Ontario winter roads are known for their treacherous conditions, posing serious risks for drivers. With shorter days and extra holiday traffic, winter driving becomes even more dangerous. Between 2018 and 2022, weather-related factors caused over 20% of fatal collisions.
For Mississauga drivers facing extra challenges like snow, black ice, and slush, preparation is the best defence. Making sure your vehicle is ready for winter can make all the difference when driving in bad weather. And if you are involved in a collision, knowing where to turn for trusted auto body repair is the best way to get back on the road quickly and safely.
Ready to master winter road safety? Keep reading to learn how to stay safe when the weather gets cold and icy.
How Are the Roads in Mississauga?
The residential streets and regional roads in Mississauga are generally well-maintained, but like any city, they can become congested during peak hours. In winter, ice and snow often reduce traction and visibility, which can increase the risk of car accidents.
Colder temperatures can also affect your vehicle, reducing battery performance, tire pressure, and the efficiency of fluids like windshield washer fluid. Black ice, snowbanks, and roadside obstacles can also add to the dangers.
While the city clears snow and salts priority roads, sidewalks, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings during heavy snowfall, drivers should remain cautious in areas that haven’t been cleared and remember that unpredictable weather can quickly change a cleared road into one covered in snow.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Driving on Mississauga winter roads requires extra caution and preparation. Before going out in poor conditions, make sure your vehicle is ready for a winter environment.
Install Winter Tires
Winter tires are designed to perform better in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. They provide superior traction, handling, and braking. Winter tires can also get you up to a 5% reduction in insurance premiums in Ontario.
Install your winter tires after 7 days of consecutive temperatures around 7°C. Make sure they’re at the correct pressure, with at least 4 mm of tread depth, for the best grip on slippery roads.
Inspect Wipers and Lights
Having good visibility makes all the difference when winter driving. Check your windshield wipers and lights (headlights, taillights, and brake lights) and ensure they’re working properly without any fog. Replace if needed. For safety, you will also want to clean off any snow or ice that could obstruct your lights or view while driving.
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Top Up Fluids
Automotive fluids are crucial to winterizing cars in Mississauga. Cold temperatures can cause fluids in your car to thicken or freeze, leading to potential engine trouble or reduced functionality. To ensure your vehicle can smoothly navigate winter roads, keep the following topped up (use winter-grade fluids where applicable):
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Antifreeze/Coolant
- Engine Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
Bonus tip: Before topping up your fluids, check your exhaust, engine, or radiator systems for potential leaks to prevent further issues later.
Do a Thorough Brake Check
You need more stopping power on icy winter roads, so keeping your brake pads and rotors in top condition is crucial. Here’s how to ensure your brakes are working properly:
- Check for wear and tear. If the brake pads are less than 1/4 inch thick, it's time to replace them. Rotors should be smooth without deep grooves or scoring.
- Test the brake response. Pay attention to unusual noises, vibrations, or a longer stopping distance.
- Inspect brake lines. Look for any signs of leaks, cracks, or damage.
- Monitor warning lights. If the brake warning light comes on, have your system inspected immediately.
If you spot any issues, address them immediately to prevent issues while on the road. Additionally, you should always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Check Your Battery
Frigid temperatures make your car battery work twice as hard, leading to a potential loss of power. Before driving on winter roads, have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition. If it’s more than four years old and showing signs of wear, this is a good time to replace it.
Keep the Gas Tank Full
Fuel lines can freeze if it’s cold enough, and winter in Canada certainly is. Keeping your gas tank full during winter driving minimizes the air space in the tank, reducing the chance of condensation forming and freezing. It also provides extra weight for better traction and ensures you have enough fuel if you need to wait for help or make a detour due to hazardous conditions in bad weather.
Learn more: The Ultimate Car Maintenance Checklist to Prevent Collisions
Prepare an Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver if you encounter an unexpected situation or collision on the road. Here’s a list of items to prepare in your car before you go winter driving:
Tips for Mississauga Winter Roads
Beyond vehicle safety, winter roads require careful driving techniques to stay in control and avoid accidents. If you’re planning to drive through Mississauga’s residential streets this winter, keep these tips in mind:
- Drive slow. Reduced traction means you need more time to stop. Adjust your speed to match road conditions.
- Stay focused. Stay alert by avoiding distractions, and keeping both hands on the wheel for better control.
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Tailgating is even riskier on icy roads, so always leave extra space between you and the car ahead. If you see snow plows, stay back at least 10 car lengths.
- Brake and accelerate gently. Sudden movements on winter roads can cause skidding. Be smooth with your pedals.
- Improve Visibility. Clear snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, and lights before driving, so you can see traffic or any emergency vehicles around you. In whiteout conditions, turn on your headlights to ensure other drivers can see you.
Winter Accident? Trust CSN Heartland for Fast, Reliable Repairs
Even with the best preparation and careful driving, winter roads can be unpredictable. If you find yourself in a collision, turn to Mississauga’s most reliable auto body repair shop.
CSN Heartland offers collision repair services that go beyond simple fixes. Our state-of-the-art facility and experienced professionals specialize in returning your vehicle to its pre-accident condition with precision and care.
We’re certified by 12 manufacturers and have the expertise to handle complex collision repairs across multiple vehicle makes and models. In addition to expert repairs, we also assist with:
- Tow truck services
- Valet services
- Rental vehicle assistance
- Insurance claim support
Stay safe this winter with CSN Heartland. Book an estimate online or speak to our experts to learn more.
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