Three Myths about Driving in Winter Weather Debunked

When you live in a region that experiences ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, you know that driving is something you often have to plan for. You check the weather, you make sure you can access your ice scraper, you chain your tires -- it takes a lot to get you from point A to point B safely if you don't drive a monster known for rough terrains like a Rocky Ridge truck. That being said, some of the precautions you're taking could be doing more harm than good. If you've got a lot of commuting to do this winter season, play it safe -- here are some things you might have been doing wrong all along.

Myth: If your car has all wheel drive, you've got no reason to worry.

Fact: It's true that four-wheel drive can help you out of a snow-filled driveway in a hurry and will make the most of the traction your tires have to offer, but you still have to be mindful when stopping and taking corners. When it comes to slowing to a stop, it's not about traction, per se, but more about the grip your tires have on the road -- and if there's ice on the road, that grip isn't going to be very strong. In the case of snow, it's important to have tires that are known to do well in winter weather.

Which brings us to our second myth...

Myth: Winter tires aren't worth it unless you live in a particularly snowy climate.

Fact: Winter tires most definitely handle better on snowy roads than standard tires, but that's not their only benefit. Standard tires are made of all rubber, and rubber stiffens in the cold. The latest version of winter tires, however, are made of a mixture of materials so that they remain flexible and contribute to better traction. This will make it easier to brake and handle, even if it's not snowing.

In the same vein, all-season tires are not just as good as winter tires for winter driving. Surely, they're designed with winter in mind, but they cater to summer temperatures, as well. If you want the best tires for driving in the ice, snow, and cold temperatures, winter tires are always going to be your best bet.

Myth: You should under-inflate your tires to get the best traction.

Fact: Under-inflating is bad for your tires. They're meant to be kept at a certain level of pressure, and driving on tires that are significantly below that pressure could cause damage, which will do more harm than good.

It Could Happen to You: Secure Your Car this Holiday Season!

It's one of those things that you hear about on the news, you're aware is a distinct possibility, and yet you never think it could happen to you: leaving that last store after a long day of shopping to find that your car window has been broken in, and all your Christmas gifts stolen. Leaving your spouse's gift in the trunk, not wanting them to see it on your way into the house, only to find that it's gone the next morning.

The holidays should be a time for generosity, but unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world and burglars know that this is the best time of year to loot vehicles. "Better safe than sorry," they always say, and there's never been a better time to make that your mantra. So, if you've no choice but to leave some gifts in your car – whether for a quick trip into the grocery store or for a few days until you can sneak them inside – it's a good idea to revisit ways to keep your vehicle secure.

Don't Shop Alone

If you know you're going to be getting a lot of shopping done one day, bring a helper. A lot of people will leave the mall to drop off some of their purchases since they're too much to carry around; then, they'll re-enter the mall and return to shopping. You never know when a potential thief is watching, so it's best to keep whatever you buy with you until the end of the day. Consolidate bags and take advantage of mall shopping carts. If you don't have another option, then move your car to a different parking spot after your first trip.

Lock your Doors – And Make Sure they Work!

If you're in the habit of leaving your car doors unlocked because you're not normally the type to leave valuables inside, get into the habit of locking your doors now. And, of course, make sure that all the locks work.

Keep Gifts Covered

It sounds like common sense, but many shoppers in their haste forget to do it. Don't leave any bags out in the open on the back seat; instead, cover them completely with a blanket, or put them in the trunk. Don't give burglars an incentive for smashing in your window!

Park in a Well-Lit Area

Malls and stores are open late during the holiday seasons, and you might want to take advantage of those after-work hours. If you do, park directly under a streetlight and don't linger until closing. If you're directly under a lamp, a burglar would be easier to identify, and this may deter them. Also, if you arrive at the mall while it's crowded, but leave when the crowd is thinning out, your car may end up parked alone in the back of a lot, making it the perfect target.

As your South Jersey car dealership, we just want you to have a safe, happy, and incident-free holiday. You can never be too cautious, and the holidays are the worst time of year to fall victim to burglary, so be mindful when shopping this holiday season!

Winterize Your Pickup

Many people don't think about prepping their Chevy trucks for winter because of how tough they are. They can take on anything, right? However, when you stop and think about the freezing temperatures, the black ice, the heavy snow, and the wind, you'll remember that vehicles need proper attention to stay strong. It's important to winterize your truck so that the vehicle stays in top shape and you aren't placed in danger on the road. Take the time to check these key parts of your pickup: 

Battery

No need to run to the mechanic to do a quick battery check. Just make sure that there is water covering the lead plates that are located inside your vehicle's battery. If not, all you need to do is add some distilled water and let your battery recharge for a few minutes. While you're under the hood, it's also important to make sure that the terminals and cables leading to your battery are tight and clean of debris. For more detailed information on how to check your battery visit, wikiHow.

Tires

Making sure that your tires are in tiptop shape is one of the most crucial parts of winterizing your truck. First, you want to make sure that your tires have a good tread and that you have the correct tire pressure. It's common for tire pressure to drop in cold weather so, in many cases, manufacturers suggest inflating tires a few more pounds than normal. Be sure to check your owner's manual to see what the suggested pressure is. If you need tires to get through the winter, you should do some research to see which tires have the best ratings. ConsumerSearch has great reviews on the top winter tires for your truck.

Windshield

Since visibility is often a problem during ice and snowstorms, it's imperative that you check your washer solution and wiper blades. It is also strongly suggested that you change the blades every six months. Further, when turning on your wipers, it's important to make sure that your windshield is free of ice or frozen rain since these can damage your blades. Be sure to have extra windshield fluid available because you will probably need to refill it at least a couple times throughout the winter.

By following this handy advice, you will keep Rocky Ridge Chevy trucks performing throughout the cold winter months.