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News & Tips
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Be Prepared for Winter Driving
Tips to keep you safe and prepared for the winter season.
Don't be caught unprepared for the winter weather. It's important to make sure that your vehicle is thoroughly inspected and serviced so that it will be safe and reliable during our harsh Calgary winter season. Be sure to check out our Online Offers page for our Winter Maintenance Coupon.
Following these tips and guidelines as prepared by the Canada Safety Council will help you and your vehicle be safe and prepared for winter weather driving.
At the Shop: Prepare Your Vehicle
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Brakes – The brakes must be faultless and equalized so there is no pulling to one side, which may cause skidding.
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Cooling System – If it hasn't been done in a while, have your cooling system flushed out with a good chemical cleaner and put in fresh anti-freeze. Check containers, belts, hoses, the pressure caps and thermostat.
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Battery and Electrical System – Cold weather is hard on batteries. If your battery is several years old, have it checked. Be sure connections are clean and tight.
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Engine – A diagnostic check-up of the engine can be a good pre-winter investment. If you're due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Faulty wiring, worn spark plugs, a sticking choke or emission control devices that need attention, can all lead to hard starting.
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Exhaust System – Check the muffler and tail pipe system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when the windows are closed.
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Fuel System – Make sure there is plenty of gas in your tank at all times. A full tank minimizes condensation, which may cause gas line freezing. Add gasoline antifreeze occasionally.
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Heaters, Defrosters and Wipers – Have them checked to make sure they are operational. Install winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. Ensure your windshield can give you clear vision of the road and traffic around you.
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Oil and Filter – Dirty oil can give you trouble in the winter, so change the oil and filter. Check the other filters, including the fuel, air and transmission filters.
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Tires – Snow tires increase traction in soft snow. Install them on all four wheels. All-season tires on all wheels with good treads are adequate in some regions. Check your tire pressure regularly - for every 5º C of temperature drop, tire pressure goes down by one pound.
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On the Road: Winter Driving Safety Tips
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Long Distance Travel – For long distance travel take extra precautions: bring a blanket, candles, lighter or matches, emergency rations, lined winter boots, hat and other warm clothes, and small heating cans.
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Drive Defensively – Winter driving demands extra caution. Always be ready for the unsafe actions of other drivers and for poor driving conditions. Clear the snow and ice from your car, allow more travel time, leave a greater following distance and know how to deal with icy conditions.
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Block Heaters – Use a block heater in winter when the temperature drops to -20C (-4ºF) or below. A block heater keeps your engine oil and coolant warm, which makes the vehicle easier to start and can increase winter fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. Use a timer to switch on the block heater one or two hours before you plan to drive.
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Winter Equipment – The following items should cover most situations:
- windshield scraper and snow brush;
- lightweight shovel;
- bag of sand, wire traction mat or other abrasive substance;
- large box of facial tissues;
- properly inflated spare tire;
- wheel wrench and jack;
- first aid kit;
- flashlight;
- flares;
- battery jumper cables.
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Source: Canada Safety Council
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Fuel Cost Reduction
and improving fuel mileage.
There are several options available to savvy consumers who want to get the most from their fuel dollars. These options range from buying more fuel efficient vehicles to applying fuel efficient driving practices.
Be sure to check out our Online Offers page for our Fuel Mileage Maximizer Special.
The following tips are from the CAA (Canadian Automobile Association).
Here's what you can do as a savvy consumer:
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Shop aggressively for the best price of gasoline.
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Fuel consumption can vary widely from one class of vehicle to the next. Consider purchasing the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the class of vehicle you require. If you are buying new, remember to check the EnerGuide label for the fuel consumption rating that is affixed to your vehicle. Try to avoid buying a vehicle that is bigger than what you actually require.
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Here's what you can do as a smart vehicle owner:
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Read your Vehicle Owner’s Manual and use the grade of fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
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Keep your vehicle properly maintained to optimize fuel efficiency (engine, transmission, steering and brakes). Ensure that air filters are inspected. A poorly maintained engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%.
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Change motor oil as recommended by the manufacturer.
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Remember that excessive idling (like warming up your vehicle on a cold day) wastes a lot of gas and can be hard on your engine. On really cold mornings, use a block heater, if possible, to help your engine start more easily and reach its peak operating temperature faster.
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Use your air conditioner sparingly. |
Here's what you can do before hitting the road:
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Lighten your load, and avoid carrying non-essential heavy items. If there is something you do not really need – do not pack it. Remove roof racks unless they are really needed.
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Plan your trips carefully. Combine errands and avoid peak travel periods, whenever possible. Trips of less than five kilometers generally do not allow the engine to reach its peak operating temperature, especially in cold weather. That means higher fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
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Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. If you are racing against the clock, you are likely to drive too fast and accelerate too quickly – both of which waste fuel and impact on your safety and the safety of others on the road.
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Plan your route to mitigate stops and starts. Observe the posted speed limit. Driving 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h can decrease fuel economy by 20%.
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Use public transit if it is an option for you or try sharing a ride with others. Pooling can stretch your travel budget.
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Source: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)
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Washing and Waxing Your Vehicle
Washing your car is like taking a good hot shower, it just makes you feel better. But there are some important things to remember.
First, household detergent is a real no-no; it's likely to take off the wax and damage the paint. There are numerous products designed especially for your purpose available in auto supply stores, use one of them.
Work in the shade and use a sponge, towel or wash mitt. These should be kept completely free of abrasive grit. Pay attention to those crevices underneath the vehicle that accumulate mud and road dirt. The high pressure hose in a do-it-yourself car wash is great for this, as is a home style pressure washer.
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Automotive chemical manufacturers have developed new products that make the finished job more impressive. Tires and black plastic trim, for example, can be made to look like new with protective dressings. There are cleaners for chrome, aluminum and stainless steel; even products designed for hard-to-remove brake pad dust from wheels.
The Council reminds you that while we can't seem to escape harmful ultraviolet rays and acid rain, regular washing and waxing can keep your vehicle looking new.
Source: Automotive Service Association (ASA) / Car Care Council
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