6 TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING
LIFESTYLE
5 MIN READ
HOW TO BEAT THE FORECAST
WINTER CAR PREPARATION
Winter in Canada. It’s enough to make any driver stop and think twice. For a good portion of the year, we’re bombarded with snow and ice, which can make getting around a little tricky to say the least. Sure, Canadian winters may be unpredictable. But your vehicle’s safety should never be. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your luxury car for winter, so you can beat the forecast.
1.
GET YOUR CAR SERVICED BEFORE THE SNOW HITS
Don’t wait for your weather app to hit 0°C. Book a service appointment before the temperature drops to 7°C give or take. During your tune-up, the technician will likely check your battery and tires. It's good to know what condition they're in, even if your vehicle is on the newer side.
For a little extra peace of mind, you might want to consider a few accessories. Is it time for some new floor mats? Would a pair of winter wiper blades protect you against the elements? If you happen to drive an INFINITI, see your local retailer for a specialized service. From oil changes to warranty repairs, they set you up for the colder months.
2.
BE REAL WITH YOURSELF ABOUT TOUGH ROAD CONDITIONS
A big part of winter driving safety is prevention. That means preparing for whatever the drive might throw at you. Get in the habit of checking weather reports before you leave, so you have a good idea of the road conditions. If there’s no way around travelling when roads are bad, plan your route and equip your car for the ride.
Here in Canada, most luxury vehicles offer all-wheel drive. If you have an INFINITI, you can breathe a little easier thanks to Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Unlike other AWD systems, it sends power to different wheels based on the terrain. That provides extra traction when roads are tricky. Nice to have on your side when the forecast is less than ideal.
3.
CREATE A LITTLE EXTRA SPACE
When the snow isn’t letting up, remember to give the car ahead a little extra room in case of an emergency. It may sound like common sense, but people forget to do it all the time. We all know that stopping takes longer on a sheet of snow and ice. Why not factor it in, so you can steer clear of trouble?
To give you that lead room, INFINITI offers Distance Control Assist. It's a system that uses sensors and automatic braking to help keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. And if you're in a pinch, there's Forward Emergency Braking. This feature can actually help you stop when the other driver slams on the brakes. After all, when you invest in a luxury car, there's no reason not to be prepared.
4.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO WHAT'S AROUND YOU
It can be a pain to manoeuvre after a big snowfall. When getting from A to B, watch out for hazards that might pop up, and try to anticipate your next move. Because simple things like turning and stopping can take forever. Extra space is a must. You have to check and re-check those mirrors and blind spots, which can be stressful at times.
Thankfully, there are ways to take the edge off. INFINITI offers Blind Spot Warning. This feature alerts you when another car is hiding in your blind spot, so you can wait until it's safe to merge. There’s also the Blind Spot Intervention System, which goes a step further. If you cross the lines without signalling, it can help steer you back to your lane. Ultimately, an extra set of eyes is never a bad thing.
5.
BECOME WELL ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR IN-CAR TECH
Most new vehicles come with tech to give you better control, especially in nasty weather. Usually, that includes performance settings like Snow Mode. This feature works with the transmission to select the best gear for snowy and icy roads. It's also common for vehicles to have apps that connect you to services or assistance in an emergency. Just remember not to get distracted by the bells and whistles.
For the INFINITI drivers out there, you can access plenty of apps and services hands-free. The InTouch infotainment system lets you interact by touchscreen or voice command. It's a smart way to stay connected, or request help when you need to without having to fumble around.
6.
REMEMBER: YOU'VE GOT THIS
When that first snowfall passes through, it's normal to feel a little extra stress. But don't let it get to you. Most luxury cars come with features that help you stay a step ahead of the snow, ice and slush. They make it easier to find the best route, and spot hazards before they become an issue. Plus, they allow for a more comfortable ride.
If you have an INFINITI SUV or crossover, you can also sink into leather seats that keep you nice and warm. Tri-Zone Automatic Climate Control lets guests in each row set their own temperature. Besides, there’s cool tech to help you stream music and safely access your smartphone. So relax, because winter driving isn't so bad when you're well prepared.
