In Strathmore, temperatures are expected to drop to -30°C this week, and it is important to be prepared for your commute.
If you want to avoid being stranded and dealing with unnecessary roadside assistance costs, here is what you can do to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) says the most important thing that drivers can do is plug their car in.
“When it’s -15°C or colder, plugging in your vehicle three to four hours before driving can often be the difference between an engine that starts and an engine that doesn’t,” Chief Instructor for AMA Driver Education, Mark Pasternak, said in a statement released today.
Vehicles that are older or have maintenance issues may need to be plugged in at a warmer temperature.
AMA also recommends switching to winter tires and making sure they are properly inflated.
Keep your gas tank at least half full and consider using a gas-line antifreeze if your vehicle frequently moves from warm to cold environments.
When it comes to driving on winter roads, always scan the road ahead and maintain a safe following distance.
This ideally means following at least four to six seconds behind the car in front of you.
“Carry an emergency roadside kit. This should include things like a blanket, warm clothing, caution triangles, a flashlight, gloves, and a folding shovel,” AMA said in a press release.
It is also recommended to avoid unnecessary trips during extreme weather events.
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