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21st
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A few days ago, Team Auto123.com performed a midsize front-wheel-drive sedan comparison test. These multi-car evaluations require a number of weeks to get off the ground, and so when a date is set for the actual drive day, we stick to it.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), Mother Nature also had plans for that day: a massive dumping of snow, and some of the worst possible driving conditions. Being Canadian, we fear not winter as we're always prepared for when hell freezes over (as it seems to do year in and year out).
Our comparo test story, and results, will be published towards the end of January; but in the meantime, here are a few winter driving tips along with links to some of our winter survival guides.
Visibility is Key
Make sure your vehicle is ready to meet the challenges of winter driving. Start with seeing and being seen. Ensure all the lights on your vehicle are working properly and that your headlamps are aimed correctly. If you can't see properly out of your car, you're asking for trouble. Consider using a quality winter wiper blade and washer fluid to help cut through the snow and ice, as well to make sure you travel safely this winter.
Winter Wipers
Many windsheild wipers have hinges and moving parts that can collect water, ice and snow in the winter months that cause them to freeze up and become ineffective. Solution? Winter wiper blades. These have a rubber or plastic cover to keep ice out of the hinges. Hinge-less, reflex-style blades are great in the winter, too.
Keep it Clear
Remember: In most provinces, driving a car covered in snow and ice can get you a ticket. It's common sense, but don't forget to clear snow and ice from your ride before you set off. Salt film should be cleared from your headlights and taillights whenever it starts impeding visibility, too.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system is marketed by automakers under different names, which include “StabiliTrak,” “Vehicle Dynamics Management” (VDM) and “Vehicle Stability Assist” (VSA). Regardless of the name, an ESC system works to help keep vehicles out of dangerous skids -- and industry authorities are recognizing it as a life-saving technology.
By monitoring vehicle behaviour and comparing it with driver intentions via the steering, ESC can instantaneously recognize conditions that will lead to a skid or fishtail. When these conditions are detected, the system instantaneously reduces engine power and applies split-second brake pulsations to specific wheels. This happens with no driver involvement, and often before the driver realizes a skid was about to occur.
A key to the system's effectiveness is that it reacts far more quickly, precisely and consistently than a human being ever could. The benefits of ESC are even more pronounced in wintertime, when skidding and sliding is more likely. Used with proper winter tires, ESC is arguably the single most important weapon in the fight against wintertime skids.
For a many other tips and recommendations, you can consult our ultimate winter guide.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), Mother Nature also had plans for that day: a massive dumping of snow, and some of the worst possible driving conditions. Being Canadian, we fear not winter as we're always prepared for when hell freezes over (as it seems to do year in and year out).
Our comparo test story, and results, will be published towards the end of January; but in the meantime, here are a few winter driving tips along with links to some of our winter survival guides.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
Visibility is Key
Make sure your vehicle is ready to meet the challenges of winter driving. Start with seeing and being seen. Ensure all the lights on your vehicle are working properly and that your headlamps are aimed correctly. If you can't see properly out of your car, you're asking for trouble. Consider using a quality winter wiper blade and washer fluid to help cut through the snow and ice, as well to make sure you travel safely this winter.
Winter Wipers
Many windsheild wipers have hinges and moving parts that can collect water, ice and snow in the winter months that cause them to freeze up and become ineffective. Solution? Winter wiper blades. These have a rubber or plastic cover to keep ice out of the hinges. Hinge-less, reflex-style blades are great in the winter, too.
Keep it Clear
Remember: In most provinces, driving a car covered in snow and ice can get you a ticket. It's common sense, but don't forget to clear snow and ice from your ride before you set off. Salt film should be cleared from your headlights and taillights whenever it starts impeding visibility, too.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
This system is marketed by automakers under different names, which include “StabiliTrak,” “Vehicle Dynamics Management” (VDM) and “Vehicle Stability Assist” (VSA). Regardless of the name, an ESC system works to help keep vehicles out of dangerous skids -- and industry authorities are recognizing it as a life-saving technology.
By monitoring vehicle behaviour and comparing it with driver intentions via the steering, ESC can instantaneously recognize conditions that will lead to a skid or fishtail. When these conditions are detected, the system instantaneously reduces engine power and applies split-second brake pulsations to specific wheels. This happens with no driver involvement, and often before the driver realizes a skid was about to occur.
A key to the system's effectiveness is that it reacts far more quickly, precisely and consistently than a human being ever could. The benefits of ESC are even more pronounced in wintertime, when skidding and sliding is more likely. Used with proper winter tires, ESC is arguably the single most important weapon in the fight against wintertime skids.
For a many other tips and recommendations, you can consult our ultimate winter guide.