![]() It’s also a good idea to learn where the traction control button is in case you need to turn it off. While all-wheel-drive systems work automatically, it’s still a good idea to check the user manual for available drive modes that can improve traction in wintery conditions. These tend to require a little more effort to engage than a four-wheel-drive system and can only be engaged in certain conditions. Some vehicles are equipped with differential lockers that can provide even more traction in tricky situations. If your vehicle has a traditional four-wheel-drive system, check your vehicle’s user manual to see how it works. If you recently purchased a new vehicle or have never driven your car in snowy conditions, it’s a good idea to become acquainted with it while the weather’s still good. Ensure that your tires aren’t overworn and monitor your tire’s tread depth." Become Familiar With Your Car ![]() It all goes back to tread depth and making contact with the road. Traction is a big part of safe winter driving - not just getting traction accelerating but also when you’re braking. Ricart also emphasizes how important tires are in winter: Carefully fill up your tires to the correct number and keep an eye out for leaks or drops in pressure as temperatures drop. ![]() A sticker on the inside of your car’s door jam will tell you exactly how inflated your tires should be when they’re cold. Every 10-degree drop in external temperature can result in a one-pound loss in air pressure. Check roughly 10 areas on all of your tires before exploring replacements.Īnother important thing to check on your tires is tire pressure. If you see all of Lincoln’s head or a lot of it, your tire doesn’t have much tread left, which means less traction in winter conditions. With Lincoln’s head facing upside down and toward you, check to see how much of his head is visible. If they’re flat, cracked, discolored, or low on tread, it’s time to replace them.Īn easy way to see if your tire has enough tread is to grab a penny and insert it into one of your tires’ grooves between the treads. Visually looking at your tires is a great way to do a baseline check on their condition. If you only decide to do one thing this winter, check your car's tires. If you don’t have the budget or the space to store a complete set of winter tires, the next best thing to do is to check your tires. So, if you’re looking to get extra traction in winter, a set of dedicated winter tires is a better bet. Very few consumers will actually need snow chains and they’re only legal in a few states. Even vehicles with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive perform better when they’re fitted with winter tires. No matter how good all-season tires are, they can’t compare directly to a dedicated set of winter tires. Image used with permission by copyright holder Check Your Tires You don't have to spend a fortune to find a great wax and to help you with the process, we have a list of the eight best waxes available today. Spending some extra time waxing your vehicle before it starts to snow should result in protection throughout the entire winter. Waxing your vehicle adds an extra layer of protection to your paint, further helping your paint against harmful chemicals that some states use to stop roads from freezing over and the elements. Waxing your car before you drive in the snow is also an important step. If you're looking for the best car soaps on sale, check out your handy guide. While road salt helps keep roads clear and free of any black ice, it’s a nightmare for paint and can cause scratches, dents, and open gashes to rust. use road salt to ensure roads don’t freeze over. The majority of northern states in the U.S. Washing your car will give you a look at any scratches or trouble spots that should be prepared before winter. Wash and Wax Your Carīefore the weather gets really inhospitable, wash and wax your car. He’s kindly shared a few tips for safe winter driving and key areas to keep an eye on when you're winterizing your car. ![]() To get an expert’s opinion on the best way to winterize your vehicle, we reached out to Rick Ricart, President of Ricart Automotive Group in Columbus, Ohio. Still, this guide can help you get your car ready for winter and colder months. So, while there are certain things every driver can do to winterize their car, a true one-size-fits-all method doesn’t exist. Winterizing your car depends on a lot of factors, including where you live, what kind of car you have, and the age of your vehicle.
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