The Canadian Driver's Guide
Practical guides, checklists, and answers to the questions every Canadian driver eventually has to ask. Written by our team with over 25 years of experience on Ottawa's roads.
Breakdowns and Emergencies
How to Jump Start a Car
Step by step instructions for boosting a dead battery safely, including how to use jumper cables and what to do if a boost does not work.
Read Now → Ontario SpecificWhat to Do After a Car Accident in Ontario
Your rights, the steps to follow at the scene, when to call police, how insurance works, and how to choose your own towing company.
Read Now → Quick GuideLocked Out of Your Car: What to Do
What to try before calling for help, how professional lockout services work, and how to avoid it happening again.
Read Now → ChecklistRoadside Emergency Kit Checklist
Everything you should keep in your vehicle year round plus the extra items you need for Canadian winters.
Read Now → Ottawa GuideCollision Reporting Centre Ottawa
Where to go, when you need to report, what to bring, and what happens when you get there.
Read Now → Popular GuideHow to Change a Tire
A step by step guide to changing a flat tire on the side of the road, including safety precautions and common mistakes.
Read Now →Battery and Electrical
How Long Does a Car Battery Last?
Average battery lifespan in Canada, signs your battery is dying, and when to replace it before you get stranded.
Read Now → Diagnostic GuideHow to Tell if Your Alternator is Bad
The warning signs that your alternator is failing, how it differs from a dead battery, and what to do about it.
Read Now → Canadian EssentialBlock Heaters: Do You Need One?
What a block heater does, when to plug it in, how long to run it, and whether your vehicle actually needs one in Ottawa.
Read Now →Winter Driving in Canada
When to Change Your Winter Tires
The right time to put winter tires on in Ottawa, when to take them off, Ontario vs Quebec rules, and why the temperature matters more than the calendar.
Read Now → Seasonal GuideHow to Drive During Freezing Rain
With snowstorms, black ice, and freezing rain, driving can be challending in Canada. Learn more on how to drive safely during harsh weather conditions.
Read Now → Seasonal GuideHow to Drive in a Winter Storm
Getting home safely during a winter storm is a priority. Learn more on how to prepare ahead of time and tips on how to stay safe while driving.
Read Now → Seasonal GuideHydroplaning: Driving in Severe Weather Conditions
Losing traction while driving can cause a roadside emergency. Learn how to avoid hydroplaning and how to react when it does happen.
Read Now →Ontario Driving Rules
U Turns in Ontario: What You Need to Know
Where U turns are legal, where they are not, the fines for getting it wrong, and the situations that trip most drivers up.
Read Now → Legal GuideDemerit Points: What They Mean & How You Can Avoid Them
Reckless driving and speeding can all cause you to get demerit points. Learn more on how to keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Read Now → Legal GuideDistracted Driving: Staying Safe on the Road
A second of driving while distracted can cause irreparable damage to yourself and othes. Learn more on how to drive responsibly.
Read Now → Mechanical AdviceCheck Engine Light: What it Means & What You Should Do
A check engine light on your vehicle can mean different things. Learn what to do when you see one.
Read Now →Parking in Ottawa
Parallel Parking: A Step by Step Guide
Parallel parking can look intimidating for some. Learn how to do it with confidence.
Read Now → Parking AdviceParking Ticket: What to do & How to Avoid Them
Getting a parking ticket can be an inconvenience. Learn how to deal with them and avoid them in the first place.
Read Now → Seasonal AdviceWinter Parking Ban: How to Adapt to Winter Parking
Parking in Canada looks different in the winter. Learn how to prepare so you can avoid parking tickets.
Read Now → Parking AdviceStreet Parking: What to Watch Out For
Going somewhere without designated parking? Learn how to park so you can get to where you need to be.
Read Now → Parking AdviceOvernight Parking: What You Should Know
Parking overnight can be challenging. Learn how to do it correctly.
Read Now → PopularParking Enforcement: Rules, Restrictions and Legal Zones
Overnight parking in Ottawa is heavily restricted due to winter snow removal operations and street maintenance.
Read Now →Need Help Right Now?
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