With heavy snowfall causing widespread disruptions across Quebec, CAA Quebec is issuing crucial advice for drivers who find themselves navigating winter roads while still equipped with summer tires. The automotive association's expert, André Durocher, provides essential guidance for those forced to venture out despite improper tire conditions.
Essential Winter Driving Strategies
André Durocher of CAA Quebec emphasizes that drivers using summer tires in snowy conditions must adopt completely different driving habits. The primary recommendation involves significantly reducing speed and maintaining much greater following distances than usual. Summer tires, designed for warm weather performance, become dangerously ineffective in cold temperatures, losing traction and compromising vehicle control.
Durocher specifically advises motorists to slow down, stay back, and constantly evaluate road conditions. This three-part approach becomes critical when tires cannot properly grip snow-covered or icy surfaces. The rubber compounds in summer tires harden in cold weather, essentially transforming them into slippery skates rather than reliable traction devices.
Understanding the Risks
The timing of this advice coincides with significant winter weather impacting Quebec. Heavy snow has already caused widespread power outages and school closures throughout the province, creating hazardous driving conditions that demand proper equipment. While the ideal solution involves immediately switching to winter tires, Durocher recognizes that some drivers may need to travel before making the change.
Emergency services across Quebec, including police in communities like Sudbury, are similarly urging extreme caution on roadways. The contrast between summer and winter tire performance in cold conditions isn't merely about convenience—it represents a fundamental safety consideration that can determine whether drivers maintain control during unexpected maneuvers or emergency stops.
Long-term Safety Solutions
While the immediate advice focuses on adaptive driving techniques, the clear long-term solution involves installing proper winter tires before the season intensifies. Quebec legislation actually mandates winter tires from December 1 to March 15, but early snowfall can catch unprepared motorists in dangerous situations.
The automotive expert's guidance serves as both a practical short-term solution and a reminder about the importance of seasonal preparation. As winter establishes its presence across Quebec, drivers should prioritize tire changes alongside other vehicle preparations like checking antifreeze levels and ensuring windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures.
