To continue with the Winter Vehicles Tips series I will share some more tips I have gathered about the actually driving your vehicle in Yellowknife’s winter conditions.

1. Warming up: Once your vehicle has been plugged in for the suggested amount of time from the last set of tips, you should let your vehicle idol for at least a couple minutes. There has been controversy about how long a vehicle needs to idle, but setting aside personal opinions and whether or not it is warm inside your vehicle, it is probably a good idea to let it idle for 5 minutes. Why, because all the liquids need a chance to warm up and get moved around inside the engine to properly do their jobs. Think of it this way, if you start your vehicle and then scrape all your windows, by the time you are done your vehicle should be good to go.
2. Tire Wear: With all-season tires, ensure the tread will still give traction on slippery roads, and having studs on all four tires is also excellent for traction. If not, then snow tires become your best choice. For front wheel drive vehicles, your ‘snows’ should be on the front. And always store your ‘summer’ tires on their sides as opposed to on their tread, which can cause flat spots and cause them to become unbalanced. Letting a slight bit of air out of your tires can help with traction, but can be a pain when your tire are frozen from sitting all night.
3. Winter Front: Having a winter front is a good idea for not only your vehicle, but for your benefit as well. Having one on your vehicle can speed up with time your heater will blow warm air.
4. Twist your Wheel: A good tip I learned from a a car dealership is about loosening up your power steering. By turning your steering wheel lightly from side to side before you start driving can help loosen the fluid and get it moving for when you are driving. The prevent those pesky blown lines.
5. Driving the Street: In Yellowknife the hard packed snow on the roads can be as slippery as ice at -30. It is a good idea to keep a little more distance from the vehicle in front of you and begin starting to stop sooner. Remember braking distance is increasingly further. Make sure to be more cautious of your surrounding.

Many tips and tricks can be formed for safe driving and as they are complied we may do a part 3 of this series. If you have any of your own remember to share them.

Winter has finally struck Yellowknife and drastically it seems. It was not a shock that it did become -30, but more the fact it went from -5 to -30 within 36 hours. With an actual Yellowknife winter comes challenges that like no others, okay maybe not but there are somethings that we should be aware of.

One of these things we should be aware of is vehicle use. Many of use vehicles for everyday things, such as going to work or getting the kids to soccer. Whatever your reason for doing it there are somethings you should know about driving in this -30 weather.

1. Check your coolant: Always read antifreeze labels closely to be sure you have the antifreeze-to-water mix correct. The antifreeze stops your radiator from cracking and freezing, and water will prevent overheating, even in winter temperatures.
2. Battery Maintenance: You’ll need 3-4 more times the starting power in colder weather. Have a draw and load test performed by a mechanic. Should your battery fail that test, then a recharge may prolong its’ life for an additional year. Barring that, investing in a new battery is equally wise.
3. Hoses and Belts: With the cold brittle days comes cracking and fraying of the belts and hoses that are used to operate our vehicles. It is best to replaces them as soon as you notice either of these.
4. Washer Fluid: Having properly rated windshield washer fluid is idea for winter condition. It prevents from freezing in its container and tubes and can also help to defrost windshields on those frosty mornings.
5. Winter Gear: Although Yellowknife is not a very large place and we can seldom go somewhere with out seeing someone we know, it is still a good idea to be prepared. There is always the Ingraham Trail. Having basic items like a winter coat, mitts & hat, booster cables, rope and matches is a good idea. Having survival gear is always something to have, things such as flares, sleeping bag, food, shovel, etc.
6. Plugging in: Plugging in your vehicle should mean powering two things. 1) A battery blanket, which will warm up the battery so it can deliver maximum power when try to power the starter. 2) The Block Heater heats up your vehicles engine block which includes the oils inside, by doing this it helps the engine turn over when starting. When it comes to plugging in, it is said your vehicle only needs to be plugged in for about 2-3 hours to warm up to the appropriate temperature to start.

These are tips before you start your vehicle, coming up tomorrow will be some tips about operating your vehicle in the frigid cold that is a Yellowknife winter. If you have any tips or secrets of your own, please share with everyone. And now make sure to check out Part 2 Tips.