Make Winter Driving Safer with These 7 Maintenance Tips

Winter driving can be dangerous due to wet and icy roads. You can make things safer by making sure your vehicle is up to the challenge. Experts at CarParts.com gave us these seven maintenance tips for making sure you're ready to hit the road.

In cold and snowy conditions, using winter tires designed for low temperatures and icy/snowy surfaces is critical. Tires rated for these conditions are marked on the sidewall with an “M+S” or 3 peak mountain and snowflake. These tires have special rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold weather, providing better traction.

The right tires aren't everything. Staying up to date with routine and preventative tire maintenance is key and can help reduce the risk of accidents. Tire chains are also essential for driving in extremely snowy or icy conditions, as they provide additional traction, which improves vehicle control. Check local regulations, as some areas may require or prohibit the use of tire chains.

For more, read our article: Do You Have the Right Tires for Winter Weather? Maybe Not.

Allowing vehicles to warm up to the proper operating temperature before use is advised, especially in colder climates. This can help improve the overall performance of the vehicle. Long winter months and harsh conditions can take a toll on vehicles, causing cars – particularly older models – to need more time to warm up before functioning properly.

Ensure the coolant is a proper mixture of antifreeze and water to prevent freezing, and consider a coolant flush if it hasn't been done recently to remove any contaminants. Confirming the ratio of anti-freeze to water is an important step to avoid breaking down in areas with limited visibility, putting all vehicles on the road at risk.

Battery replacement is the most common car repair during cold weather. As temperatures drop, batteries can fail or lose charge, leading to longer crank times or a vehicle not starting at all.

Replacing the car battery every 3 to 4 years is a good guideline, especially in places with longer and colder winter months. Over time, batteries degrade and performance decreases. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s important to routinely monitor your battery's health to determine when a replacement is needed.

Additionally, cleaning the battery terminals helps ensure a good connection.

Ice, snow, and other winter hazards make hydroplaning and skidding more common. As a result, it’s crucial for the safety of all vehicles on the road that a car’s brakes and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are ready to perform at their peak:

• Check brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid.
• Be sure to replace worn brake pads and ensure the brake system is in good condition for reliable stopping power.
• Be on the lookout for an ABS light on the dashboard and if your ABS light is on, consider replacing the vehicle speed sensors or ABS module.

Functioning lights are important to increase visibility as inclement weather makes it harder for drivers to see obstacles like ice or fallen trees, in addition to oncoming traffic. Ensure all exterior lights are working correctly, especially in places with unpredictable weather patterns and fewer daytime hours in the winter months. This includes headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers. Taillights are just as important as headlights in winter months when visibility is poor. Making sure other drivers see you is just as important as seeing them.

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