While Surrey, BC, enjoys a mild climate compared to other parts of Canada, winter can still bring unpredictable weather, transforming a quick trip into a challenging journey. If you and your car aren’t prepared, navigating winter conditions can be stressful and even dangerous. Winter in Surrey isn’t just about snow – it brings rain, freezing rain, black ice, and periods of limited visibility, sometimes all in a single week.
Building Confidence on Winter Roads:
The key to safe winter driving lies in preparation, knowledge, and confidence. This blog post from Atlas Driving School equips you with essential tips to navigate the winter season in Surrey and beyond, ensuring a safer journey for yourself and others.
- Mastering Defensive Driving:
Defensive driving goes beyond simply following the rules. It’s about understanding how your car reacts to different situations and using this knowledge to anticipate and avoid potential hazards.
- Increase Following Distance: During winter, increase the following distance by doubling the “two-second rule.” This means leaving at least three seconds of space between your car and the one ahead, allowing for more time to react on slippery roads.
- Adjust Speed for Conditions: Always obey posted speed limits, but adapt your speed according to the conditions. Slow down before approaching curves and be mindful of how your vehicle handles sudden changes in braking, steering, or acceleration.
- The Importance of Winter Tires:
Your tires are the crucial link between your car and the road, especially in winter. Winter tires are designed differently from all-season tires, using a softer rubber compound for better grip in cold temperatures. They also have a unique tread pattern that improves traction on snow and ice.
Atlas Driving School recommends equipping your car with winter tires for significantly improved braking performance on snow and ice compared to all-season tires. Studies by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation further highlight the benefits of winter tires, including enhanced handling and acceleration. However, nearly half of all drivers neglect the importance of switching to winter tires.
Get Your Car Winter-Ready Now
Be proactive in getting yourself and your car ready this season. Your safety and the safety of others on the road depend on making wise preparations. Let Atlas Driving School help you feel confident and in control no matter what winter throws your way. Contact us today