Winter Driving Myths Debunked
Today, our team wants to debunk some of the most common winter driving myths we hear each year. Knowing the truth behind these myths is important to ensuring you stay safe on the road this winter, so here we go!
Myth: Having ABS brakes mean you can brake like normal.
Many drivers believe that if their vehicle has ABS brakes that means they can brake like normal on any road condition. Unfortunately, this is not true. While ABS brakes can help reduce the chance that your vehicle will skid, it doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen. Even with ABS brakes, you need to drive according to the road conditions. Always brake early and give yourself plenty of time to stop.
Myth: You don’t need to scrape the snow off the top of your vehicle.
After a storm, we see far too many cars on the roads that don’t have the snow cleared from their roof. Not clearing the snow from your vehicle’s roof can create a driving hazard for yourself and others around you on the road. Once you start driving, this snow begins to blow and fly off, reducing the visibility of the cars behind you. There is also a chance that when you brake, the snow will shift and slide onto your windshield, reducing or eliminating your own visibility. Before you begin driving, take the extra minute to clear snow off all parts of your vehicle, not just the windshield.
Myth: SUVs are automatically better in the snow.
Just because a car is higher off the ground, doesn’t mean that it will drive well in the snow. Ability to drive in the snow actually has little to do with the vehicle itself. The driver and the wheels they put on their vehicle are what determine the vehicle’s ability to safely navigate a snowy road. Drivers who use winter tires and drive according to the conditions of the road, regardless of the type of vehicle they’re in, are better equipped for the snow.
Myth: Pouring hot water over your windshield is the fastest way to clear it off ice and snow.
Unfortunately, there is no instant fix to a frozen windshield, but pouring hot water on it is never the solution. If you pour hot water over a frozen windshield, the sudden change in temperature can cause it to crack and break. The best way to deal with a frozen windshield is to use your good old windshield wiper fluid and ice scraper.
Myth: You don’t need winter tires.
This is the number one myth we want to debunk for all of our customers. Winter tires are the most important item to help your vehicle stay safe on the road this winter. They are designed with a special rubber that does not freeze in cold temperatures, allowing the tires to maintain traction on even the coldest of days. Plus, if safety wasn’t enough to convince you, drivers who make the switch to winter tires can get a discount on their insurance! The best part is, this discount applies to both used and new winter tires so you can find the perfect set within your budget.
We hope that this blog was able to dispel some of the winter driving myths you may have believed. If you have any other questions about winter driving, or where you can find used winter tires in Kitchener/Waterloo, give us a call. The knowledgeable staff at our auto shop in Kitchener is here to answer any of your questions.
