Essential Winter Driving Tips for Ottawa Residents

Ottawa's winter season brings challenging driving conditions that require extra caution and preparation. With temperatures frequently dropping below -20°C and annual snowfall exceeding 200 cm, knowing how to navigate these conditions safely is essential for all drivers in the National Capital Region.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Before the first snowfall hits, ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the harsh conditions with these preparation steps:

1. Install Winter Tires

Winter tires are not just an option in Ottawa; they're a necessity. These specialized tires are designed to provide traction in snow, ice, and cold temperatures. The rubber compound in winter tires stays flexible in cold weather, whereas all-season tires harden and lose grip.

We recommend installing winter tires in early November before temperatures consistently drop below 7°C. Look for tires with the mountain/snowflake symbol, indicating they meet specific snow traction performance requirements.

2. Check Your Battery

Cold weather significantly reduces battery capacity. A battery that performs perfectly in summer might fail to start your car when temperatures plummet. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested before winter arrives.

Pro tip: Keep a set of jumper cables or a portable battery booster in your vehicle for emergencies.

3. Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids

Winter wipers are designed to prevent ice and snow buildup. Replace your regular wiper blades with winter blades and ensure your windshield washer fluid is rated for at least -40°C.

Keep your washer fluid reservoir full throughout winter, as road salt and slush can quickly dirty your windshield and reduce visibility.

4. Prepare an Emergency Kit

An Ottawa winter emergency kit should include:

• Warm blanket
• Extra gloves, hat, and warm clothing
• Shovel
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Non-perishable snacks and water
• Matches or lighter
• Candle in a deep can (for warmth and light)

Winter Driving Techniques for Ottawa Roads

1. Adjust Your Driving Speed

Reduce your speed on snow-covered or icy roads. Remember that posted speed limits are designed for optimal conditions, not winter weather. Allow extra time for your commute during winter months.

Even with winter tires, stopping distances can be up to three times longer on icy roads. Maintain a greater following distance than usual—at least 4-6 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.

2. Master Skid Control

If you find yourself in a skid:

1. Stay calm and take your foot off the accelerator
2. Look and steer in the direction you want to go (not where the car is currently sliding)
3. Avoid slamming on the brakes, which can worsen the skid
4. Once you regain control, gently accelerate

Consider taking a winter driving course in Ottawa to practice these techniques in a controlled environment.

3. Navigate Hills Safely

Ottawa's hilly neighborhoods like Rockcliffe Park and parts of Kanata can be particularly challenging in winter. When approaching a hill:

• Gain momentum on flat ground before the hill
• Avoid stopping midway up a hill if possible
• When descending, slow down before the hill and maintain a steady speed
• Use a lower gear when descending steep hills to help control your speed

4. Be Cautious on Bridges and Overpasses

Bridges and overpasses freeze before regular road surfaces because cold air circulates both above and below them. Be especially cautious when crossing structures like the Champlain Bridge, Alexandra Bridge, or any of the Queensway overpasses during freezing conditions.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

Even with the best preparation, Ottawa's heavy snowfall can sometimes leave vehicles stuck. If this happens:

1. Clear snow around tires: Remove snow from around your tires and under the car to create a path.
2. Improve traction: Spread sand, kitty litter, or even your car's floor mats in front of the drive wheels.
3. Rock the vehicle: Gently shift between drive and reverse to create momentum, allowing the car to rock forward and backward until free.
4. Straighten wheels: Keep your wheels straight when trying to move forward or backward.
5. Know when to call for help: If you can't free your vehicle after several attempts, call a tow truck or roadside assistance.

Ottawa-Specific Winter Driving Considerations

1. OC Transpo and Snow Routes

During major snowfalls, OC Transpo buses may be redirected to snow routes. If you typically drive alongside bus routes, be aware that buses may be operating on different streets following heavy snow.

2. Parking Restrictions

Ottawa enforces winter overnight parking bans to facilitate snow clearing. When the city forecasts 7 cm or more of snow, on-street parking is typically prohibited between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Stay updated with the City of Ottawa's notifications to avoid tickets.

3. The Rideau Canal Skateway

When driving near the Rideau Canal during winter, be mindful of increased pedestrian traffic, especially on weekends and during Winterlude. Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Colonel By Drive, and Elgin Street often see more congestion during skating season.

4. Black Ice on Rural Roads

Ottawa's rural roads in areas like Greely, Cumberland, and Vars are particularly susceptible to black ice. These roads receive less traffic and often have fewer salt applications, making them more dangerous during freeze-thaw cycles.