Alberta weather is unpredictable, and when you think you have a good grasp on what to expects, it hits you from a different angle. This is especially true for winter. Year after year, winter weather hits us harder and faster than we expected, which is why preparation is the key to successful winter driving. Being properly prepared for the winter weather can be the difference between having a safe commute and a hectic one.
With that, here are 5 Things To Do To Get Ready For Winter Driving.
Make Sure Everything Works
Winter driving is hard enough without having to worry about whether your vehicle can actually make it to where you want to go. The last thing you want is your vehicle giving out on your in -30 weather. Take proper precaution to make sure that everything works, including the wiper blades, head and tail lights, and, most importantly, your car’s heating system.
Maintenance and Fluids
With any BMW vehicle, upkeep is an essential aspect of optimum driving, but when it comes to winter driving, it’s even more crucial. Make sure all of your fluids are topped off, your oil is changed, and that any major maintenance that needs to be done is ready. This also includes getting that remote start package you’ve been putting off.
Stock Up
You need to put in an effort beyond simply picking up a good quality snow brush and scraper. Even after taking all of the necessary precautions, and with BMW’s intuitive driving technologies, accidents can happen, and you want to be prepared. You should stock your vehicle with jackets, sweaters, gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, socks, and even a few blankets. It’s also a good idea to include kitty litter in that list. Kitty Litter is handy during slippery conditions and can help you get unstuck when your tires are buried in snow.
Mental Prep
Preparing your mind to handle the harshness of winter is as important, if not more so than the previous things mentioned on this list. For starters, patience is key. No matter where you’re going, you have to factor in that it may take longer to get there. Stay calm; road rage is bad enough without having to deal with the slow driving and the crazy conditions.
Winter Tires
This is the big question. To me, whether or not you should get winter tires is obvious. Yes, you should. The questions you should be asking are, when should I put my winter tires on, and what brand of tire should I buy? The answer as to when you should put on your winter tires is before the snow hits the ground, so now. To find out what type of winter tires you should buy, contact our parts department at Edmonton BMW for more details.