Winter Driving Guide: Safety Tips, Hacks and Myths Debunked

Article overview

This article provides everything you need to know for safe winter driving. From preparing your vehicle for the first frost to mastering the roads in icy conditions, you'll find practical advice to help you drive with confidence all season long.

• Essential preparation: Learn the five crucial steps to "winterize" your car, including packing an emergency kit, checking your tires and topping off essential fluids before the snow hits.
• Hacks and myths: Discover a simple DIY de-icer spray to clear your windshield in seconds and learn the truth behind common winter car myths that could be harming your vehicle.
• Safe driving techniques: Master the skills for driving on snow and ice, with clear instructions on how to handle black ice, correct spinning tires and adjust your driving habits for slippery conditions.
• Emergency situations: Get step-by-step tips on what to do if you get stuck in a snowbank, from clearing a path and using the "rocking maneuver" to knowing when it's time to call for professional help.

When the temperature drops and the first snowflakes begin to fall, the roads transform into a completely different environment.

If you’ve ever felt your stomach drop after hitting a slick patch of road in the winter, you already know winter driving is a different beast altogether.

Everything from navigating icy patches and dealing with reduced visibility to simply starting your car in freezing temperatures can be intimidating. However, a little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring you can handle whatever the season throws at you.

Before the details of driving on slick roads, let's start with the crucial first step: preparing your vehicle. Our "winterize your ride" checklist covers the simple but vital tasks you should complete before the first major snowfall to ensure your car is as ready as you are.

Essential winter vehicle preparation

Winter driving demands more than just skill; it requires a vehicle that is ready to handle the elements. Before you hit the road this season, taking the time to "winterize" your car can make the difference between a smooth commute and being stranded in the cold. A well-prepared vehicle not only performs better in harsh conditions but also keeps you safer.

Here are five essential steps to prepare your car for winter, inspired by our video overview, 'Prep Your Car for Winter.'

1. Protect your interior

Snow, slush and salt can wreak havoc on your car's interior, including its carpets. Swap out your standard carpet mats for heavy-duty rubber or all-weather floor mats. These are designed with deep channels to trap water and debris, preventing moisture from seeping into your car's flooring and causing mold or rust issues.

2. Pack a winter emergency kit

Unexpected breakdowns happen, and they are far more dangerous in freezing temperatures. Keep a dedicated winter emergency kit in your trunk that includes:

• A warm blanket or sleeping bag
• A flashlight with extra batteries
• Non-perishable snacks (like granola bars) and water (note: water may freeze)
• Jumper cables or a portable battery starter
• A first-aid kit

3. Monitor your tire pressure

Cold air compresses, which means your tire pressure can drop significantly when the temperature plummets. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose about 1 PSI.

Check your tire pressure regularly, ideally once a week, to ensure it is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. You can find the right PSI for your vehicle either in the owner’s manual or on the door jamb. Proper inflation ensures better traction and handling on slippery roads.

4. Top off essential vehicle fluids

Your car's fluids are its lifeblood, especially in winter.

• Windshield washer fluid: Switch to a "winter blend" that contains de-icing agents and won't freeze in the reservoir or on your windshield.
• Antifreeze/coolant: Ensure your coolant reservoir is full and the mixture is appropriate for freezing temperatures to prevent your engine block from cracking.
• Motor oil: Cold temperatures make it thicker and harder to flow. To ensure optimal engine performance, use oil with a lower viscosity rating suitable for cold weather. 

5. Inspect your car’s tire tread

Tires are your only contact with the road. If your tread is worn down, your car will struggle to push snow and grip wet/icy surfaces, making it harder to steer and propel your vehicle. Use the "quarter test" to check your tread depth: insert a quarter into the tread groove with Washington's head upside down. If you can see all of Washington’s head, your tread is too low and it's time for new tires.

6. Electric vehicle winter tips

For those with electric vehicles, cold weather can slash EV range by up to 40% and slow charging. To conserve the battery:

• Precondition your battery: Warm up the battery before driving by using the preconditioning feature while the car is still plugged in. This helps maintain range and efficiency.
• Keep it plugged in: Whenever possible, leave your EV plugged in overnight. This keeps the battery warm and prevents deep discharge in freezing temperatures.
• Manage charging: Charge more frequently in winter since range can drop by 20–40% in cold weather. Use Level 2 charging for faster replenishment and better battery health.
• Optimize cabin heating: Use heated seats and steering wheel instead of blasting cabin heat—they consume less energy. Preheat the cabin while plugged in to avoid draining the battery on the road.

