Should You Lower Tire Pressure When Driving In The Snow?

Should You Lower Your Tire Pressure When Driving In The Snow?

Unfortunately, we may still have to deal with winter driving conditions for the next couple of months. Snow, ice, and slush make roads more dangerous. That’s why it’s important to be aware of how to stay safe while driving in snow. Have you been told you should lower tire pressure for snow? We’re here to help with tips for driving in the snow. Learn more about winter driving safety now at Mike Anderson Chevy Merrillville!

Is Lowering Tire Pressure Safe While Driving in Snow? 

Often, off-road driving, especially on sand, calls for reducing tire pressure in order to increase the surface area of the tire that comes in contact with dirt, mud, and sand so that the tire doesn’t sink into the unusual terrain. Although this can be a good tip in those situations, you should not reduce tire pressure for winter driving. 

When driving in snow, it’s best for tires to dig in so that the tire is touching the road beneath the snow and giving you better traction. That’s why you should keep your tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level during the winter months. Don’t forget that tire pressure drops in colder temperatures due to denser air, so you should also keep an eye on the pressure to ensure it doesn’t go too low.

Advantages of Winter Tires 

Wondering what the difference is between winter tires vs all season tires? In snowy and icy conditions, the best tires to have are winter tires. They are specially made for the unique weather conditions of the season, from snow to ice to sleet. With deeper grooves and irregular edges to optimize the tire’s grip in snow, sleet, rain, and ice, the tread of snow tires is unique to the conditions it is made for. The rubber used for all-season tires is made for wet and dry conditions, meaning it will begin to stiffen and reduce traction in low temperatures.

Winter tires enhance safety and handling with their special design. The rubber on winter tires is made to remain flexible and soft even in cold temperatures. Preventing your tires from stiffening up, this rubber allows for greater traction and control during the winter. They’ll help avoid spinning on ice or sliding into a ditch. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips

  • Clear Ice and Snow Before You Leave: A key way to stay safe in the winter is to make sure your windshield is free from any ice or snow blockages. You can make it easier by starting your vehicle before you pull out your brush.
  • Slow Down: We know this is basic, but it’s easy to forget it as soon as we’re running late for work or have only a short time to run errands. Ice patches can be anywhere, and black ice means you won’t always be able to tell where danger awaits. Slowing down will also make up for the reduced traction wheels have in the winter and prevent your wheels from sliding on ice.
  • Avoid Using Cruise Control: One of our top winter safety tips is to avoid using cruise control in wintry conditions. Snow, ice, sleet, and low temperature make it more likely that you to lose control of the vehicle. Cruise control cannot react as quickly to slippery conditions, nor can it adjust according to specific patches of ice or slush. 

Visit Mike Anderson Merrillville!

Looking for a Chevy Service Center near me? At Mike Anderson’s Indiana Chevy, we’ve got you covered! Along with our expert maintenance department, we have an expansive inventory of the latest Chevrolet cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as a great selection of used models. Most importantly, we have a staff of automotive experts and professionals to provide you with exceptional customer service no matter which department you need assistance from. Stop in today to learn more about the best winter cars available now!

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