Deep freeze driving tips

It's cold out there. How cold is it? It's so cold my long johns are wearing long johns.

Hell, or rather Southern Ontario, has frozen over this week with bitter windchills and subnormal temperatures. If you think that's hard on you, it's hard on your ride too. Here's some tips to help keep your car and your commute running smoothly during the cold weather.

Pack an emergency kit
A winter emergency kit is absolutely essential. You never know if you'll get snowed in or your car will break down. Make sure you're prepared.

Essentials:
-Snow bush
-Small shovel
-Jumper cables
-Cell phone and charger
-Blanket
-Extra washer fluid
-Flashlight with spare batteries
-Snacks and water

Optional, but a good idea:
-Battery booster pack, in case nobody's around
-Sand or road salt
-Flares
-Lighter
-Air pump and tire repair kit

Don't warm up unattended
Cold days are like an all-you-can-eat theft buffet for criminals. People start their cars to let them warm up, then go inside. You might as well just give it away.

Your engine doesn't need an extended warm up period on cold days. Some mechanics debate if they even need to be warmed up at all. If you want heat, the fastest way to get it is to just get in and drive. Seriously. It might suck for the first few minutes but you'll waste less time and fuel, and reduce the risk of getting your ride stolen.

No cold pets, or kids
Back in the summertime, you were told not to leave your furry friends alone in a hot car. Cold weather can be just as dangerous too.

Kids and pets should never be left alone in a locked car, period. Especially during extremely hot or cold days. Police warn that you can and will be charged.

Clean all the snow off your car
A lot of people just clean the snow off their windows and call it a day. Those people are jerks. It's like driving behind a comet. Worse still when big chunks of ice start flying off. That's when thing get dangerous.

It's also illegal too. You could get ticketed for not clearing snow and ice off your vehicle, so take the extra time to do it. Your fellow drivers will thank you.  

Get an oil change
Synthetic oil can make starting easier in the winter time than conventional blends. While it's more expensive, you can also go further between oil changes.

Even if you don't use it, might be a good idea to get a fresh batch of oil if you haven't done so in awhile. Oil should be changed every 8,000 to 12,000km depending on driving conditions. Check it regularly.

Keep the tank topped up
If you happen to get stuck in a snow storm, you want gas in reserve to keep you warn and keep your phone charged. Just make sure you clear your tailpipe before trying to run the engine.

Leave extra stopping distance
If you live in the GTA, you probably don't need snow tires. They're nice to have but not an absolute necessity within city limits. You should probably get them though if you have a rural commute, or own a rear wheel drive sports car.

That said, all-seasons do have their limitations in cold weather. They get harder. Hard tires reduce friction, which means greater stopping distances in frigid temperatures. If you're using them, make sure to keep this in mind. Don't follow too closely.

On ice? Feather that gas
Know what to do if you hit a sudden snow drift or icy road? Take your foot off the gas, that's what. Seems like common sense, but a lot of people don't get it. It will slow you down and give you more control. Feather the peddle to give yourself only the power you need to keep going. It's a bit of an art to master in really bad conditions but it will keep you out of trouble. For an added bonus, try putting it into second gear. It reduces torque on your wheels, making starting, stopping, and controlling your vehicle a lot easier.

Oh, and just slow the hell down period on winter roads. Excessive speed is the number one cause of accidents during bad weather.

SUVs don't make you invulnerable 
4WD and AWD vehicles were originally invented to off-road across the European countryside. They weren't meant for snow and ice. That's why ski resorts use tracked snowcats and not Ford Explorers.

While they will give you a bit more traction, it doesn't make you invulnerable. If you can do donuts in a 4x4 (which I can and have done), you can slide on ice. Slow down and leave plenty of space no matter what you're driving.

As an extra piece of advice, 4x4 pickup trucks are surprisingly bad in the snow. They have little weight in the back, so the rear wheels tend to kick out and they fishtail. Throw a couple sandbags or bricks over that rear axle.

Leave extra time
Cold temperatures, especially combined with snow, will mean a long slog to work. Make sure to leave plenty of time so you're not rushing. It seems like common sense but a lot of folks just don't get this concept. That's why we have accidents, and can't have nice things.