Stay Safe, Stay Smart & Let’s Survive Winter Together!
Ah, yes. The magical moment when Northwestern Ontario turns into a snow globe overnight. The first snowstorm has a way of surprising absolutely no one, and yet somehow surprising everyone on the road.
At Gary’s Towing, we’ve officially entered the season where snowbanks become parking spots, ditches become temporary homes for pickup trucks, and our dispatch phones transform into the soundtrack of winter. So let’s make this first storm a smooth one with a few friendly reminders from your favourite blue trucks.
1. Winter Tires Are Not a Personality Trait… But They Might Save One
If you haven’t swapped over yet, this is your gentle nudge. Winter tires grip better, stop quicker, and keep you out of our heavy wrecker’s loving embrace.
We personally love the team at OK Tire for our tire needs!
2. Slow Down. No, Really. Slower Than That.
After the first storm, everyone remembers what they’ve forgotten: winter driving is different. On highways like 11 or 17, speed becomes your biggest enemy. Add in black ice, blowing snow, and moose with poor decision making skills and, you get the picture.
Rule of thumb: If you’re questioning whether you’re going too fast… you are.
3. Give Yourself Room to Brake
Tailgating in winter is bold.
Tailgating a plow in winter is olympic level bold.
Stay back, take your time, and let the plows do their job. They’re literally making the road safer for you.
4. Clear Your Vehicle Like You’re Being Judged
We’re not here to shame anyone…but that little “snow mohawk” on the roof? Or the peephole scraped into the windshield? Yeah, that’s dangerous.
Snow and ice can fly off your vehicle like little frozen missiles. Clear the roof, hood, lights, and mirrors before you hit the road.
5. Keep an Emergency Kit (We Promise It’s Not Just for Overachievers)
You never plan to end up in a ditch, but hey, winter likes surprises.
Here’s what you should keep handy:
Blanket
Booster cables
Flashlight
Gloves
Phone charger
Tow strap
Snacks (the important part)
Water
A candle & matches (old school but effective)
6. Don’t Panic If You Slide, You’re Not Drifting in Fast & Furious
If you start to slide:
Ease off the gas
Steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go
Resist the urge to slam the brakes (your future self will thank you)
Panicking only makes things worse.
7. If Trouble Happens, We’re Only a Call Away
Even the most prepared drivers hit rough patches (sometimes literally). Whether you:
Slide into a ditch
Need a boost
Lock your keys and baby (not the first) in the car
Or encounter a tractor-trailer situation only a heavy wrecker can love…
The Gary’s Towing team is out in full force, 24/7.
We cover Kenora, Vermilion Bay, Dryden, Dinorwic, Red Lake, Wabigoon, Ignace, Pickle Lake, Upsala, Shabaqua, Thunder Bay, Dorion, Red Rock, Nipigon, Beardmore, Geraldton, Longlac, Hearst, Cochrane, Schreiber, Terrace Bay, Marathon, Sudbury, and everywhere in between, snowstorm or not.
The first snowstorm is our warmup lap. We’ve got you!
Stay Safe, Drive Smart & Welcome Back, Winter! 😊❄️
From all of us at Gary’s Towing, here’s to a safe, cozy, hot chocolate kind of winter.