By checking these items off your list, you ensure your vehicle is as prepared as possible for whatever winter throws your way.

Next, we'll explore some clever hacks to enhance your visibility during those dark, snowy drives.

Driving visibility hacks and common myths

When winter hits, visibility is often the first thing to go. Between frosted windshields and fogged-up windows, just seeing the road can become a challenge. Before you head out, you need clear sightlines, but you don't need to spend a fortune on fancy products or waste time on outdated advice.

Here are some smart hacks and truth-bombs to help you see clearly and avoid damaging your vehicle, featuring tips from our videos How To De-Ice Your Windshield and Winter Myths for Cars That Need to Die In 2025.

The DIY de-icer hack

Scraping ice off your windshield in freezing temperatures is nobody's favorite morning activity. If you are out of commercial de-icer fluid, you can make a highly effective substitute right at home.

The de-icer fluid recipe:

• 2 parts Isopropyl alcohol (also known as: rubbing alcohol)
• 1 part water
• A few drops of dish soap

Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Because alcohol has a much lower freezing point than water, this solution will not freeze in the bottle. Dilute properly for safe usage.

When you spray it onto your icy windshield, it breaks down the ice almost instantly, making it easy to wipe away with your wipers or a soft brush. It’s a simple, cost-effective trick that saves you time and keeps you from shivering while you scrape off your windshield.

Debunking winter car myths

Winter driving advice is often passed down through generations, but vehicle technology has undergone significant changes over the years.

What worked for your grandparents' carburetor engine might harm your modern vehicle. Let’s clear up three common misconceptions.

Myth 1: You need to warm up your car for 10 minutes before driving.

• The fact: Modern fuel-injected engines are efficient and ready to go in about 30 seconds.
• Why: Idling for long periods doesn't just waste gas; it can strip oil from critical components like cylinders and pistons. The best way to warm up your engine is to drive it gently. It warms up faster when moving than it does sitting in your driveway.

Myth 2: Pouring hot water on a windshield is the fastest way to melt ice.

• The fact: This is a recipe for disaster. The sudden temperature change from freezing cold to boiling hot can cause the glass to expand rapidly, leading to cracking or shattering.
• The solution: Stick to a plastic ice scraper, your car’s defroster, or the DIY de-icing spray mentioned above. Patience saves windshields!

Myth 3: Vinegar is a safe, natural defroster.

• The fact: While vinegar has many uses, de-icing your car shouldn't be one of them. The acid in vinegar can damage your car paint, eat away at wax and degrade the rubber seals around your windows.
• The solution: Use properly diluted alcohol-based solutions or products specifically designed for automotive use to protect your vehicle's finish and longevity.

By using the right tools and ignoring outdated myths, you can protect your car and get on the road faster. Next, we will cover how to handle the vehicle on slippery roads.

Driving safely on snow and ice

Once your car is prepared and your visibility is clear, it is time to focus on your driving technique. Driving safely on snow and ice requires adjusting driving habits to account for reduced traction and unpredictable conditions. The key is to be smooth, deliberate and calm with every action, from accelerating to braking.

General winter driving habits

Safe winter driving starts with changing your mindset. Assume that traction is limited and give yourself more time and space for everything.

• Increase your following distance: On dry roads, a 3-4-second following distance is standard. In winter, you should increase it to at least 5-6 seconds. This gives you the extra time you need to react and stop safely on slick snow or icy surfaces. Also, be sure to leave space on at least one side if possible. This gives drivers an open space to steer into if they are unable to stop for something ahead.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Abrupt changes in speed are a primary cause of skids. Apply gentle pressure to the accelerator pedal to get moving and ease off to slow down. Think of it as if there’s an egg under your pedal that you don’t want to break.
• Brake gently: When you need to brake, use the ball of your foot while keeping your heel on the floor. This technique allows for finer control and helps prevent you from slamming on the brakes, which can cause your wheels to lock up and slide, especially if you don’t have ABS brakes.

Driving on black ice

Black ice is one of winter's most dangerous hazards because it is nearly invisible. If you find yourself driving over a patch of it, your reaction is critical. As shown in our video, How to Brake on Black Ice, panic is your worst enemy.

