Hit the road with safety and reliability
(NC) Whether you embrace winter with weekend trips to the slopes, driving the little ones to hockey practice or visiting relatives over the holidays, there’s one thing to prioritize this season – and that’s commuting safely and securely.
Driving smoothly, staying alert and looking ahead are a few of many driving tips that will help you handle the winter season with ease. Carl Nadeau, professional race car driver and Michelin driving expert notes that the first step to conquering those harsh winter roads is equipping your vehicle with four winter tires like the Michelin X-Ice Xi3, to be installed once the temperature approaches freezing. While all provinces recommend winter tires, they are mandatory in Quebec and, new this year, must be installed by December 1st.
“Contrary to popular belief, all-season tires don’t provide the performance that winter road conditions require,” says Nadeau. “Winter tires are made of a rubber compound, allowing them to remain flexible in cold weather and provide better grip and traction than all-season tires.”
Nadeau also advises looking for the “Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake” on the sidewall of the tire, which confirms the tire passed a specific snow traction performance test set by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.
In addition to having the proper driving equipment, it’s also important to note how you drive. Nadeau stresses the importance of the proper driving position with both wrists at the top of the steering wheel, a slight bend in your elbows with your knees slightly bent while pressing the gas.
Even the most experienced drivers can find themselves stressed behind the wheel, which is why he urges drivers to remain calm, avoid sudden braking and always look around slowly from left to right, using peripheral vision to help prepare for what’s down the road.