Winter in Saskatoon isn’t just a season—it’s an experience. The snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create a magical landscape, but they also make driving a challenge. As a lifelong Saskatchewan resident and someone who understands the importance of a dependable vehicle, I know firsthand how essential it is to stay safe on our icy roads. Whether you're navigating downtown Saskatoon or heading out on Highway 11, these tips will help you tackle winter driving with confidence.

1. Equip Your Vehicle with Winter Tires

Winter tires are non-negotiable in Saskatchewan. All-season tires might seem like a cost-effective option, but they’re no match for icy or snow-packed roads. Winter tires are designed with softer rubber and deeper treads, giving you better traction and shorter stopping distances when temperatures dip below 7°C.

Pro tip: Make sure your tires are properly inflated—cold weather causes air pressure to drop, which can affect handling and fuel efficiency.

2. Check Your Vehicle’s Winter Readiness

Before the first snowfall, take time to winterize your vehicle. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Battery: Ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. Cold weather can drain a weak battery.
• Fluids: Top up antifreeze, windshield washer fluid (use the winter-grade kind), and oil.
• Wipers: Replace worn wiper blades to handle snow and sleet effectively.
• Lights: Check that all headlights, taillights, and signals are working, especially as daylight hours grow shorter.
• Emergency Kit: Stock your vehicle with essentials like a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, non-perishable snacks, and a small shovel.

3. Slow Down and Leave Extra Space

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay safe on icy roads is to drive slower than usual. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions—not for icy or snow-covered roads.

In the winter, braking distances can double or even triple compared to dry conditions. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. This extra room gives you more time to react if you need to stop suddenly.

4. Learn to Handle Skids

Even the best drivers can find themselves in a skid on icy roads. If your vehicle starts to skid:

• Don’t panic.
• Ease off the accelerator.
• If your rear wheels are sliding, gently steer in the direction you want to go.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes—this can make the skid worse.

5. Be Mindful of Black Ice

Black ice is a driver’s worst enemy because it’s nearly invisible. It often forms in shaded areas, on bridges, and near intersections. A good rule of thumb is to assume ice is present when temperatures are around freezing, even if the road looks clear.

6. Use 4WD or AWD Wisely

While four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) can improve traction, they won’t make you invincible. These systems help with acceleration, but they don’t necessarily improve braking or cornering on ice. Drive cautiously, even if your vehicle is equipped with advanced features.

7. Plan Ahead

Check road conditions before you leave, especially if you’re traveling outside the city. Websites like the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline provide up-to-date information on road closures and conditions. If the weather looks too severe, consider delaying your trip.

8. Clear Snow and Ice Before Driving

Take the time to fully clear snow and ice from your windshield, windows, headlights, and taillights. Driving with limited visibility is not only dangerous but also illegal. Don’t forget to remove snow from the roof of your vehicle—it can slide down and block your view or blow onto other vehicles.

9. Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control is a fantastic feature, but it’s not ideal for icy roads. If your vehicle hits a patch of ice, cruise control can cause your wheels to spin faster, leading to a loss of control. Stick to manual control during the winter months.

10. Drive a Reliable Vehicle

Finally, having a reliable vehicle makes all the difference. Whether it’s a rugged Chevy Silverado to plow through deep snow or a compact Chevrolet Trailblazer equipped with advanced safety features, your vehicle should be up to the task of handling Saskatoon’s winter roads. Regular maintenance and a vehicle you trust are key to staying safe.

Winter driving in Saskatoon can be intimidating, but with preparation, caution, and the right mindset, you can navigate the season safely. Remember, there’s no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to our Saskatchewan winters. Drive safe, and if you ever have questions about winterizing your vehicle or upgrading to a Chevy built for these conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Here’s to a safe winter season!

In the quest for the perfect vehicle, many buyers are turning their attention to pre-owned options available at dealerships. The allure of a reliable and well-maintained vehicle without the hefty price tag has made pre-owned vehicles increasingly popular.

Sherwood Chevrolet, renowned for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, offers a compelling array of benefits that make choosing a pre-owned vehicle an attractive proposition.

Rigorous 150+ Point Inspection

One of the standout features of Sherwood Chevrolet's CPO program is the meticulous 150+ Point Inspection that every vehicle undergoes before reaching the sales floor. Certified Service Experts meticulously go through each vehicle, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance. This comprehensive inspection process guarantees that only vehicles in top-notch condition are deemed Certified Pre-Owned, providing buyers with peace of mind and confidence in their purchase.

24-Hour Roadside Assistance

Embarking on a journey with a Sherwood Chevrolet CPO vehicle means having a safety net in the form of 24-hour roadside assistance. For a minimum of 3 months or 5,000 kilometers (whichever comes first), buyers can drive with confidence knowing that help is just a phone call away. Whether facing a flat tire, dead battery, or any other unexpected mishap, the included roadside assistance adds an extra layer of security to every CPO vehicle purchase.

