Published: January 30, 2019, 9:40 AM
Updated: October 11, 2021, 10:04 AM
Prepare for driving in extreme cold
A bit of snow and cold weather is just winter but extreme cold, like much of Canada is experiencing now, can be disastrous. Being prepared can make the difference between discomfort and calamity.
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Brrrrr!
Extreme cold weather puts a strain on all your vehicle's systems. Knowing what to expect and being prepared could make the difference between spending a few unpleasant minutes and a dangerous period of exposure because you're stranded.
Here are 15 tips to help you be prepared.
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Cell phone
Before even stepping outside, be sure you have a fully charged cell phone with you so you can call for assistance if it becomes necessary. Keep a charge cord in the vehicle too, just in case.
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Cleaning all the snow off your vehicle
Cleaning all the snow off your vehicle. Start at the roof, then the windows, then the mirrors and lights followed by the grille and trunk lid or hatch, ensuring it is all gone before it slides down to block the windows or lights - or blows off onto somebody else's vehicle.
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Clear the glass
Clear any frost or ice off the windows with a good quality plastic scraper and a reasonable amount of pressure to avoid scratching the glass. A long-handled brush with plenty of bristles, or something similar, and a rubber scraper on the reverse side can be quite effective. Keep the shovel or broom where they belong – away from the car as they can cause permanent damage. Always keep a window scraper inside the car so it's there when needed.
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Free the windshield wipers
Ensure the wipers are turned off before attempting to start the engine. Before turning them on, ensure that they are free to move. If they're frozen to the glass or the cowling, they may blow a breaker or damage the motor. Forcing them free may damage the wiping edge of the blades and using them to try to clear ice on the glass can do the same. Always turn the wipers off before shutting the vehicle down and, if there's a chance of heavy snow or freezing rain it's a good idea to lift them clear of the windshield when parking.
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Windshield Washer Fluid
Always use washer fluid that is formulated for severe winter conditions, rated for -40C or below. Keep the reservoir topped up and a spare jug inside. Chances are it will never be an opportune time to get more if you run out of fluid.
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Winter gas
Winter fuel is not just marketing hype. Gasoline formulations are changed by refineries dependent on the season. Winter fuel will help provide easier starts and less opportunity for the fuel lines to freeze, so if your vehicle has been parked since the weather was warmer, top it up with winter fuel. Try to keep the tank at least half full during the winter, both to ensure enough fuel to keep warm in case of an extended emergency and to reduce the chance of moisture forming in the tank and fuel lines and freezing
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Tire Pressure
It is important to maintain proper tires pressure at all times of the year to ensure optimum traction and minimize tire wear. Tires lose about one PSI for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature. So a tire that was inflated to 30 psi at 10C will be down to 24 psi or lower at -20C – severely underinflated. Check pressures when the tires are cold. Inflate to the maximum pressure shown in the owner's manual or on the driver's door frame as a guide for extreme cold conditions – not the pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
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Keep exhaust clear
If the tailpipe becomes blocked by snow or ice the exhaust gasses may find another way out – and into the passenger compartment with deadly results. While today's engine exhaust is much cleaner than it used to be, it is still toxic in sufficient quantity. For that reason, never back into a snow bank. For the same reason never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed garage.
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Battery
Winter magnifies existing problems and places an added strain on some critical components – especially the battery, which can lose as much as half its power in extreme cold conditions. If your car hasn't been used for some time the battery may need a charge before starting. If it is more than three years old it may be time for a new one at the first sign of trouble.
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Lights
Make sure they are all the lights are operating properly and are clear of snow and ice so you are able both to see and be seen when visibility conditions are reduced.
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Heater/Defroster
Be wary of the recirculate position on your heater/defroster control. To help warm up the vehicle more quickly, it recirculates air from inside the vehicle rather than drawing air into the heater from outside. Extended use will result in more moisture and less oxygen in the air. If left on for an extended period of time, that lack of fresh air could make you drowsy. And, with each breath you take you expel more moisture into the interior of the vehicle to come into contact with the cold glass, causing it to fog or frost up.
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Starting
Before attempting to start the vehicle in extreme cold conditions turn off all sources of electrical load, such as lights, wipers, heater fan, rear defroster, heated seats, etc, to ensure maximum power to the starter motor.
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Antifreeze
Make sure the coolant/antifreeze in the engine is suitable for extreme cold conditions. It should be rated for at least -40C when delivered from the factory and after service by any reputable shop but if someone added water during the summer the resultant mixture could be diluted and the results incredibly expensive. Have it checked if you're in doubt.
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Locks
Locks can become frozen if moisture has been trapped in the mechanism. Don't use more moisture (i.e. - hot water) to thaw them out. Try heating the key with a cigarette lighter or carry a little container of lock de-icer with you – obviously not inside the locked vehicle!
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Car Emergency Kit
Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, as well as clothing suitable to keep you warm for an extended period outside, if necessary. A good emergency kit should include a flashlight, first-aid kit, some non-perishable food, water (even if it's frozen) and matches or a lighter. A shovel and some form of traction aid are good ideas as well.
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