Woman driving in a car at sunset

Winter is Coming, are You Ready for This?

Published in Bauld Seasonal Matters

Every year around this time, Nova Scotians grapple with winter tires. Many drivers already have winter tires and scramble to find a garage with spare time to fit them on. A smaller group will not use winter tires, instead of opting to carry on with their all-season tires.

Why Use Winter Tires?

Other than Quebec where winter tires are mandatory, Atlantic Canadians have the highest rate of winter tire use at 81% (in 2016, up from 73% in 2014), well above the national average (68% in 2016)*. That’s pretty good, but think about it this way, 2 in every 10 drivers you pass or drive by don’t use winter tires!

We understand that winter tires are expensive, which is the main reason why our Nova Scotian Government has not mandated winter tire usage. However, winter tires work. There’s no question about that. As a driver, it is up to you to ensure your tires are in good shape and ready to handle all weather conditions. After all, your tires are the only safety feature of your vehicle that touches the road.

At a minimum, make sure your tires have good treads. RCMP says there is a simple way to determine if your tires are still safe ahead of the winter weather — place a toonie into the groove of your tire. If you start to see the letters for the word “dollars,” then you should consider replacing your tires.

Other Helpful Driving Tips for This Winter:

  • Check your battery, belts, oil, lights, brakes, and wipers.
  • Keep a close eye on your fuel tank level. Keep it at least a quarter full.
  • Make sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid.
  • Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, and mirrors (you can be ticketed for failing to do this).
  • Carry a winter safety kit — a flashlight, blanket, shovel, booster cables, tow rope, and a first aid kit.
  • Allow extra time to get to your destination.
  • If in trouble, stay inside your vehicle.

This Winter Drive Safe and Be Well Protected!

* Source: TRAC 2016 Canadian Consumer Tire Attitudinal Study

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