Manufacturer Warranty

Investing in a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle from Sherwood Chevrolet comes with the added assurance of a minimum 3 months or 5,000 kilometers Used Vehicle Limited Warranty. This warranty, a standard inclusion, provides coverage for unforeseen issues, giving buyers financial protection in the initial months of ownership. Furthermore, for those with a more flexible budget, the option to extend or upgrade to a more comprehensive Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Protection Plan is available, allowing for tailored coverage that suits individual needs.

Exchange Privilege

Sherwood Chevrolet goes above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction with its unique Exchange Privilege. If, for any reason, a buyer is not completely satisfied with their CPO vehicle, they have the flexibility to exchange it within 30 days or 2,500 kilometers (whichever comes first) from the date of purchase. This remarkable offer reflects the dealership's commitment to customer happiness and confidence in the quality of their CPO vehicles.

Opting for a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle at Sherwood Chevrolet not only opens the door to substantial cost savings but also provides an unparalleled level of assurance and peace of mind. The rigorous inspection process, 24-hour roadside assistance, manufacturer warranty, and exchange privilege collectively make the CPO program at Sherwood Chevrolet a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable, high-quality pre-owned vehicle.

One minute you're driving and everything is fine, the next minute you hear a strange noise coming from your vehicle. Despite the temptation to drown out the sound with music, taking a closer listen is the better option. By becoming familiar with the sounds your car makes, you'll not only be able to diagnose problems more quickly, but you'll also help prevent damage to your vehicle.

The following are some common car sounds and how to fix them.

Screeching sound under the hood

What it could mean: A loose or worn serpentine belt
Solution: The serpentine belt drives multiple devices in your engine, including the alternator, air conditioning compressor, and radiator fan. If the sound only appears when you turn on the air conditioning, you can rule out any issues with the other belts. There may not be enough tension, and the belt just needs an adjustment. Having your vehicle serviced will determine if the belt is worn out and needs replacing.

Clicking sound while turning

What it could mean: a torn CV axle
Solution: If you hear this sound when making a turn, it's likely a torn CV axle shaft boot. The tear results in a loss of the grease needed to keep everything lubricated. Without proper lubrication, the parts become dry and start making the telltale sound. It may be as simple as replacing the boot and replenishing the grease. If it's a more severe problem, the CV axle should be replaced.

Rumbling sound while idling

What it could mean: An exhaust leak
Solution: If this sound is most noticeable under the driver's seat, you most likely have an exhaust leak. Your vehicle's muffler would usually silence this sound, but when the exhaust system isn't doing its job correctly, your engine will create a rumbling that vibrates your car. An exhaust leak can lead to serious problems, so you'll want to have your vehicle inspected right away.

Clunking or rattling sound

What it could mean: A worn or broken component in your suspension
Solution: If you experience this type of sound when driving over bumps, it could mean your suspension system is malfunctioning. There are many components involved in this system, so any one of them could malfunction and impact handling, steering, and possibly braking. If you hear the clunking sound, the areas to check include your struts, leaf spring shackles, control arms, ball joints, and shock absorbers.

Thudding sound from your tires

What it could mean: Low tire pressure or improper tire alignment
Solution: If, while you’re driving, you notice your car sounds like an unbalanced washing machine, the issue is most likely with the wheels and tires. Check the air pressure in your tires and make sure they are inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If that doesn't solve the problem, book your vehicle for a tire alignment. A proper wheel alignment is crucial to prolonging the life of your tires, shocks, and other suspension components and will greatly influence your vehicle's performance.

Squealing or grinding sound from your brakes

What it could mean: Poor or worn out brake pads
Solution: Choosing to have brake maintenance service can prevent brake pad issues if detected early enough, simply by having them lubricated. However, some brake pads have a wear indicator that consists of metal that will rub against the rotor once they start to wear beyond a certain point. The rotor is a moving component that interacts with your vehicle’s brake pads. If you hear a squealing sound while driving, your brakes may need replacing.

Low-pitched humming sound while accelerating

What it could mean: A failing transmission, worn-out joints or wheel bearings
Solution: The first step is to rule out a major engine-related issue. You can do this by watching your RPM and speed gauges increase as you accelerate. Next, let off the gas pedal and Coast at a set speed, let off the gas pedal to watch the RPM gauge drop. If there is still a humming noise present, you can rule out the engine. More often than not, the noise is related to a wheel-bearing issue. However, because it could fall under an array of different issues, your best bet is to have a service technician diagnose the problem.

Ticking sound when idling

What it could mean: Low on oil
Solution: Generally, this sound appears when your vehicle is idling, which means an oil change is required. A low oil level can deprive a vehicle's components of necessary lubrication and lead to metal-on-metal sounds.
Pay attention to any sounds your vehicle makes, and if you hear anything unusual, take it to a certified service centre as soon as possible. By getting it looked at early, you will prolong the life of your vehicle and prevent more serious and costly repairs down the road.

If it's time for a routine vehicle inspection, book an appointment with Sherwood Chevrolet Service Centre today!