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Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 1:40:02 PM	comments (0)
SAFE WINTER TRAVELS With the busy winter season upon us it can sometimes be easy to forget simple things that will help keep us all safe while driving in winter conditions. By now, a lot of you will have already prepped your vehicles in anticipation of mother nature and her dazzling snowflake coat arriving, however for those of us who are still in denial that fall has ended and we are into December, here are some reminders of important things that need to be done: WINTERIZING YOUR VEHICLE One of the most important starting points good winter tires. -Install four proper winter tires that have good tread and/or chains. Transport Canada and BC’s Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure recommend a winter tire to be one that the manufacturer has affixed the mountain and snowflake logo. -As having four matching tire improves vehicle handling, don’t mix tires with different tread patterns, internal construction and size. CONDUCT A CHECK-UP OF YOUR VEHICLE -Checking the battery: your motor needs a fully charged battery to start in cold weather. Clean battery posts and check the charging system and belts. Have your battery tested in the Fall and Spring. Replace weak batteries before they fail. -Checking the ignition: replace defective ignition wires, cracked distributor caps and worn spark plugs, since they can make starting difficult or may cause a sudden breakdown. -Checking the lights: make sure all lights work and that headlights are properly aimed. -Checking the brakes: check / service your brakes to ensure even braking. Pulling, change in pedal feel, or unusual squealing or grinding may mean they need repair. -Checking the tires: check pressure often, especially before any highway driving. Properly inflated, high quality winter tires will give you best traction on winter roads and increase fuel efficiency. -Checking the exhaust system: check for leaks that could send deadly carbon monoxide into your vehicle. -Checking the heating and cooling system: check your radiator hoses and drive belts for cracks and leaks. Make sure the radiator cap, water pump and thermostat work properly. Test the strength and level of the coolant/anti-freeze and make sure the heater and defroster work well. -Checking the windshield wipers: make sure that your wipers are in good condition. Replace blades that streak. Purchase wipers designed for winter use. It is also very important to ensure your vehicle has all of the necessary equipment for winter driving: -Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack -Shovel -Ice scraper and snow brush -Jumper cables -Tow cable and tire chains -Bag of salt or cat litter -Tool kit -Winter driving survival kit Other essential supplies for your vehicle include: -Working flashlight and extra batteries -Reflective triangles and brightly-coloured cloth -Compass -First aid kit -Exterior windshield cleaner -Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container -Scissors and string/cord -Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits and hard candy -If you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets. PREPARING FOR WINTER DRIVING There are simple things that we can do to prepare for winter driving: -Avoid driving in bad weather conditions: If you must drive, check weather and travel conditions before heading out and always tell someone where you are going and the route you plan to take. Make sure you have enough fuel – always try to keep your tank at minimum half-full. -Be alert, well rested and sober behind the wheel and always wear your seat belt: When worn correctly, seat belts save lives – lap belts should be worn low and snug over hips while shoulder belts should always be worn across the chest. -See and be seen: Remove all snow from your vehicle’s hood, roof, windows and lights. Clear all windows of frost and fog before driving. WINTER DRIVING TIPS Route-Stay on the main roads and tell people the route you plan on taking, when you are leaving and when you expect to get there. Speed-Slow down and drive appropriately for the conditions – this sometimes means going below the posted speed limit. Following too closely-Stay back! It takes longer to stop on a slippery/slick road so it’s important to leave plenty of space (i.e. at least 3 to 4 car lengths) when driving in poor weather conditions. Test your limits-Accelerate gently and steer smoothly, and carefully test your braking and steering at a very low speed do not use cruise control during the winter. Encounters with maintenance equipment-Watch for the flashing lights of snow and ice control vehicles. When approaching them from behind, slow down, stay back and please be patient – do not pass around or between snow ploughs as the driver’s visibility is often limited. Wildlife-Watch for wildlife on roads that are attracted to salt. Drive BC-Check road conditions before making trips on www.drivebc.ca. Best wishes from all of the staff at HMC Services Inc. wishing you and your families a safe and beautiful Christmas and happy New Years!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 10:29:50 AM	comments (1)
TRANSPORT CANADA'S TOP 10 DRIVING TIPS 1. Get your vehicle ready for winter in the fall. 2. Install four matching winter tires. 3. Pack an emergency kit. 4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them. 5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions. 6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip. 7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather. 8. Avoid using overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads. 9. Travel with a fully charged cell phone. 10. SLOW DOWN AND ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009 at 9:28:00 AM	comments (0)
Road Condition Information For up to date Road Conditions around the Province of B.C. contact Drive BC at 1-800-550-4997 or via the web at www.drivebc.ca.

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