Busting winter driving myths: what really keeps you safe on icy roads

Driving in the winter is a different kind of beast, especially when some of the most common advice for driving in the snow and cold isn’t always accurate. 

With much of the country set to deal with snow, ice and bitter-cold temperatures, here are some of the most common winter driving myths. 

Pump your brakes on ice

The age-old advice of pumping your brakes while on ice isn’t always true for drivers nowadays. 

Pumping the brakes, when the driver steps on the brake pedal multiple times in a row to stop the wheels from locking up, is an old-fashioned way to prevent skidding on ice that can be counterproductive for many cars. 

According to AAA, anti-lock braking systems, which pump the brakes for you, have become a standard since the 1990s. These days, most cars have anti-locking brakes, but it’s best to check the manual to make sure. 

So, when cars with anti-lock brakes are on ice, the best practice is to apply steady pressure. 

Gas freezes if you don’t have enough in the tank

This myth is close, but not necessarily true. 

AAA said the gas in the tank won’t freeze until temperatures hit 50 degrees below zero, which means drivers will most likely not be finding a block of gas in the tank anytime soon. 

However, your gas tank can freeze, so drivers should keep more gas in the tank in the winter. According to AAA, this can help minimize the space in the tank for water condensation to form. That condensation could enter your fuel line and freeze, preventing your vehicle from starting and damaging the fuel line. 

o, the more gas you have in your tank, there’s less of a chance that condensation will have a place to form. 

Let your car warm up before you drive

Cars used to need to idle for the carburetors to work and for oils to warm up, but with new technology, as long as your vehicle isn’t older than the early 1990s, you probably don’t need to let your car thaw before you hit the road. 

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that guidance from most car manufacturers says your vehicle is ready to drive after 30 seconds of warming up. 

However, it can take your engine between five and 15 minutes to completely warm up, according to Business Insider. If it’s an extremely cold day, it may not be a bad idea to let your car run for more than 30 seconds before driving off. 

Now, while we’re getting into the deep end of winter and finally starting to see some snow, there are some things you want to keep in mind as you hit the icy roads. 

Slow down

This one might seem obvious, but given the number of people speeding down the freeway in both lanes during a snowstorm, the idea of reducing speed during increment weather appears to be a foreign concept to some Utah drivers. 

The slippier it gets, the more you need to reduce your speed. Stopping on slippery roads can take more than triple the usual distance. Anticipate your moves and turns in advance and keep your steering and throttle input as smooth as possible. 

Clear ice and snow from your vehicle before driving

Again, it may seem like this one is obvious, but there are more cars on the road with snow piled up and ice frosting the windshield than you may think. 

As we’re taught in driver’s education, if you can’t see, you can’t drive safely. If you park your car outside, you’re bound to deal with ice, frost and fresh snow on some mornings. As much as it hurts to stand in the cold for that long, it’s much safer to clear your entire car of snow, frost and ice before leaving. 

Give extra space to the vehicle ahead

When conditions are wet there’s no telling what it will take to avoid an accident, especially if you need to stop. In winter conditions, it’s best to give at least double the amount of space you’re used to for the vehicle ahead. 

Having good tires will help you stop and keep control, but even with new tires it’s best to keep a healthy distance between you and the next car. 

Read the road

During a drive on snowy surfaces, your traction will ebb and flow from moment to moment. Newer cars have a wide array of helpful safety technologies, but they shouldn’t replace your driver instincts and awareness – especially in adverse weather conditions. 

Keep both hands on the wheel, turn down your music, avoid using cruise control and constantly assess how the vehicle and road feel. If you sense a loss of grip on the road, don’t panic. Slow down, take a deep breath and make slow, gradual movements as you keep driving. λ