Winter in Ontario always seems to arrive sooner than expected. From sudden snow squalls to icy roads, staying safe behind the wheel takes more than just caution — it takes preparation. Whether you’re commuting around Orillia or heading north to the cottage, these updated winter-driving tips will help you stay safe and ready for anything this season.
5 tips to make sure you’re prepared for your next winter road trip
Install Your Winter Tires Early
Winter tires aren’t just about traction — they’re about control. In Ontario, temperatures often dip below 7°C long before the snow sticks, and that’s when all-season tires begin to lose grip. While all-season tires can handle light snow and mild winter conditions, they are not designed for deep snow or icy roads. Their tread compound hardens in cold weather, which means they lose traction and struggle to maintain winter grip.
What to know in 2025:
Check your tires’ tread depth — 4 mm is the minimum recommended for winter driving.
- Winter tires shorten braking distances by as much as 25%.
Don’t mix tire types; a matched set provides consistent handling and braking.
- Though installing winter tires is not mandatory in Ontario, your insurance policy may offer a discount for using winter tires.
Install Your Winter Tires Early
Winter tires aren’t just about traction — they’re about control. In Ontario, temperatures often dip below 7°C long before the snow sticks, and that’s when all-season tires begin to lose grip. While all-season tires can handle light snow and mild winter conditions, they are not designed for deep snow or icy roads. Their tread compound hardens in cold weather, which means they lose traction and struggle to maintain winter grip.
What to know in 2025:
Check your tires’ tread depth — 4 mm is the minimum recommended for winter driving.
Don’t mix tire types; a matched set provides consistent handling and braking.
- Though installing winter tires is not mandatory in Ontario, your insurance policy may offer a discount for using winter tires.
Pack a Complete Winter Emergency Kit
Assemble a winter emergency kit for your car and keep it stowed in your trunk for easy access. Your kit should include:
A blanket or sleeping bag
- Some additional warm clothing
Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
A flashlight and extra batteries
A small shovel, traction mats, and sand or cat litter
A first-aid kit and jumper cables
A fully charged phone power bank
- Printed current roadmaps
Keep Visibility a Top Priority
Winter driving is all about seeing — and being seen.
Replace windshield-wiper blades before they streak or chatter.
Keep washer fluid topped up with a -40°C formula.
Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, lights, and roof before driving — not just the windshield.
Use low-beam headlights in snow or fog to improve your visibility to others.
Adjust Your Driving Habits for the Season
Even experienced drivers need to adjust when road conditions change.
Slow down — stopping distances can double on icy roads.
Avoid using cruise control in slippery conditions.
Leave at least three car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead.
Brake gently to avoid skidding; if your car starts to slide, steer into the skid and avoid sudden movements.
Plan extra time for travel — arriving safely is worth a few extra minutes.
- Pull off the road in a safe spot if your visibility is impeded by driving snow or driving conditions are poor. Remember that road shoulders can be icy and can have deep snow. Assess carefully before pulling off to avoid getting stuck.
Driving near snowplows
Stay back from working snowplows and other winter maintenance vehicles (e.g. trucks spreading salt or spraying anti-icing liquid) with flashing blue lights. You’ll see them on highways before, during and after a snowfall or storm.
Never pass a working snowplow – it’s very dangerous for you and the plow driver. Sight lines and visibility can be significantly reduced by blowing snow and the ridge of snow that the plow creates. Trying to pass between or around a snowplow could result in a severe – even fatal – collision.
Be patient – it takes time to clear the roads after a snowfall. If you’re driving behind a snowplow, wait for it to finish its job. Roads are plowed in sections, so you usually won’t be stuck behind a plow for more than 20-30 minutes.
Know How Your Auto Insurance Helps
Even with the best preparation, winter weather can still catch you off guard. Understanding your policy before you need it can make a big difference.
Collision Coverage helps repair your vehicle if it’s damaged in a crash with another vehicle or an object such as a guardrail.
Comprehensive Coverage can protect against unexpected situations such as fire, theft, vandalism, cracked windshield and natural disasters.
Basic Accident Benefits are included in your policy for medical costs over and above what OHIP provides.
If you’re unsure what’s included in your current coverage, we’re happy to review it with you. A quick conversation can ensure you’re fully protected this winter.
Use extra caution if weather reports call for poor driving conditions and consider delaying your trip until the weather improves. Accidents can happen even when you’re being careful. Contact us to find out how your auto insurance policy can help in the event of a winter driving mishap.
Stay safe when driving this winter
At McLean & Dickey, we’ve been helping Ontario drivers prepare for winter since 1922. Whether you’re reviewing your auto policy, updating your coverage, or insuring your first car, we’re here to help. Make sure that you’re ready for winter and reach out to us for a quote.
Have questions about auto insurance?
Winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario. However, they are highly recommended since all-season tires stop working well at temperatures around 7C. In fact, some manufacturers have started to refer to “All-Season Tires” as “3-Season Tires.” The easiest way to know a tire has been designed specifically for severe snow conditions is to look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol right on the tire.
When daytime temperatures consistently fall below 7°C. Some insurers require their policy holders to switch to winter tires by November 1 of each year.
Some drivers believe their insurance company shouldn’t deem them at fault for accidents they cause on slippery roads (especially when black ice forms), arguing that they can’t brake in time to avoid striking another vehicle or object. However, your insurance company requires you to exercise caution and adjust your driving to road conditions.
In single-vehicle accident, you’re still at fault if you skid on an icy road and hit a tree or end up in a ditch. But in this situation, collision insurance will cover your repair bills.
Contact your broker for details on what coverage you have, your deductibles and any claim procedures.