It never ceases to amaze me that every years most of us go through a learning curve all over again when it comes to driving in the winter. Generally around the second or third week in October if we haven't gotten snow,then it's coming. I live in Cochrane,I grew up in Canmore and it's been common knowledge that the "Mags" come off the winter. However it comes as no suprise that during the first ew days after the snow comes we have more people sliding into each other that at any other time of the year. Now,what I wonder is why is the first snowfall of the year such a suprise? We all know it's coming! When I see a buddy who has a daily driver that he normally has 20 or 22 inch rims on during the summer drive down the road with his stock wheels and tires then I start to think it's about time to do the same if I haven't already. Then I start thinking about how prepared I am for the winter.
I have made it a habit of dressing for the weather since I was a kid. So that means when I have to go into the city I have damn near everything I may need in case there happens to be an unfortunate incident along the way. It's hard to keep your vehicle running if you rear ended someone and pushed your front end into the motor,cooling fans have a habit of needed room to spin. I Sometimes shake my head when I see people,generally younger drivers on the side of the road shivering because the didn't put on a winter jacket and boots. They had the mentality that they had a car,why would they need boots,a jacket and gloves?
Now, I keep a 1 gallon can and a candle in my truck. You would be suprised at how warm it will keep you. if your stuck on the side of the road. In this day and age,there are not many reasons for you to leave your vehicle when it's minus 40 outside. Damn near everyone and their dog has a cell phone,call for help but, stay with your vehicle.
Make sure that you have windshield washer fluid and that your wipders are in good condition. Whe the ice and snow starts to melt in makes a nice slushie mess on the roads and that generally ends up creating a mess on your windshield. Hard to see through it when it's covered in road grime. If your exercising some common sense when you own a vehicle you just might have two sets of tires for your car or truck. Dion't get me wrong,all-seasons will do. The best way to manage your rubber is to have a summer set and a set of winter grips. Different rubber compounds cause different wear patterns with tires. Your summer tires will last longer if they are used specifically for summer driving and same for the winter tires in the winter. And guess what...it's actually more economically feasable. It will cost you less money in the long run. Something to think about.
I have made it a habit of dressing for the weather since I was a kid. So that means when I have to go into the city I have damn near everything I may need in case there happens to be an unfortunate incident along the way. It's hard to keep your vehicle running if you rear ended someone and pushed your front end into the motor,cooling fans have a habit of needed room to spin. I Sometimes shake my head when I see people,generally younger drivers on the side of the road shivering because the didn't put on a winter jacket and boots. They had the mentality that they had a car,why would they need boots,a jacket and gloves?
Now, I keep a 1 gallon can and a candle in my truck. You would be suprised at how warm it will keep you. if your stuck on the side of the road. In this day and age,there are not many reasons for you to leave your vehicle when it's minus 40 outside. Damn near everyone and their dog has a cell phone,call for help but, stay with your vehicle.
Make sure that you have windshield washer fluid and that your wipders are in good condition. Whe the ice and snow starts to melt in makes a nice slushie mess on the roads and that generally ends up creating a mess on your windshield. Hard to see through it when it's covered in road grime. If your exercising some common sense when you own a vehicle you just might have two sets of tires for your car or truck. Dion't get me wrong,all-seasons will do. The best way to manage your rubber is to have a summer set and a set of winter grips. Different rubber compounds cause different wear patterns with tires. Your summer tires will last longer if they are used specifically for summer driving and same for the winter tires in the winter. And guess what...it's actually more economically feasable. It will cost you less money in the long run. Something to think about.
