Six Winter Driving Myths You Shouldn't Fall For

Yes, it's March, but still, it's snowing! Of course, when you're driving in your N Charlotte in the winter weather, it's a different ball game dealing with snow, ice, or sleet. Our experts are here with the truth on what's fiction or fact about winter driving myths. 

Toyota of North Charlotte winter driving myths

Myth #1 Don't worry about winter weather if you have four-wheel drive

Don't get us wrong, four-wheel drive is an excellent quality to have in your N Charlotte Toyota, but that doesn't mean it will save you from losing control while driving in snow. It is an addition to your safety, but it's not necessarily an excuse to drive as you usually would in bad weather conditions such as a snowy day.

Myth #2 You can also put sandbags in your trunk for better traction

Well, this one is not necessary for your N Charlotte Toyota. Drivers who have to deal with slippery winter driving conditions might have been told to put sandbags in their trunks for better traction; however, this throws your car out of balance. Since most cars today are front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, they are great for traction. 

Myth #3 you can use cruise control in icy or snowy weather 

Unfortunately, you can not use cruise control in icy or snowy weather. This is because cruise control is not meant for winter driving, and it is a bad idea to use it when the roads are slippery. When it comes to driving in bad winter weather, you need to be able to control your N Charlotte Toyota fully. 

Myth #4 Deflate your tires to a lower PSI for better traction 

Myth or fact? Myth. Deflating your tires will not give your N Charlotte Toyota better traction. Some people think this because the lower the PSI, the more surface area of the tire touching the road. But actually, deflated tires have less traction because the tread can't work as well as it should. So, leave your tires inflated to the proper PSI. 

Myth #5 Pouring hot water on your windshield is an easy way to get rid of frost or ice

Yeah, no. If you want to crack your N Charlotte windshield, then sure, go ahead and do this! But we hope that you choose not to! If your windshield is icy or frosted, your glass is cold too. So, pouring boiling water over your windshield might melt the ice away, but it will also cause your windshield to crack or even shatter. Instead, break out your ice scraper or even a credit card to clear your windshield. 

Myth #6 You have to warm up your car before driving it. 

Nope, you only need to give your car 20 seconds to start running and get the oil moving through the engine. This is a pretty common myth: you need to wait for your car to get warmed up. However, some of us might use it as an excuse to scroll through our phones and set up our essentials anyways.

Have any more questions? Contact our experts here at Toyota of North Charlotte! 

If you need more car safety tips, stop by our dealership today! Just book an appointment at 13429 Statesville Road! Then, take exit 23 off I-77 in Huntersville.