Debunking Common Winter Driving Myths in New England

Driving through the snowy, icy conditions of New England can be challenging, especially during the winter months.

Personally, I am scared to drive in the icy snow and am always surprised that I don't crush the steering wheel with my hulk strength due to my anxious white knuckling grip.

Many people really rely on certain myths or misconceptions about how to drive and handle their cars during snowy months in these conditions.

However, some of these commonly known beliefs are very wrong and could put you at a greater risk. Let's highlight some of those most common winter driving myths and the actual truths behind them.

Myth: "You don’t need to change your tires if you have all-season tires."

Wrong! According to Lesschwab, all-season tires work for many conditions, but they don’t handle cold, snow, or ice as well as winter tires. Winter tires are made with special rubber and tread designs that provide better grip in cold weather.

Myth: "Using high beams in snow or fog improves visibility."

Wrong! High beams reflect off the snow and fog, making visibility worse. In snow or fog, it’s best to use low beams to avoid that shiny, bright glare and improve your ability to see the road, according to Wagner Brake,

Myth: "Cold weather doesn't affect your cars battery"

Wrong! According to Midtronics, cold weather can weaken your battery’s performance and make it harder to charge, which can lead to a dead battery.

Myth: "You should keep your gas tank near empty in winter so it doesn’t freeze."

Wrong! It's better to keep your gas tank at least half full in winter. A low tank can lead to condensation in the fuel system, which can cause problems. A fuller tank also helps prevent fuel lines from freezing in extreme cold, as per Bemac,

Myth: "If your car starts to skid, you should slam on the brakes."

Wrong! Slamming on the brakes can make the skid worse. In a skid, you should ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and apply brakes carefully if necessary (especially if your car has ABS), as per Colorado law.

Snowstorms are common in Maine and New England, so it's important to stay safe during the winter season. Be sure to keep these debunked myths in mind to stay prepared!