Winter driving guide

When it comes to driving in winter weather, the first and best option for you is to stay at home. However, this is not always possible for some people. When you have no choice but to travel in cold weather, it's important to take every possible precaution to stay safe. Here are some tips from our local mechanics for driving in inclement weather. 

Reduce the air pressure by ⅞ pressure

In winter, the air in your tires often compresses, leaving drivers with low tire pressures. Many drivers then go to great lengths to make sure their tires are full. Properly inflated tires are essential for fuel economy and vehicle handling. However, when you are driving in snow, a slight reduction in tire pressure can improve traction. Our mechanics recommend lowering the air pressure to ⅞ of your capacity. You must ensure that your tires do not remain under-inflated and you must re-inflate them to the full recommended PSI once the danger of winter roads has passed. 

Have a windshield scraper

Winter weather often means you can go outside and find your windshield covered in ice. This can force you to wait for the defrost to begin, or use a makeshift ice scraper like an old credit card. To ensure fast and efficient visibility in hazardous conditions, make sure you are prepared and keep an ice scraper in your vehicle. They can be found at most major retailers and are generally a very affordable and reliable investment.

Don't clap in between

When driving in winter weather, it is better not to slam the brakes. Hard braking can cause the vehicle to skid, causing you to lose control of the vehicle. Instead, gradually release the gas pedal and give yourself as much time as possible to stop. You also need to make sure your brake pads are over 1/4" thick for safe and efficient braking. 

Check tire tread

Tire tread is important to the safety and handling of a car at any time of the year, but is perhaps most important in winter weather conditions. The tread of your tires collects snow, helping your tires reach the road. It also gives you maximum control when you get caught in bad weather. If your tires have less than 2/32 of an inch of tread left, you will need to replace them. Here's how you can check tire tread depth using wear indicator strips and other tests. 

Make sure your battery is ready

Why do dead batteries always seem to kick in at the most inopportune moment, such as in winter weather? In fact, there is a clear correlation between low temperatures and dead batteries. Extreme winter weather conditions can drain the battery. In addition, in cold weather, more energy is required to start the car. That's why winter weather is the catalyst for many battery replacements, as batteries nearing the end of their life can't handle the stress. There are a few key steps you can take to prepare for winter battery problems:

• If possible, leave your car in a garage.
• Keep a set of jumper cables in your car, or better yet, a jump start battery.
• If you have a jump start battery, always make sure it is fully charged. Cold weather can also deplete this power level. During extreme temperatures, you may want to consider bringing your portable starter inside your home overnight to keep it charged. Just remember to take it with you again in the morning. 
• If you find that your vehicle is having difficulty starting, have a mechanic check the battery and starting system. This can help you avoid battery issues before they leave you stranded. 
• Make sure the ends of the battery terminals are clean and free from corrosion. 

These steps can help you avoid the stress and hassle of a dead car battery. If you find yourself in need of some help on the road, here's our quick battery start guide. 

Chapel Hill tire: professional car care in winter

When you find that your car isn't ready for winter weather, it's best to have it repaired before snowfall becomes a threat. Chapel Hill Tire professionals are ready to help you and meet all your winter car needs. You can find the lowest prices for new tires and coupons for battery replacements and other car services. Book an appointment here online or visit one of our 9 offices in the Triangle area to get started today!

Back to resources