Did you know? These winter driving 'tips' are outdated and unnecessary
Jan 04, 2025
DENVER (KDVR) -- Driving in the winter is a different beast, especially when some of the most common advice for driving in the snow and cold isn't always accurate.
When it comes to winter driving in Colorado, it's cold outside, the roads are icy, there's low visibility, steep mountain roads, traffic and snow -- and not for nothing, reports claim Colorado has some of the worst drivers in the country.
Delays, record breaking traffic expected on I-70 this weekend
Despite the road conditions, even some of the simplest advice isn't always right.
Did you know? These are winter driving myths:
FOX31 debunked some of the most common winter driving myths with experts.
Every driver should pump their brakes on ice
The age-old advice of pumping 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.
Denver driving instructor shares tips for safely navigating winter conditions
According to Skyler McKinley from AAA, anti-lock braking systems, which pump the brakes for you, have become a standard since the ’90s. 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.
McKinley said the gas in the tank won't freeze until temperatures hit 50 degrees below zero, so drivers aren't finding a block of gas in the tank. However, your gas tank can freeze, so drivers should keep more gas in the tank in the winter.
According to McKinley, it is true that you want to keep gas in the tank, however, it's to minimize space for water condensate to form, which could enter your fuel line and freeze, preventing your vehicle from starting and damaging the fuel line.
"The more gas in your tank, the less likelihood that condensate will have a place to form," said McKinley.
You need to 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.
CDOT urges drivers to prepare for winter conditions
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, according to Todd Wenzel Chevrolet, a dealership in Michigan.
No matter where you're heading in the winter, be sure to check the forecast and road conditions before you head out, as even these debunked myths won't help much if the roads are a mess.