Winter driving can be difficult, and a car load of the wrong information can make it even more so. Below are five winter driving myths and the real truth behind them.
Engines need time to warm up
Many drivers remain convinced that their engine needs some time to warm up before the drive. But most modern vehicles are perfectly fine to drive within seconds of the engine being started. The reason is that most auto manufacturers have replaced carburetor engines with fuel injection systems that circulate oil and other fluids much quicker upon startup.
You should let air out of the tires
Logic says that a tire with less air will have more rubber on the road at all times and therefore better traction. But science says cold weather will lower tire pressure on its own, and that under-inflated tires are more prone to blowouts, faster wear, and diminished handling. Keep your tire pressure the same as the manufacturer’s recommendations no matter the weather.
There’s no reason to wash your car in the winter
Your car is just getting cleaned throughout the winter with all the snow and ice accumulating on it, right? Not exactly. Your vehicle is constantly getting hammered with corrosion-causing road salt in the winter, which should be washed off regularly. And the snow and ice that accumulates on your car is often full of dirt and sludge from the road, so “wet” doesn’t always mean “clean.”
All-season tires are just as good as winter tires
As their name suggests, “all-season” tires should be plenty sufficient for wintertime use. But in order to cater to all four seasons, compromises have to be made in the design of all-season tires. So while they provide improved traction in light snow and mild winter conditions when compared to standard tires, they are not designed for deeper snow, ice, and near-freezing temperatures in the same way that dedicated winter tires are.
4-wheel drive is winter-proof
There’s no doubt that a 4-wheel drive vehicle can have an easier time fighting through unplowed roads. But a 4-wheel drive vehicle has no better stopping abilities than a 2-wheel drive car, and braking is the most important quality in winter conditions. Too many drivers allow themselves to have a false sense of security with their 4-wheel drive vehicle, which in turn leads to even more dangerous winter driving.
Call on Zimbrick
One thing that’s no myth is the quality of service and craftsmanship you’ll find at Zimbrick Body Shops. Should you happen to get in a fender bender this winter, call on the experts at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin, to restore the damage and get you back on the road safely and as soon as possible.
With our contactless estimate, you can get a quote for your car’s damage right from your smartphone. Let Zimbrick dispel the myth that good service is hard to come by.
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