Are you ready for winter highway driving?
Posted Nov 15, 2011 12:50 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
With winter on our doorstep, the Alberta Motor Association is reminding drivers — especially those planning to hit the highway in the coming months — to pack an emergency supply kit in case of a breakdown.
“A shovel, a blanket, candles, flashlights, some sort of a took kit,” the AMA’s Randy Loyk tells 660News are some of the things motorists should have in the trunk. “It doesn’t hurt to have a chocolate bar and some water in there. Anything above that of course is a bonus.”
“Dress for the conditions, very important,” adds Loyk when it comes to those highways sojourns. “Make sure you have winter boots, gloves, hats, the rest of it. And let people know that you are heading out and when you expect to be at your destination.”
Other items Loyk suggests you have with you include a flashlight and booster cables, noting that when conditions become really extreme, tow trunks and police often won’t venture out to those in dire straights.
“That’s correct and we’re starting to see that more and more now,” he says. “It’s just too dangerous for even the RCMP to go out on some of the highways. People don’t want to go to even come and get you, unfortunately, so it’s something to be aware of.”
Loyk suggests that you test your vehicle’s battery and plug-in when the temperature falls below -15, and that you use synthetic oil in your vehicle making it easier for the engine to turn over.
