On a dry summer road, it might take about 40 metres to stop your car at 80 km/h. On a snowy winter road? That distance can double — or even triple.
Understanding how tires, temperature, and following distance interact can make the difference between a close call and a collision.
Not sure your vehicle is ready for winter? Start with our Winter Car Readiness Checklist to make sure your tires, fluids, and battery are prepped before the first freeze.
Tires grip the road through friction. When that friction disappears — on ice, packed snow, or even wet slush — your stopping distance increases dramatically.
Winter tires are designed with softer rubber and deeper tread patterns that “bite” into these surfaces, restoring as much friction as possible. The result? Better control and shorter stops. But the physics of stopping are only part of the story. To put it all into practice, review our Winter Driving Tips for practical advice on smooth braking, safe spacing, and defensive winter driving.
Want to understand how tire design impacts your safety? Our post Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires: Which Are Right for You? breaks down the differences and when to switch.
Tests consistently show that winter tires outperform all-season tires in cold temperatures — even on dry pavement. At -10°C, a car with all-season tires can take up to 30% longer to stop than one equipped with proper winter tires.
If your tires are worn or unevenly treaded, you may also lose braking power. Learn how to check your tire tread depth properly in our guide Do I Need New Tires? Tire Tread Depth Explained (and How to Check It).
On clear summer roads, the “three-second rule” is a good standard. In winter, double it — at least six seconds. This gives your tires time to grip and your brakes time to do their job.
Try this: pick a fixed object on the roadside. When the car ahead passes it, count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand…” If you reach the same spot before six, you’re following too closely.
Maintaining distance not only protects you — it also protects the roadside workers helping others. When you see flashing amber lights or a stopped service vehicle, remember to Slow Down and Move Over — it’s the law and it could save a life.
Modern features like ABS and traction control can help you maintain control during braking, but they can’t override physics. Good habits — like slowing down early and increasing following distance — remain the most reliable safety tools you have.
If you’re looking to brush up on your driving skills, AAPEX Driving Academy offers hands-on courses that help you handle slick, real-world winter scenarios with confidence.
From the Garden City Skyway to rural backroads, winter driving here means adapting constantly. Ice patches form near bridges, shaded areas stay slick longer, and quick thaws can make puddles refreeze into hidden hazards.
Keeping your tires in top shape and adjusting your driving habits are two of the most effective ways to reduce risk.
Winter safety isn’t just about what’s under your hood — it’s about what’s under your tires. The right gear and the right habits work together to keep everyone safe on the road.
Want to feel more confident behind the wheel this season? Learn safe winter driving techniques through AAPEX Driving Academy, operated by CAA Niagara.