Packing the car and heading out on a family road trip can be an enjoyable experience. However, it does come with its challenges, especially in the winter. Before you search the internet for helpful winter car safety tips, find out what’s factual and what’s not. Do we really need to warm our engines before driving away? Should we lower tire pressure in cold weather? Is it actually safe to clear the ice on a car’s windshield by melting it with hot water?

Don’t become a victim of misleading information. Keep reading to learn which snow driving mistakes to avoid and how to care for your car this winter.

The Truth About Idling and Engine Warm-Up

One of the most common winter driving myths is that your car’s engine needs time to warm up before you get in and drive away. Although your body might need more time to warm up, a modern car’s engine does not. In fact, idling, or keeping your car running while it isn’t actually moving, can damage the engine and waste gas. Since technology has improved, gas engines now warm faster, especially once you’re on the road.

If you dread sitting inside a cold car, don’t be shy with the heat. Crank it up to warm the cabin faster and turn on your car’s heated seats (if you have them). Because this luxury is an electrical perk, you don’t have to worry about consuming extra fuel to warm up your seats.

No heated seats in your car? No problem. Several stores, like Walmart and Target, and automotive retailers, like Advanced Auto Parts, sell heated seat covers. Some products even offer a bonus massage option.

Tire and Traction Myths That Cause Problems

Have you ever heard the cold-weather driving advice that lowering tire pressure creates better traction for winter conditions? This information is false. In reality, cold temperatures typically cause tire pressure to drop on its own. Therefore, checking the PSI is an essential part of vehicle maintenance, ensuring proper inflation and that your tires are safe for winter road driving.

The fastest way to confirm your tires’ recommended PSI is to check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. Your tires will also have a printed number. However, this number indicates the maximum pressure they can hold, which is not the recommended number.

When improving your traction is a concern, one of the best steps you can take is to invest in a dependable set of winter tires. However, don’t be fooled by the notion that installing two winter tires is acceptable. It’s not. Having two different types of tires on your car—i.e., a mix of snow and all-season tires—can create an imbalance in traction and handling, leading to a loss of control. Instead, install only four winter tires.

Tire manufacturers specifically design the rubber compound of a winter tire to grip the road with a deeper tread, enhancing your ability to start, stop, and steer your car in winter weather. Popular tire brands include:

• Michelin: The X-Ice Snow is popular for delivering outstanding winter car traction for SUVs, including improved ice braking and hydroplaning resistance.
• Bridgestone: The Blizzak WS90 is a favored option for drivers of sedans, coupes, minivans, and crossovers, and is known for reliability and having a longer tread life
• Continental: The VikingContact 7 delivers dependable traction on snow and ice, handles dry roads well, and is budget-friendly, with sizes that fit most vehicles.

Commonly Misunderstood Maintenance Tips for Cold Weather

Vehicle ownership isn’t cheap. But there are steps you can take to avoid expensive winter car care mistakes. What are some of the most inaccurate and even dangerous pointers we’ve seen on the internet? Read on.

Keeping the gas tank low is OK.

Wrong. The combination of freezing temperatures and a low gas tank can lead to a blocked fuel line and a car that won’t start. If you’re running on E, don’t hesitate to stop at the gas station and add a few gallons to your tank. Along with the potential damage a low gas tank can cause, finding yourself stranded in a storm or stuck on the highway can lead to greater inconveniences and cold-weather risks. Instead, try to keep your tank half full, if not a quarter full, at all times.

Using hot water to clear the ice is safe.

Wrong. Causing an extreme temperature change, like pouring hot water on a frozen windshield, can crack the glass. And when temperatures are well below freezing, that hot water can turn back into ice fast. Further, any water that drips to the snowy ground can create slick patches where you’re walking. The last thing you want is to generate more ice and/or cause a slip-and-fall. Instead, turn on your car’s front and rear defrosters to help streamline the warm-up process, and use a solid ice scraper to clear your car windows.

Routine car washes aren’t necessary.

Wrong. Road salt accelerates corrosion and can damage your car’s undercarriage, brake lines, and places where the paint has worn away. The best preventive measure is to keep your vehicle clean, washing away any salt debris so that it doesn’t build up and cause future deterioration or rust.

Skipping maintenance before a road trip isn’t a big deal.

Wrong. Not only is staying on top of routine maintenance a critical part of car ownership, but it’s also something you should attend to before traveling in the winter. To start, schedule an appointment with a licensed mechanic to check your battery, brakes, headlights, wiper blades, air filters, etc. If you haven’t had your tires rotated or balanced recently, the auto repair shop can inspect them and ensure they are in good condition for winter road travel. Also, get an oil change. Fresh oil will help your engine run smoothly and efficiently. Do you drive an EV? You can reduce battery drain by keeping it charged.

Proven Tips for Safer Winter Driving

While the season of snow and ice can be unpredictable, there are several holiday driving safety tips that can help you get to your family and friends safely. After all, a little holiday road trip prep can significantly improve your peace of mind and those traveling with you.

• Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle: Fill a bag with a blanket, cellphone charger, granola/protein bars, bottled water, jumper cables, reflective triangles, and a flashlight. Keeping these things in your car can help if your car breaks down or you’re involved in an accident.
• Verify your extended warranty is active: Double-check that your extended warranty or auto protection plan is active and includes roadside assistance in case of an emergency. Confirm that everyone in the vehicle has access to the contact number.
• Check the weather and prepare for changes: What is the weather forecast? Remember, it’s not uncommon for weather conditions to change unexpectedly in the winter.
• Don’t slam your brakes on ice: If you encounter icy roadways and your car begins to skid, don’t slam your brakes. Instead, steer your vehicle as best as you can in the direction you want to go. If your car has an ABS (anti-lock braking system), apply steady pressure to your brakes. Do not pump them.
• Refrain from using cruise control: As a driver, you want to be in control of your vehicle at all times. You’re more likely to lose control when you’re not manually controlling it. Should road conditions change, and you hit black ice, you want to be able to react immediately.

Stay Safe with Facts and Trustworthy Solutions

As you get ready for the holiday season, avoid common misconceptions like those mentioned above and practice good driving habits to prepare for winter travel. This means getting your car serviced so it’s ready for any winter conditions you encounter when driving and ensuring you and your passengers are safe along the way.

It’s also important to consider an extended car warranty or vehicle service contract (VSC) for added peace of mind before you leave. Endurance Warranty Services offers protection for unexpected repair costs while traveling. If you don’t have an active warranty on your vehicle, we’ve got you covered with breakdown coverage, 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and more.

Contact an Endurance representative at (800) 253-8203 for personalized assistance, or request a FREE quote for more information. You can also explore our online store to see your price and plan recommendations tailored to your needs.