehicle under the most difficult winter driving conditions.
Learn all you can about winter tires and winter driving condtions at Michelin WInter Centre where Canadian experts help to keep you and yours safe.
