Winter driving comes with significant challenges. From windshield replacements to simple stone-chip repairs, the expert team at our Calgary auto-glass company can help make sure you stay safe on the icy roads this season.
Driving on snow- and ice-laden roads can be tricky, even for experienced drivers. That’s why its important to ensure that your vehicle is in optimum condition before winter fully arrives. To do so, make sure to check:
- whether your windshield has any cracks or stone chips that require repairs.
- your tire pressure.
- the capacity and condition of your car battery.
- your headlights and brake lights are functioning properly.
Stay Safe on Calgary Roads This Winter With Diamond Glass
At Diamond Glass, our customers safety is our number one priority. Whether you require an emergency stone chip repair or a quick windshield replacement, we offer onsite and mobile auto glass services to get your vehicle ready for winter in no time!
Want to know how we can help you?
Calgary Winter Driving Safety Tips
The severe weather that comes with the winter months can be both frightening and dangerous for drivers, given the icy roads, sudden snow storms, and poor visibility.
Keep you and your family safe this season with the following simple tips:
- Avoid driving when tired. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter roads will significantly reduce any risk of accident or injury.
- Check your tires. Before heading out onto the road, ALWAYS make sure that your tires are properly inflated.
- Fill up. To avoid gas-line freeze up, remember to keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy or snowy weather, if possible.
- Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
- ALWAYS look and steer where you want to go.
- DO NOT use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface
Tips for long-distance winter trips:
- Watch weather reports prior to any long distance drive or before driving to isolated areas. Delay trips when bad weather is expected and if you must leave, let others know your route, destination and time of arrival.
- Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition. If you need a windshield replacement or a stone chip repair, you MUST get it fixed before driving in winter conditions.
- Pack emergency supplies in your vehicle including blankets, gloves, hats, food, water or any other needed medication in your car.
- If you become snow-bound, stay with your car. It will provide temporary shelter and make it easier for rescuers to locate you. DO NOT try to walk in a severe storm as it is easy to lose sight of your vehicle and become lost
- DO NOT overexert yourself by trying to push or dig your car out of the snow.
- Tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antenna if you get lost to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
- Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it isn’t clogged with ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment when the engine is running.
Tips for Driving in the Snow:
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids.
- Drive slowly. Remember, EVERYTHING takes longer on snow-covered roads whether it’s accelerating, stopping, or turning. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
- Keep a distance of 8-10 seconds from the car ahead of you. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance you need if you have to stop suddenly.
- Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach a hill and let it carry you to the top. As you reach the crest, reduce your speed and proceed down the hill as SLOWLY AS POSSIBLE.
- Stay home. Winter roads are full of hazards. If you don’t have to go out, it is advisable to just stay indoors.
Importance of Proactive Auto-Glass Repairs
Do you have any chips or cracks in your windshield or windows? It is best to get any auto-glass work, including stone chip repairs and windshield replacements done BEFORE you get out onto the road.
Not only will this keep you safer, but it is much cheaper and easier to have any autoglass chips repaired before the problem gets worse and you end up spending much more money on a full replacement.
Never Ignore a Damaged Windshield
Call Today
To find out more about our affordable and quick winter auto-glass services including windshield repairs and replacements, contact our Calgary office at 403-568-7086 or request a quote.
