Mixing tires of different size or tread pattern “degrades the stability of the vehicle and should be avoided,” the department says.
Transport Canada has issued a list of tips for winter driving, including:
- Check tire pressure at least once a month. Pressure drops as temperatures fall, so check it when tires are cold, preferably after a car has been outside all night. Correct pressure improves safety, reduces fuel consumption and extends the life of the tire.
- Make sure that tire valves have caps to keep out ice and snow.
- Do not use cruise control when driving in slippery conditions.
- Be cautious on bridges and highway overpasses, which freeze quickly and stay frozen longer than other parts of the road.
- Carry a winter emergency kit.
The Canadian Automobile Association recommends drivers keep these items in their trunk: shovel, sand or kitty litter, traction mats, tow chain, compass, cloth or roll of paper towels, warning light or road flares, extra clothing and footwear, emergency food pack, booster cables, matches and a “survival” candle in a deep can (to warm hands, heat a drink or use as an emergency light), fire extinguisher, windshield washer fluid, fuel line antifreeze and a reflective vest.
These items should be kept inside vehicles: road maps, ice scraper and brush, flashlight, first-aid kit and blanket (special “survival” blankets are best).
On the web: www.tc.gc.ca/en/menu.htm
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