It’s that time of year again – when the snow starts to fall, many drivers and their vehicles may not be prepared to drive on wet or icy winter roads. To stay safe, there are several things to remember.
McKenzie Sales & Leasing is pleased to provide the following tips on how to be ready for winter conditions to avoid getting stuck out in the cold.
1. Vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that have been regularly maintained according to their manufacturers required maintenance schedule should be ready for winter weather. If not, a visit to the local dealership to “catch up” on your required maintenance will ensure the vehicle is ready for the season. This might sound like a money grab but in the long run a well maintained vehicle runs smoother when you need it to most… which is a -40 day in Saskatchewan.
2. Read your owner’s manual: All vehicles have different characteristics that will react to winter weather differently. This is a good time to check the manual for your particular vehicle’s winter driving tips. This is easier said then done but once you get at it most folks enjoy it. Our vehicles are such a large part of our day to day that learning more about them is usually enjoyable once you get at it.
3. Monitor tire wear: There are three important aspects when it comes to tires: pressure, tread wear and age.
• Tire pressure: Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure and become underinflated; meaning your safety on the road is compromised. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.
• Tire tread depth: Proper tread depth can be key to slipping less and gripping the road better.
• Tire age: Old tires can be unsafe tires, especially in the winter. It is recommended that tires over six years old be replaced.
• All season and summer tires begin to lose their grip around 7 degrees Celsius. Consider switching to winter tires for better handling and braking performance. All season tires get harder as they get cold which basically turns your tires into round bricks, winter tires are made of soft pliable rubber compound that don’t loose their “stickiness” when its cold. Contrary to the common perception, winter tires don’t wear faster in the heat until consistently run at temperatures above +20 so there’s no need to panic to get them off as soon as it starts to get warmer.
4. Drive safely and be alert: Safe driving is always important. Remember to slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, avoid abrupt moves – don’t stop, start, or change direction suddenly and you’ll maintain better control of your vehicle in inclement conditions.
5. Ditch the cruise control: Never use the speed control in slippery conditions. If the weather suddenly becomes hazardous while cruise control is engaged, simply disengage it manually or lightly tap the brakes.
6. Get to know the safety feature alphabet: Become more familiar with vehicle safety features such as ABS, TC, ESC and RSC, to understand how they can help. The acronym may be slightly different for your vehicle but does a very similar function to TC or ESC or RSC, most vehicles have stayed with ABS and folks generally understand what it is but here’s a quick synopsis anyway. If you don’t know how or where these features are on your vehicle, call us… even if you didn’t buy your vehicle from us we’re still more then happy to help.
Yorkton: (877) 783-2772
Regina:(866) 530-2474
Saskatoon: (888) 916-2846
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system do not require the driver to pump the brakes in slippery conditions when hard braking is required. Apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal and ABS may activate to help you maintain control of the vehicle.
• Traction Control (TC): This feature most often engages at low speeds. In the majority of winter driving conditions, it is best to keep the traction control feature ON. However, in extreme conditions – for instance, deep snow or sheer ice – it may be better to turn OFF your traction control to get moving.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent your vehicle from skidding out or sliding laterally in slippery conditions.
• Roll Stability Control (RSC): AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ helps to avoid a rollover in a collision situation.
McKenzie Sales & Leasing wants you to keep safe this winter, if you’re driving a “winter beater” or something unsafe because you don’t think you can afford reliable transportation, we’re here to help. We finance affordable vehicles as low as $99/month. All our vehicles are reliable, safe and come with our “No Junk” guarantee. Check our inventory online at McFinance.ca.
