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Find out moreIs Your Luxury SUV Ready for a QEW Winter? An Oakville Driver's Safety Checklist
Winter driving on the QEW can feel like navigating a completely different highway. One moment you're cruising through Oakville in clear conditions, and the next, you're dealing with blowing snow, slush, and sudden slowdowns near Burlington. For drivers in Ontario, winter readiness isn't optional—it's essential.
If you drive a luxury SUV, you already have some advantages. But even the most advanced vehicles need a pre-winter check to handle what our region throws at them. This checklist will help you assess your SUV's winter capabilities and identify what to watch for during the colder months.
All-Wheel Drive: Is It Really Ready?
All-wheel drive (AWD) gives you traction when accelerating, but it doesn't help you stop faster or corner better on ice. Many luxury SUVs come standard with AWD, but not all systems perform the same way in Ontario winters.
Check that your AWD system is functioning properly before the first snowfall. Some vehicles include drive modes like "Snow" or "Off-Road" that adjust traction control and throttle response. Familiarize yourself with these settings now, not when you're stuck on the QEW during a January storm.
Modern Volvo SUVs pair AWD with active safety technology that monitors road conditions continuously. Features like slippery road alert can warn you when traction is compromised, while systems like BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) help you change lanes safely even when visibility drops.
Winter Tires: The Non-Negotiable
All-season tires aren't enough for Ontario winters. Winter tires remain pliable in freezing temperatures and provide far better grip on snow and ice. If you haven't switched to winter tires yet, schedule the changeover now.
For luxury SUVs, proper tire pressure matters even more. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, which affects handling and fuel economy. Check your tire pressure monthly throughout winter and keep it at the manufacturer's recommended level.
Visibility Systems: Clear Sight in Any Condition
Winter driving demands clear sightlines. Your wipers, washer fluid, and defrosters need to work flawlessly when temperatures drop and road spray kicks up.
- Replace wiper blades if they're more than a year old
- Top up washer fluid rated for at least -40°C
- Test your rear defroster and heated mirrors
Many luxury SUVs include rain-sensing wipers and heated wiper blades that prevent ice buildup. If your vehicle has a 360° camera system or parking sensors, keep them clean—snow and salt can block these sensors and reduce their effectiveness.
Active Safety Features: Your Winter Co-Pilot
Modern SUVs come equipped with driver assistance technology that works year-round, but it's especially valuable in winter conditions. Features worth checking include:
- Adaptive cruise control that adjusts speed based on traffic ahead
- Lane keeping assist that helps you stay centered when road markings disappear under snow
- Collision avoidance systems that can detect vehicles, pedestrians, and large animals
Volvo's safety systems use radar and cameras to monitor your surroundings. Oncoming Lane Mitigation can steer you back into your lane if you drift into oncoming traffic, while Cross Traffic Alert with autobrake helps when reversing out of snowy parking spots with limited visibility.
Key Winter Safety Takeaways
|
System |
What to Check |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
|
All-Wheel Drive |
Test drive mode settings, confirm system activation |
Provides traction during acceleration on slippery roads |
|
Winter Tires |
Install before first snowfall, check pressure monthly |
Critical for braking and cornering on ice and snow |
|
Visibility |
Replace wipers, refill washer fluid, test defrosters |
Clear sightlines reduce collision risk in poor weather |
|
Active Safety |
Test sensors, clean cameras, review system alerts |
Driver assistance features help prevent accidents |
Prepare Before the First Storm
Winter weather on the QEW doesn't wait for anyone. The safest drivers are the ones who prepare their vehicles before the season starts, not after the first snowfall. Review your SUV's winter capabilities, make any needed updates, and keep emergency supplies in your cargo area.
If your luxury SUV is missing any of the systems mentioned here, or if you're thinking about upgrading to a vehicle better suited for Ontario winters, visit our team at Volvo Cars Oakville. We're located right here in Oakville and can walk you through the winter-ready features available across the Volvo lineup.
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