We Canadians are nothing if not resilient. We oppose adversity with stern resolve, we laugh in the face of hardship and scoff in the presence of wintery nonsense. In East Gwillimbury and north of Newmarket, the snow and sleet can get pretty severe at times. In this part of the world, winter has been, and will always remain, a constant test of our determination. So with that in mind, we’ve put together a short list of the things you can do to get out in front of the cold white beast we like to call winter.
Shovel First, Ask Questions Later
The biggest threat posed by winter is the relentlessness with which snow accumulates. Keeping your driveway and walkways clear is incredibly important for maintaining the convenience of being able to use them. Now, we at Queensville believe in tackling problems when they crop up, and not one moment before. So don’t waste your time shovelling while it’s still snowing, and really try not to drive over and fallen snow on your driveway, as packing it down will make it more difficult to get up afterwards. You can use back-friendly shovels, or invest in a snow blower, but the point is that while you may have to occasionally wake up early to clear the snow behind your car, it will be well worth the effort.
Snow Tires ARE Necessary
Even if you have a car with all-wheel drive winter tires still may be the difference between stopping on time, and not stopping on time. Black ice, reduced traction, wheel slippage, and ice build-up are all enemies that can be mitigated or solved by having a set of winter tires installed in your car. Whether you get them from a private seller online, a tire shop, or your car manufacturer's dealership, they’re worth their weight in gold.
Keep your Car Clean and Clear
The number one car-killer is rust, and nothing will prompt this brown, metallic rot to cling to your car’s underside like the salt freckled in all the slush that coats our roads. While salt isn’t the most environmentally-friendly option, the fact remains that cities still use it to keep the roads clear. In order to prevent salt from slowly eroding away your car’s chassis, there are a number of things you can do. Your local car shop or quick oil-change franchise can provide you with rust protection undercoating that will help greatly with rust-prevention. Also, make sure you take your vehicle into a car wash at least once every two weeks, and opt for the under spray wash for sure.
Proper Personal Protection
Some of you may disagree with the following statement but never sacrifice warmth for the sake of fashion. Frostbite is always a very real threat, even in the city. The slow onset of cold is barely noticeable at times, but its effect is very real. Whenever you go outside in sub-zero temperatures, make sure your feet and hands have proper protection. Even if it means wearing gloves that don’t match your jacket, it’s better than your extremities getting numb!
Always Respect the Cold
On average, we see winter weather for about 5 months out of the year. We’re always in it for the long haul, and with that kind of longevity, it’s best to face the problems associated with this time of year with practical and sensible considerations. So look after your car, look after your driveway, and look after yourself. Happy winter everyone!