Carol Ford in Labrador City
Good Morning Warren and friends
Brad, I’m still waiting to hear from you how your Volkswagen is fairing.
How did everyone fair this week with the wild weather? My cousins in Labrador have had some pretty wild weather as well. Cold enough to bring any problem with your car to the forefront. That’s what happened to my cousin Duane’s car. He purchased a 2014 Ford Ecoboost and in -37 degree weather found out they didn’t have the right mixture of coolant in the truck and it overheated. They took the truck in but it wasn’t fixed right the first time.
Carol Ford in Labrador City, is 245 kilometers away from them (Churchill Falls). Not sure what happened the first time but I am happy to report the Truck is good again…the coolant was adjusted to -55 concentrate (according to the refractometer) and they changed the thermostat!!! They will be driving back there today to pick up the truck. They are heartier souls than me.
While all this was going on so was the storm on the East Coast. I asked Ford of Canada to give me some ideas of what to do in winter driving. Here they are;
Before you go:
Clear snow and ice from the windows, lights, hood, and roof.
Why?
In case it suddenly lands on your windscreen at higher speeds. Also, top up the windscreen washer fluid so you can keep
the screen clear of road salt and ensure maximum visibility to see where you are going
BE GENTLE
Try to be smooth with the steering and throttle.
Why?
Abrupt inputs can cause slides on slippery surfaces
PULLING AWAY
If one wheel is spinning keep the accelerator partially depressed
Why?
Fords traction control system will slow the spinning wheel, improving traction. If you still cant get grip, try keeping the wheels pointed straight ahead
HILLS
Always leave a large gap to traffic in front of you when ascending snowy hills.
Why?
If you have to stop you may not be able to pull away again
SYNC WITH 911 ASSISTANCE
Assists drivers to place a call to emergency operators in three languages and also gives GPS coordinates of the cars position if you do have an accident
READ THE ROAD
Take extra care in cold conditions when driving over bridges or through wooded areas and roads next to rivers and canals.
Why?
Shaded roads and roads near water are more prone to icing (and on curves entering and exiting highways)
STOPPING
If you need to stop suddenly on snow and ice, fully depress the brake pedal and keep it depressed.
Why?
Fords Anti-Lock Brake System will slow you as quickly as possible while still allowing you to steer
SLIDING
If you start to slide, steer in the direction you want to go.
Why?
This will help you control the vehicle
STUCK
If you get stuck in deep snow, try switching to traction control.
Why?
Spinning the tires can help dig the vehicle out
of trouble. Re-engage the traction control system when the vehicle is free
BE PREPARED
Make sure you have plenty of fuel.
Why?
You can keep the engine running if you get stuck
and need to stay warm. A flashlight, blanket, cell
phone, rope, warm jacket and gloves, snow chains
and a shovel for digging can also come in handy.
A vehicle should always be equipped with appropriate tires. Winter tires offer considerable benefit’s in wintery weather.
(I would also recommend cat litter/sand and a piece of wood that can go under each tire to gain traction.
Let’s chat about cars
