1. An unprepared car

Not only can an unprepared vehicle be unsafe, it can also result in a vehicle breakdown that otherwise could have been avoided. For example, a dead battery is a common problem we see at our BCAA Auto Service Centres and is one of our top Roadside Assistance calls during winter. Cold conditions can weaken a battery and cause it to fail. So, take your car in for a winter check-up with an automotive professional, which includes checks on the battery, wipers, lights, fluids, belts, hoses and window defroster.

Carry a roadside emergency kit and other winter driving items including a windshield scraper, snow brush, shovel and even sand or wood chips for getting yourself out of a jam when your vehicle needs a bit of traction. Remember to also bring snacks, water, blanket and warm clothes in case of a breakdown. You can start off with a ready-made emergency survival kit (BCAA Members save 20% on kits from F.A.S.T.—First Aid and Survival Technologies Limited) and then add winter driving-related items found on BCAA’s list of essential winter items to carry in your car.

Keep in mind, if you’re stuck with a dead battery, we’re happy to come to you with our BCAA Battery Service Program.* Our Red Seal Certified Technicians will diagnose your battery and, if a replacement is needed, they will install a high-quality BCAA battery on the spot with a six-year warranty. They’ll also take your old battery and make sure it’s recycled in the most environmentally sound way. Plus, as a BCAA Member you'll save $80 on the cost of a new BCAA car battery!

2. Wrong tires

Each winter, we see cars sliding off the road or getting stuck in snow or icy areas (even in someone’s driveway) because they don’t have winter tires or the tire treads on their winter tires are worn. Invest in tires that meet BC’s winter tire laws—those with the mountain peak and snowflake or M+S (mud and snow) symbols. Check out the BCAA Winter Tire Guide for help on choosing the right tires for your driving needs. You can visit your local BCAA Auto Service Centre and one of our trusted experts can help you choose the right tires and then mount them for you. For a limited time, you'll find manufacturer savings on select tire options, plus you can get a mount and balance from $30 per tire. 

3. Driving too fast

One of the most common winter driving mistakes is driving too fast for the conditions. Each winter, BCAA Roadside Assistance Technicians help tow and recover many cars because the vehicle couldn’t stop in time and slid into something, or off the road. Fact: driving too fast reduces the amount of time your car has to come to a stop when braking on icy or snowy roads. So, adjust how you drive to match the conditions.

4. Driving too closely

Like driving too fast, driving too close to other cars lessens your reaction time if there's a problem with the vehicle ahead of you. BCAA Auto Service Experts recommend that you at least double your normal distance from the car ahead which is about four car lengths of space.

5. Inexperience

When it comes down to it, extreme winter weather can make driving a challenge, even for the most experienced driver. If you aren’t seasoned enough to drive in winter conditions, plan for alternative transportation such as transit, taxis, ride sharing services or ride with a more experienced driver that you know.

6. Underestimating weather and street conditions

Keep your driveway clear of snow and ice. Remember, if snowy days present a challenge to getting out of your driveway, the side streets and hills you encounter will also be challenging. Consider if you need to drive or if you should seek alternative transportation methods (see tip #7 below).

We also understand that things happen, and if you have a vehicle breakdown, we’re here to help. Signing up for a BCAA Membership before winter conditions become harsh will ensure you have BCAA's 24/7 Roadside Assistance in case of the unexpected. Plus, BCAA Members save up to 20% on BCAA Optional Car Insurance.

7. Driving unnecessarily

When it comes to driving in winter conditions, the first thing to ask yourself is, “Do I really need to drive?” While we need to get to work, pick up children or run errands, try to minimize how much you have to drive in winter conditions. You can even plan for this by changing some of your routines during winter months. Here’s what we mean:

• Stock up on groceries and other everyday essentials so you don’t have to go out shopping as frequently.
• Adjust activities that you and your family will need to drive to, such as kids’ extra-curricular activities.
• Combine errands into as few trips as possible. Save them for days when the weather and roads aren’t so bad.

8. Skipping essential pre-driving precautions

There are certain musts you should do before you drive which include: defogging all of the windows and clearing away snow and ice from the roof of your car, trunk, hood windows, lights and side mirrors. This will also keep other drivers safe as left-over snow on the roof of your car can fly off while you’re driving and land on another car behind you, making it difficult for the other driver to see.

Inspecting your tires often, especially when weather fluctuates, is also a must-do before you drive. Air pressure decreases in cold weather and tires can become underinflated more often. An underinflated tire (overinflated, too) results in a loss of traction.

9. Not shovelling driveways

BCAA gets calls for cars that are stuck on slippery driveways a lot! Avoid this problem and ensure you’re able to get your car onto the street and get on with your day by shovelling your driveway each time it snows. This helps prevent ice from forming and building up.

10. Overconfidence about vehicle's capabilities

Often TV commercials show trucks and SUVs bursting through snow banks or racing on icy lakes. Remember, these ads are meant for entertainment. While many vehicles with an antilock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) or four-wheel drive typically perform better in snowy and icy driving conditions, if a driver is travelling too fast or gets into a dangerous skid, these systems aren’t foolproof. The safest option is to drive slower and leave more room between you and the car ahead, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving.

For the unexpected this winter, BCAA is here to help. At home or on the road, our 24/7 roadside assistance is just a click or call away.

Pro Tip: The BCAA App makes it easy for Members to request BCAA Roadside Assistance from their phone. Download the app to get faster service by passing the calling queue and getting to our dispatch team directly. Plus, you can use the BCAA Service Tracker to see the service provider's location and estimated arrival in real-time where available as well!

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today for peace of mind in case of the unexpected and to save over $1,500 a year on everyday essentials, insurance, experiences, travel, dining and more!

 

^{* BCAA Battery Service availability varies depending on vehicle make and model, and is limited to service areas as outlined at bcaa.com/batteryservice. BCAA Battery Service Program. Our Red Seal Certified Technicians will diagnose your battery, and if a replacement is needed, they will install a high-quality BCAA battery on the spot with a six-year warranty. They’ll also take your old battery and make sure it’s recycled in the most environmentally sound method.}