Introduction
A snowstorm is one of the most unpredictable and dangerous situations for any driver in Ontario. One moment you’re cruising down the highway, and the next, your vehicle stalls in whiteout conditions or refuses to start. Knowing what to do in such a scenario can not only save your life but also prevent further damage to your vehicle. Here’s how to stay safe and protect your car when winter weather takes a turn for the worse.
Stay Calm and Assess Your Surroundings
The first and most important step is to remain calm. Panicking can cloud your judgment and delay the decisions that matter most. If your car breaks down during a snowstorm, turn on your hazard lights immediately and try to steer safely off the road. Avoid stopping on a curve or hill where visibility is limited.
Stay Inside the Vehicle Whenever Possible
Unless you’re in immediate danger (e.g., your car is in a dangerous spot or there’s smoke from the engine), stay inside your vehicle. This provides shelter from the cold, snow, and oncoming traffic. It’s also easier for roadside assistance to find you if you’re with your vehicle. Open your windows slightly to allow airflow and prevent carbon monoxide buildup if you’re running the engine intermittently for heat.
Make Yourself Visible
Visibility is a major concern during snowstorms. Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or hang it out the window. At night, keep the dome light on — it only uses a small amount of battery power and helps rescuers locate you faster.
Conserve Battery and Fuel
To avoid draining your battery or using all your fuel, only run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, as this can lead to deadly carbon monoxide buildup inside the car. Use blankets or extra layers of clothing to retain body heat between engine cycles.
Call for Help and Share Your Location
As soon as it’s safe to do so, use your phone to call roadside assistance, a tow truck, or emergency services if needed. Share your exact location using your GPS. If you don’t have data or signal, try texting — sometimes messages go through even when calls won’t.
Keep an Emergency Winter Kit in Your Vehicle
Preparedness goes a long way in Canadian winters. A well-stocked winter emergency kit should include:
- A blanket or sleeping bag
- Extra gloves, hats, and socks
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Ice scraper and shovel
- Non-perishable snacks and water
- Phone charger or power bank
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Booster cables
How Mann Auto Collision Centre Can Help
At Mann Auto Collision Centre, we know that winter emergencies can happen at any time. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency towing, roadside assistance, and full-service winter repair support. If your vehicle suffers damage during a breakdown — whether it’s from snowbank impact, ice build-up undercarriage damage, or exposure to road salt — our expert technicians will assess and repair the issue promptly.
We also offer comprehensive post-storm inspections, rust-proofing, and underbody protection to prevent long-term damage from ice, salt, and moisture. Our team is here to get your vehicle back on the road quickly, safely, and winter-ready.
Final Thoughts
Breaking down in a snowstorm is scary — but being prepared can keep you safe and protect your car from further damage. If your vehicle needs post-storm repairs, diagnostics, or a winterization check-up, Mann Auto Collision Centre is your trusted partner across the GTA.
Insurance providers we work with
