Published · MyTow
Prepare your vehicle before the first snowfall
- Install winter tires — they grip far better than all-season tires in cold, snow and ice
- Have your battery tested; cold weather is hard on weak batteries
- Top up winter-rated windshield washer fluid and replace worn wiper blades
- Keep at least half a tank of fuel
- Pack a winter emergency kit
Check conditions before you leave
Look up road conditions and closures on Ontario 511 before longer trips, especially on the 400-series highways. If a storm is forecast, consider delaying travel.
Clear your whole vehicle
Remove snow and ice from every window, mirror, light and the roof. Snow left on the roof can slide over your windshield or blow onto other drivers.
Drive for the conditions
- Reduce your speed — posted limits are for ideal conditions
- Leave much more following distance than usual
- Accelerate, brake and steer gently
- Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas
- Don't use cruise control on slippery roads
- Give snowplows plenty of room and never pass them on the right
If you start to skid
Ease off the accelerator, look and steer where you want the vehicle to go, and avoid slamming the brakes. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, press firmly and steadily and let the system work.
If you slide off the road or get stuck
Stay with your vehicle if it's safe, turn on your hazard lights, and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow if you run the engine for heat. If anyone is hurt or you're blocking a live lane, call 911 first. Otherwise, request help with your exact location.
Need towing or roadside assistance in the GTA?
Depending on your situation, explore winching & recovery, battery boost, emergency towing. MyTow is a digital app where you can request a tow or roadside assistance in less than one minute. This is the time to submit your request, not a truck arrival estimate. Arrival depends on your location, traffic and dispatch coverage.
Review towing and roadside assistance pricing factors and how MyTow’s online request process works.
This guide is general information, not legal or mechanical advice. In an emergency, call 911.
