Get holiday ready in Toronto with these handy winter driving tips

The holidays are almost here in Toronto! And for many, that means leaving the city to visit friends and family out of town. On top of bringing festive vibes and wrapped gifts, there's much more to consider when driving. 

Active weather, low visibility, black ice — you name it, Ontario roads have it. 

So, grab a cup of eggnog and check out these tips on how to prepare for holiday driving in Ontario.

Put on those snow tires

Snow tires are designed to perform better in a range of winter driving conditions that are often found on Ontario roadways. Before you hit the road for the holidays, it's always a good idea to make sure your vehicle is equipped with snow tires.

Even if you have four-wheel or all-wheel drive, winter tires are still critical to tackle conditions and get from A to B safely. Remember, they are specifically designed for this and are actually recommended by Transport Canada for all drivers.

The Michelin X-Ice SNOW tire is built to deliver maximum safety in even the harshest winter conditions. Its advanced tread design provides superior grip, traction, and braking on icy and snowy roads — giving you confidence no matter how cold it gets. Plus, it’s backed by a warranty of up to 60,000 kilometres for added peace of mind.

And if you drive electric, you're in luck because all Michelin tires are made EV-ready. The X-Ice SNOW in particular has a tread design that holds up under heavier battery loads and provides energy-efficient rolling resistance so you can go further on one charge.

Pack the car with necessities

As with all road trips, having a well-stocked car is an absolute must, and this is especially true during the holidays.

So, besides packing your beloved casserole and gifts, make sure you also have a snow brush (to clear the car), a pair of gloves, a flashlight, and a small hand shovel.

You'll never know what you might need out on the roads, and it's always better to be prepared for whatever holiday weather throws at you. Pro tip: Top off your windshield wiper fluid before you put the key in the ignition.

Adapt to changing weather

While we can't prevent weather from happening, we can always prepare for how we react to it. Remember to always drive according to conditions, matching your speed to the road ahead.

Slow down, put your hazards on, and stay calm. To reduce the risk of accidents, you may want to avoid passing vehicles in poor road conditions. Driving on a snow-covered road may produce more slush or snow, which can be tricky to navigate, especially when changing lanes.

As Michelin's longest-lasting winter tire, the X-Ice SNOW helps to deliver shorter stopping distances on ice and snow, thanks to its exceptional grip that acts like a claw on slippery surfaces. It's also engineered to resist hydroplaning and stay flexible in deep cold – even in slush and freezing rain.

Check the forecast

A practical winter driving tip is to check the forecast before you hit the open roads. Ontario's winter weather is known for rapid changes, and it's best to avoid driving in active weather if you can.

Double-check the forecast for your area and see if there are any storms or squalls expected. If there are, you may want to consider leaving earlier, later, or even postponing the trip a day or two.

If you do find yourself driving in active Ontario weather, winter tires like Michelin X-Ice SNOW are designed to maintain grip and control, even when conditions are at their worst.

Get holiday-ready with Michelin 

It's the most wonderful time of the year.  Michelin is a trusted name with decades of expertise and cutting-edge tire technology, so you can rest easy knowing your winter tires are working hard to ensure your safety.

From EVs to SUVs, Michelin helps Canadian drivers stay confident, mobile, and in control – no matter how long winter lasts.

To find your perfect tire match, enter your car details, including make, model, and year, on the Michelin website. Safe driving out there!