Winter Driving Safety Tips | Have Confidence in Any Weather!
Winter Driving Safety Tips | Have Confidence in Any Weather!
Posted on November 24, 2025
Canadians are among the most experienced winter drivers in the world, but harsh winter conditions can test the most seasoned drivers. With high efficiency wipers, an all-wheel drive system, proper winter tires and a powerful LED lighting system, you can handle some of the worst conditions. Proper winter driving techniques along with Mazda’s suite of safety technologies are designed to help keep you safer – even on treacherous winter roads.
Safety technologies like i-Activsense have been engineered to provide a constant state of alertness, analyzing the environment for risks and helping mitigate them while you enjoy a comfortable – and confident – journey. Think of i-Activsense as your trusted co-pilot and consult these winter driving rules to help you stay safe.
Winter Driving Tips
It's when you apply the brakes that cars tend to slide. Knowing your braking system and how it reacts on ice is key to steering clear of accidents.
- Always apply gentle braking pressure on slick roads.
- Remember to avoid braking on curves by driving through them at a safe, steady speed.
- Give yourself three times the normal following distance to react to any hazardous situations.
Sensing Danger
There’s nothing as unnerving as starting to slide on an icy road. i-Activ AWD uses a sophisticated group of sensors designed to understand what’s happening on the road, in the air, and throughout the vehicle – including the driver’s intentions.
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) can help maintain a set distance and is engineered to warn you when you get too close. If the system detects a high risk of impact, FOW is designed to alert you with a dashboard indicator and continuous warning sound.
Driving Tips for Better Traction
When travelling on snowy roads, try driving outside of the previous tire tracks to give yourself some extra traction.
Mazda’s i-Activ AWD is designed to send just enough torque to the rear wheels to help prevent slippage from occurring. By automatically adjusting between full front-wheel drive and full 4-wheel drive, it provides enhanced traction on any road surface.
Once the system detects any amount of wheel slippage, it is engineered to shut down power to the spinning wheels and sends an appropriate amount of torque to the gripping wheels to counteract the loss of grip. Take your foot off the brake if you start to slide and turn your steering wheel in the direction you’re sliding. When the wheels regain their grip, brake firmly and smoothly.
Service Your Vehicle for Optimal Safety
You are responsible for regularly maintaining your vehicle and ensuring that the materials used are Genuine Mazda Parts that meet factory engineering standards and specifications.
Ensure your maintenance booklet is validated each time a scheduled maintenance service is performed. Failure to perform scheduled maintenance and use Mazda parts as specified by Mazda may jeopardize your warranty coverage.
Ready to book your winter service appointment? Speak with our Service Technicians at West Coast Mazda for all your winter servicing needs!
