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.