Don’t let Saskatchewan’s Winter Wonderland leave you wondering what went wrong...To help keep everyone and their vehicles safe and warm, CAA recommends acting now to get ourselves as drivers, and our vehicles, ready for winter.

Whether you are an experienced driver or new to the road, we know you will enjoy this checklist of 6 Winter Driver Safety Tips and 7 Winter Vehicle Maintenance Tips!

Drivers: Winter-Ready Checklist 

1. Know before you go: Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Allow extra time to reach your destination safely. Be prepared to reduce your speed and drive with caution. Learn Winter Road Terminology to better understand winter driving terms.
2. Vehicle visibility: Clear your vehicle of ice and snow. Ensure both your headlights and taillights are on. Use your signal lights in advance. See and be seen.
3. Prepare to slow down: Slow to 60 km/h on Saskatchewan highways for first responders, including tow truck operators, law enforcement, paramedics, firefighters, and highway construction workers. Slow to 60 km/h for working snowplow operators. Remember to slow down, stay back, and stay safe.
4. Focus on driving: Eliminate distractions such as the use of mobile phones, eating, drinking, adjusting entertainment or navigation systems, long conversations, and smoking. Drive with caution in school zones, crosswalks, and intersections, and watch for pedestrians. Please allow extra time for them to cross safely. Snow and ice can make walking difficult, especially for children and seniors. #UNPLUGANDDRIVE
5. Pack a roadside safety kit: Pack extra winter gear, including mitts, toques, and footwear for all passengers. Take along a mobile phone with charger, non-perishable food, water, a shovel, a window ice scraper, a snow brush, and booster cables. Remember, roadside safety kits are available at all CAA Saskatchewan Stores. If you become stranded, ensure your vehicle is parked safely, and stay in your vehicle for temporary shelter until help arrives.
6. Have a plan: CAA Roadside Assistance is available 24/7, 365 days a year. CAA Members can request online, download the CAA Mobile App, or call 1-800-222-4357.

Vehicles: Winter-Ready Checklist

1. Winter tires: A definite recommendation by CAA. The different rubber compounds in winter tires allow for better traction and control. When choosing winter tires, consider the tread design, type of rubber, size, and conditions of use.
2. Check your vehicle tire pressure: The right pressure is important for traction and fuel efficiency. Check the air pressure regularly. Improper inflation can not only be dangerous but can also cause increased tire wear, resulting in added costs for replacement tires. Review your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
3. Battery: The battery is your vehicle’s lifeline. Extreme weather weakens the battery, so check it often and have it charged if necessary. For advice on battery care, contact the experts at CAA Battery Depot.
4. Block heater and cord: Make sure the cord is not frayed and is in good working condition. Always plug in when the temperature falls below -15°C.
5. Check your vehicle fluids: This includes antifreeze, brake fluid, and the window washer fluid, which are all vital to safe winter travel.
6. Brakes: Have your brakes inspected thoroughly and service them if necessary. This will help with better braking power, especially on icy, snow-covered roads. For vehicle winter inspection, visit any facility that is part of CAA’s Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS) network across the province.
7. Fuel: Keep a full tank or, at a minimum, a half tank of fuel. This will help reduce moisture in the gas tank, plus it adds weight to your vehicle.

During extreme cold weather, remember you may need to start your vehicle a few times throughout the day. Letting your vehicle run for a good 6-7 minutes before you drive will help the engine warm up.

Learn more at caask.ca/safety.

Read our informative, helpful blogs on winter battery maintenance, winter tires, and is your home winter-ready?.

For further information or to schedule media interviews, please contact:

Angel Blair, PLC
Manager, Communications & Public Relations
angel.blair@caask.ca
(306) 216-7362

Lona Gervais, CPR
Sr. Communications Specialist
lona.gervais@caask.ca
(306) 515-4359