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Issue 60
December 15, 2005


 Weather Trivia Sun & Clouds 
EnviroZine: Environmnent Canada's On-line Newsmagazine
You are here: EnviroZine > Issue 60 > Feature 2

Holiday Winter Driving the Safe and Smart Way

Winter driving
Winter driving. Click to enlarge.

The holiday season is busy for many of us and during this time we may have to do more driving than usual, getting to and from family gatherings, Christmas parties, gift shopping outings, Christmas concerts, volunteer events, and other holiday-related activities.

With all this extra driving, it's important to maximize your fuel efficiency and minimize your vehicle's environmental impacts. And above all, take the necessary steps to ensure you get through the holiday driving season safely.

Optimize Vehicle Performance

Sign - Idle-free zone
Idle-free zone

Fuel consumption can soar by as much as 50 per cent in the winter months. Maintaining your vehicle, reducing idling time and driving more efficiently are just a few things you can do to keep your fuel bill from going through the roof.

Pre-heating the engine with a block heater for one or two hours allows easier starting and more rapid warm-up, and greatly reduces engine wear. In temperatures lower than 0 °C, block heaters can improve overall fuel economy by 10 per cent.

Once a vehicle is running, the best way to warm all of the parts is to drive. With the advent of electronic engines, excessive idling can actually damage the engine and decrease your vehicle's fuel efficiency; no more than 30 seconds of idling is needed on winter days. When driving, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that restarting the vehicle uses less fuel than idling for more than 10 seconds.

Extra weight also increases fuel consumption and snow piled on top of the vehicle increases aerodynamic drag. For safety as well as fuel economy, clear all snow off your vehicle before driving.

Keep winter tires properly inflated
Keep winter tires properly inflated. Click to enlarge.

Your tires need special attention during the winter too. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in tires, which adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush. Not only does this increase fuel consumption, it's simply dangerous.

You may also wish to consider switching to all-season or winter tires once the snow falls. Because of the increased traction they afford, the switch will add to your winter fuel savings. In most cases, such as in the city and suburban areas, all-season tires will be adequate, but in temperatures colder than -15 and in areas where roads are regularly snow covered, winter tires are a must because of their superior grip and traction.

Drive Safe and Be Prepared!

Fast Facts:

Fuel consumption can increase by 50 per cent in the winter months, but proper vehicle maintenance, reduced idling, and smart driving can help keep fuel costs under control.

A block heater can improve your fuel efficiency by 10 per cent.

Idling your vehicle for more than 10 seconds is more expensive than turning it off and restarting it.

Keep a winter travel kit in your car at all times in case of emergency.

If you get stuck in a snowstorm, the best thing to do is stay put, stay alert and be aware of exhaust fumes.

Related Sites

Driving and Maintaining Your Vehicle

Winter Driving Precautions

Winter Travel

Transport Canada's Safe Winter Driving Tips

Related EnviroZine Articles

Protecting the Environment while Maintaining Road Safety in Winter

Blizzards - I am Canadian!

Winter driving near Winnipeg - Photo: Urszula Adamik
Winter driving near Winnipeg - Photo: Urszula Adamik. Click to enlarge.

The extra driving you do over the holiday season unfortunately coincides with dangerous, blizzard-like conditions in many parts of Canada. It is important to be prepared and to know what to do if you get caught in a storm.

As always, don't drive any more than you need to and be sure you're aware of the weather forecast and road conditions before you start out. Drive slowly and carefully and try to minimize risks as much as possible. And never hesitate to turn back or pull in somewhere safe for refuge if the going gets tough.

When you're driving keep the radio tuned in to the latest weather reports and, before you leave, let someone know where you are going, the route you'll be taking, and when you expect to arrive. Keep to main roads and, ideally, travel by daylight and with another person.

Be prepared! Make sure your gas tank is full and keep a winter travel kit on board at all times. This should include the following things, which can be packed compactly in the trunk and glove box:

  • Shovel
  • Sand
  • Salt
  • Booster cables
  • Tow chain
  • Axe or hatchet
  • Warning light or road flares
  • Anti-freeze
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Blanket
  • Flashlight
  • Ice scraper and brush
  • Compass
  • Extra clothing and footwear
  • First-aid kit
  • Matches
  • Candles
  • Emergency food package of non-perishable, ready-to-eat items

In the event that you get your vehicle stuck in a blizzard, the best thing to do is remain calm and stay in the protective shelter of your car where you can't get lost. Be mindful of fumes from the exhaust by checking the exhaust pipe often so that it doesn't get blocked by snow and ensuring a supply of fresh-air by opening a window on the sheltered side, away from the wind. And remember to use the engine sparingly.

Don't expose yourself to the elements any more than is necessary and avoid over-exertion, as extreme cold and activities like shovelling could potentially be a death sentence. However, it is also important to keep moving; exercise your limbs, hands and feet to stay warm, and don't fall asleep. It is also important to keep your eyes open for traffic and searchers.

One last tip for winter driving, blizzard or no blizzard – take it easy. The more your vehicle slips and slides, the greater the chance of an accident and the more fuel wasted.

Following these simple tips should help ensure a safe, eco-friendly, and happy holiday driving for you and your family.
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