Myths About Driving Your Car in the Winter

Is the winter driving advice you’ve been getting from your friends or seeing on social media accurate? Uncover common myths about driving your car in the winter and learn the truth from the knowledgeable team at RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts.

Myth 1: You Need to Warm Up Your Car Before Driving in the Winter

Today’s gas and electric-powered vehicles don’t need to be warmed up before driving. They reach a safe operating temperature in about 30 seconds (only slightly longer for diesel) thanks to improved fuel injection and better-performing oils. In fact, driving your vehicle warms it more efficiently than idling. If you prefer to warm your car for comfort, consider factory or add-on seat heaters, steering wheel warmers, and engine block heaters instead. Never warm your vehicle in a garage or carport – this is a common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Myth 2: Lowering Tire Pressure in Freezing Weather Improves Traction

Underinflated tires actually reduce traction, making it more difficult to stop. Your tires were designed to deliver optimal performance at a specific pressure. Check the sticker on your car’s door jamb or ask our Yakima Valley auto mechanics about optimal inflation levels for your vehicle. Since dipping temperatures cause lower tire pressure, we recommend frequent tire pressure checks in winter months.

Myth 3: Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles are Safer in Snowy, Icy Road Conditions

It’s easy to develop a false sense of security when driving a four-wheel drive vehicle. While four-wheel drive can provide better traction in snow and ice, our car repair crew knows they aren’t invincible. Your choice of tires and tire condition may be more important. No matter what features and technology your car is equipped with, it’s no substitute for smart driving habits and prepping your vehicle for cold weather.

Myth 4: Driving in the Highest Possible Gear Improves Traction in the Snow

A higher gear paired with a light throttle can reduce torque and prevent wheel spin when moving from a stop. But overall - and especially when going downhill - a lower gear gives you more control, allowing you to reduce wheel speed and prevent sliding without relying on anti-lock braking (ABS).

Myth 5: Using Cruise Control Improves Winter Driving Safety

If you’re using cruise control and hit an ice patch, you could quickly lose traction and find yourself unable to recover. It’s better to drive your car manually on snowy, icy roads, maintaining a safe speed and distance from fellow drivers.

Myth 6: You Should Pump Your Brakes When Stopping On Ice

Most vehicles have anti-lock brakes (ABS), which restore traction more quickly and effectively than even the best driver could with manual braking. This technology detects sliding and skidding, pulsating your brakes to help your vehicle regain traction with steady brake pressure.

Myth 7: Pouring Hot Water on Your Windshield is an Easy Way to Melt Ice

Extreme temperature changes cause the glass to shatter. If you pour hot water on an iced-over windshield, you may have to add ‘cracked windshield replacement' to your auto repair list. You could also slip and fall on the puddle of ice left behind. Instead, keep a windshield scraper in your car and upgrade your windshield washer fluid to one with de-icing capabilities.

Myth 8: All-Season Tires are Sufficient for Winter Driving

Given the name, people often assume all-season tires offer effective use year-round. However, the tire service team at our auto repair shop knows that all-season tires do not perform as well as winter-rated tires in frigid, icy conditions. Winter or ‘snow tires’ feature a more aggressive tread pattern and different rubber formulations, remaining pliable to deliver better traction in snow and ice. They’re indisputably the safest option for temperatures under 45° F.

Ensure Safety with a Winter Vehicle Inspection

Now that you’re informed about common winter driving myths, uncover other unknown issues impacting cold-weather vehicle performance. Contact RJ’s Tire Pros & Auto Experts at 509-453-8170 to schedule a seasonal vehicle inspection today.