As Mother Nature reintroduces us to snow and winter driving conditions, now is a good time to make sure your vehicle is winter driving ready.

Winter driving usually means longer commutes, slower driving, and an increase in vehicle maintenance.

Along with some obvious tips like driving slower and making the switch to winter tires, Manager of Driver Education for AMA Rick Lang says it's all about changing your driving attitude along with the change of seasons.

“Change your mindset from summer driving mode to a winter driving mode. Realize it’s going to take longer to get to your destination in the winter time, regardless of whatever the road and weather conditions may be, especially on that first few winter snow storms when people are trying to readjust their driving skills.”

No one is immune, as even experienced drivers can run into problems during winter driving, and that's why it's so important that all drivers carry a winter driving kit, says Lang.

“If you are travelling in and around an urban area, you still need a winter driving kit in there, meaning proper winter clothing for everyone who is in the vehicle. If you are going out on the highway, the same winter driving kit, plus I would toss in a blanket, sleeping bag, something like that for each and every person in the vehicle, just in that rare circumstance you may be stuck on the highway somewhere before emergency crews get to you.”

Some other helpful tips include doing a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, which includes checking the tire pressure and fluid level before heading out on a longer journey in the winter.

Emergency kits packed with extra clothing or blankets, non-perishable food, and water are also essential winter driving items in case of emergency along with kitty litter for traction, a shovel to dig you out, all items that could mean the difference between life and death as you get ready to take on another winter in Canada.