Prepared Winter Driving: What the ‘Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake’ Symbol Means & How to Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

November 24, 2022

How to Prepare for Winter Driving

Being prepared for winter driving means having the right tires that are certified for use in extreme driving conditions. You should also consider having a winter driving emergency kit to ensure you are prepared if you become stranded in winter weather. Do you have the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on your tires and a winter emergency kit in your vehicle? If not, keep reading to learn more about how to prepare for winter driving conditions.

What Does the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol Mean?

The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall of winter tires, indicates that they have been tested and proven capable of performing under extreme winter weather driving conditions.

This symbol is identifiable by a pictograph showing a peaked mountain with a snowflake in the middle. The severe service symbol indicates a winter tire can handle snowy and slippery roads, as well as low temperatures, and meets the minimum requirements for providing snow traction.

If you do experience loss of traction, you should try to stay calm. To control a skid, Canada Drives recommends that you stay calm and don’t brake. Instead, ease off the gas and let the traction on your tires steer the vehicle. Steer in the direction you want to go, and once you’re off the ice, you can accelerate again.

‘Controlling a Skid’ Graphic from www.canadadrives.ca/blog/driving-tips/driving-tips-for-winter-in-canada

‘Controlling a Slide’ Graphic from http://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/driving-tips/driving-tips-for-winter-in-canada

If your tires start to slide on the ice and your car starts to spin, it’s called an oversteer. To correct a rear-wheel skid, Canada Drives recommends you ease off the gas. Don’t panic, and don’t oversteer. Simply turn into the slide with your steering wheel to straighten yourself out and gain control of the vehicle.

How to Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

An emergency winter driving kit could save your life if your car suddenly breaks down and you are stranded in the cold. To prepare your kit, include important items like the following essentials outlined by Canada Drives:

The Xtreme Tire Garage Tote Box Comes Free with Every Purchase of Four Tires!

The Xtreme Tire Garage Tote Box is the perfect storage space for your emergency winter driving kit. This foldable box* comes free with the purchase of four tires (tote box only, no items are included with the box*).

Get Ready for Winter at Xtreme Tire Garage!

If you need new, certified three-peak mountain snowflake winter tires, Xtreme Tire Garage can help! We have a wide selection of winter tires bearing the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol that are made to handle a Canadian winter. We can assist you with choosing the tires that are right for your vehicle and driving needs.

We can also help you avoid an unexpected breakdown by getting scheduled for preventative maintenance. If your vehicle does break down, you can bring it in for a vehicle diagnostic to help determine the cause and get the necessary service.

Make sure you’re prepared for whatever this winter has in store!

Contact Xtreme