As temperatures begin to drop and winter steps onto the threshold, we start thinking about things we may need to do for our cars. Driving in winter presents several unique challenges, and with it comes plenty of well-meaning but possibly outdated advice.
Let’s set the record straight on some long-standing winter-related car myths:
Myth 1: Your Car Needs to Warm Up a Few Minutes Before Driving in Winter
Debunked: While older carburated engines did need this warm-up time, modern fuel injection engines are managed by an engine computer that compensates for temperature differences. Your car is designed to run efficiently in seconds. Rather than waste fuel and increase emissions idling, you’re better off driving gently for the first few minutes.
Myth 2: You Don’t Need to Check Your Tire Pressure in Winter
Debunked: On the contrary, aside from ensuring you have the right type of tires on, checking your tire pressure in winter is one of the most important things to do. Tire pressure can drop 1-2 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature, and you could end up with underinflated tires that’ll offer poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased wear…which leads to the next myth.
Myth 3: Letting Out Air from Your Tires Improves Traction
Debunked: If you’re using the right kind of tires for the cold season (that is, winter tires), you should inflate them to their specific pressure. These tires are designed to work in cold weather, and leaving them underinflated increases their wear and tear and risks a potential blowout.
Myth 4: Having AWD or 4WD Lets You Drive Normally on Ice and Snow
Debunked: Having AWD or 4WD does offer an advantage when driving in ice and snow. But the drivetrain technology won’t help you if you’re not using winter tires—remember, it’s the tires that are in actual contact with the snowy road surface. The technology won’t help you counter black ice or even stop normally if you’re driving too fast for the weather conditions.
AWD or 4WD will help you navigate tough winter driving conditions, but as the driver, you shouldn’t be overly dependent on it. Drive slowly and keep safe distances from other vehicles.
Myth 5: Pouring Hot Water Speeds Removal of Ice from Your Windshield
Debunked: While hot water does melt ice fast, there’s a reason why you shouldn’t do this if the ice is on your windshield. The rapid temperature change from the hot water can actually cause your windshield to crack. That’s going to cost a lot more than just waiting a little longer for the ice to melt with the defroster.
Speaking of removing ice, here’s another myth you can ignore:
Myth 6: You Only Need to Clear Snow and Ice from the Windshield
Debunked: Turning on your windshield wiper to clear your vision for driving is necessary, true. But not removing the snow and ice from all the other parts of your car (side windows, roof, hood, etc) is, frankly, rather irresponsible.
Why?
Because all that snow can fly off your car and land on someone else’s windshield, possibly causing damage or even an accident. So, be responsible not only towards yourself but towards others who share the road with you. Scrape off as much snow and ice as possible from your vehicle before hitting the road.
TIP: Use winter windshield wipers. They’re designed to withstand snow and ice buildup.
Myth 7: You Don’t Need to Wash Your Car in Winter
Debunked: On the surface, it does look like washing your car in winter is a waste of time (and money if you send it to the carwash). After all, you’re just going to drive out and get it all dirty with snow and sludge in minutes. But that’s before we take into account that road salt and metal aren’t friends.
The salt that goes into melting icy roads also corrodes the metal of your car—with brake and fuel lines being the most susceptible to damage from the resulting rust. Washing your car helps remove the salt and other ice-melting elements to prevent corrosion.
Wash your vehicle every few weeks in good weather, and if weather conditions worsen with messier roads, it’s recommended to get your car washed every week or 1.5 weeks.
Myth 8: Headlights are Only for Night Time
Debunked: Headlights are definitely necessary during nighttime, but if you think about it, it’s more about illuminating low visibility than the time of day. With winter’s overcast skies, turning on your headlights helps other drivers be aware of you, whether approaching from the front or following from behind. Also, turn on the headlights in heavy rain for the same reasons.
Always drive with care, be alert, and stay safe on the roads.