Here are some tips for driving on black ice:

• Don't slam the brakes: Your first instinct may be to stomp on the brake pedal, but this will almost certainly cause a skid. Instead, take your foot completely off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel straight.
• Know your vehicle’s braking system: How you brake on ice depends on your vehicle.
  • If you have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. You may feel the pedal pulse or vibrate—this is normal. It is the system working to prevent a brake lock-up.
  • If you do not have ABS: Use "threshold braking." Gently apply the brakes with steady pressure, applying force just prior to the point where the tires begin to lock up.

Correcting spinning tires

Tires can spin out if you accelerate too quickly, causing you to lose control. If this happens, it is important to know how to correct it without making the situation worse.

Our video, What To Do When Your Tires Are Spinning Out, offers a simple how-to.

• Ease off the gas: As soon as you feel your tires spinning, take your foot off the accelerator. Do not hit the brakes. This allows the tires to regain traction. Once traction is regained, accelerate gently to move forward.
• Look and steer where you want to go: Your car will naturally follow your line of sight. Look toward the direction you want the car to go and make small, smooth steering adjustments. Avoid jerking the wheel or overcorrecting, as this can cause you to spin in the opposite direction.

With these techniques in mind, you will be better equipped to handle the challenges of winter roads. Next, we will cover what to do if you find yourself in one of winter's most common predicaments: getting stuck in the snow.

What to do when your car is stuck in snow

Even the most cautious drivers can find themselves stuck in a deep snowbank or a patch of slippery slush.

It’s a frustrating situation, but panic only makes it worse. With a cool head and the right techniques, you can often free your vehicle without needing a tow truck.

Here are steps on how to escape a snowbank safely and effectively, featuring tips from our video How to Get Out of a Snowbank.

How to escape a snowbank

If your wheels are spinning and you aren't moving, stop immediately. Continuing to hit the gas will only dig your tires deeper into the snow, turning a small problem into a big one. Instead, follow these steps:

1. Clear the area around the car

Before you try to drive out, you need to make a path. Grab your shovel (from that emergency kit you packed!) and clear as much snow as possible from around your tires.

• ·Dig out the tires: Remove snow from the front, back and sides of all four tires.
• Clear a path: Shovel a track in the direction you want to drive.
• Check the tailpipe: This is crucial for safety. Ensure your exhaust pipe is completely clear of snow. A blocked tailpipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to build up inside the car’s cabin.

2. The rocking maneuver

This technique uses momentum rather than raw power to get you unstuck.

• Straighten your wheels.
• Put the car in drive (or a low gear) and gently press the gas just enough to move forward a few inches.
• As soon as the car stops moving forward, apply the brake, shift into reverse, and gently reverse back.
• Repeat this rhythm: forward, reverse, forward, reverse and gradually build momentum until the car rolls over the hump of snow, keeping you trapped.
• Note: Be gentle on the transmission and don’t redline your engine.

3. Use traction aids

If rocking doesn't work, your tires need more grip. You can place materials under your drive wheels (front wheels for front-wheel drive, rear for rear-wheel drive) to create traction.

• Sand or kitty litter: Sprinkle a generous amount in front of and behind the tires.
• Cardboard: Flattened boxes work well if you have them.
• Car floor mats: In a pinch, take the floor mats out of your car and wedge them under the tires. Just be aware this might damage the mats, but it’s often worth it to get home safely.

Knowing when to call AAA

Sometimes, Mother Nature wins. If you have tried digging, rocking and using traction aids without success, or if you are in an unsafe location (like a busy highway shoulder), it is time to stop.

Exerting yourself in the cold can be dangerous, and spinning your tires excessively can damage your vehicle.

If DIY methods fail, staying warm inside your vehicle and calling for professional assistance, such as AAA, is the smartest and safest move. AAA Roadside Assistance has the equipment and expertise to get you out safely without risking injury or damage to your car.

AAA’s service providers play a critical role in winter, rescuing stranded motorists from icy roads and ensuring safe transport during wintry conditions. Drivers can do their part to help keep all first responders safe by adhering to the Slow Down, Move Over law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane when approaching tow trucks, law enforcement, or emergency vehicles. For more information visit: AAA.com/sdmo.

Stay calm and stay informed

Navigating winter roads with confidence comes down to two simple things: preparation and safe driving. By taking the time to winterize your vehicle, you create a solid foundation for safety.

Once you are on the road, remember that smooth and deliberate actions are your best defense against snow and ice. Avoiding sudden movements, such as slamming on the brakes or oversteering, should help you maintain control even when conditions are challenging.

The tips and techniques in this guide are designed to empower you, transforming uncertainty into readiness.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and drive with the confidence that you are ready for the season.