Winter Driving 101
Stay safe this winter in your Porsche. Get expert tips on winter tires, skid control, emergency kits & long-distance driving — from the team at Porsche Centre Downtown Toronto.
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Essentials:
Tires: It is recommended to install four winter tires to improve traction on snow and ice
Wipers: Teflon based wipers are designed for winter driving
Windshield Washer Fluid: Make sure you’re stocked up with winter-rated washer fluid
Snow and Ice: Remove snow and ice from your entire vehicle before driving
Gas: Travel with your gas tank close to full – your vehicle may be your only heat source in the event of getting stuck or stranded
Winter survival kits: can prove invaluable if you find yourself stuck or stranded or coming to the aid of someone who is
Your kit should contain:
Drinking Water
Food (nuts, dried fruit etc.)
Waterproof matches
Flashlight Candle in a small can
Road flares
Whistle Blanket
First aid kit
Towel
Collapsible shovel
Jumper cable
Cell phone
Rope
Pocket knife
Duct tape
Tool kit
Mittens, toque and boots
Chains or traction device
Winter Driving Tips
Slow down! Be prepared to allow more travel time, especially during those first snow falls
Increase your following distances behind vehicles
Steer smoothly – jerky movements increase your chance of skidding
Bridges and overpasses freeze first – use caution
Keep your tire pressure up. For every five degree drop in temperature, tires lose one psi
Road salt takes 20 - 30 minutes to take full effect and works best when the temperature is above – 10 Celsius
If you find yourself in a skid:
Don’t panic, brake or accelerate
Look to where you want to go and steer in that direction
'If driving manual, de-clutch to reduce engine braking effect
If driving an automatic transmission shift to neutral to reduce engine braking effect
If driving long distances:
Check the road conditions and weather before embarking
Inform someone of your route and estimated time of arrival
Travel well rested
Stop to stretch frequently
Eat light meals and snacks vs. big heavy meals
Drive with a cooler air temperature, too warm can make you sleepy
Never use cruise control in adverse weather conditions – when tires slip, the cruise control may respond by accelerating
Getting stuck or stranded:
Remain calm
Do not attempt to walk for help in a snowstorm – stay with your vehicle
Place emergency lights and flares around your vehicle
If you can’t dig your way out, shovel snow from around your tailpipe and return to your vehicle
Run the engine for about ten minutes every hour to keep warm.
Make sure a window is open (choose a window opposite from the wind)
Put on warm clothing right away. Don’t wait to get cold to put on extra clothes, socks and toques
Do simple stretches to increase circulation and maintain warmth
Keep an eye out for rescuers