Winter Driving Myths for South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa

We all know that at some point, because of where we've chosen to live, we'll be dealing with what can be stressful winter driving.

Because of that, it would be useful to know which winter driving myths we need to stop clinging to. It can make winter driving safer for us and everyone on the road with us.

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Myth 1: Four-wheel drive keeps you safe on snowy or icy roads.

Four-wheel drive helps with acceleration, but it doesn't improve braking or handling on slippery surfaces. All vehicles, regardless of drive type, are susceptible to sliding on ice.

Myth 2: Pumping your brakes helps you stop faster on slippery roads.

I'll admit it, because I've spent a lot of my driving life in cars without anti-lock braking system (ABS) brakes, I will occasionally still do this. I know it is totally unnecessary, it's just a bad habit.

Pressing and holding your ABS brakes is much more effective on snowy and icy roadways.

Myth 3: Cruise Control Is safe in winter conditions.

Absolutely not! If your wheels lose traction this can lead to a disastrous loss of vehicle control. Never use the cruise control feature in your vehicle on snow or ice-covered roads.

Myth 4: Warming up your engine for a long time helps in cold weather.

According to Consumer Reports, letting your car warm up for a minute or two is plenty even on a cold day. Of course, if you need to defog or de-ice your windshield you'll need to let it run longer. Also, if your vehicle is older than 30 years, you may need to let it run a bit longer.

Extended idling wastes gas and your car actually warms up faster when you're driving.

By the time you get in, start the car, put on your seat belt, and get comfortable, the engine might not be fully warm. But it’s completely lubricated, and it’s okay to drive at this point. - -Consumer Reports

Safe Winter Driving Tips:

• Don't let your gas tank get below half. You don't want moisture condensing in your tank. Plus you might need all that gas if you get stranded somewhere.
• Care for your tires and check monthly to make sure you have the correct pressure in each tire. (Cold winter temps can lower your tire pressure).
• Accelerate slowly to decrease tire spin on icy or snowy roads.
• Reduce your speed and drive smoothly, give your tires the ability to grip the road more easily.
• Allow more distance between you and the vehicles around you.
• Be wary of other motorists who may not be driving as cautiously as you.
• Don't pass snowplows and don't follow them too closely, both of these situations have danger built into them.

For more winter driving tips see Consumer Reports.