Tag: Winter Driving

6Jan By J.CarterNo Comments
Guides & Maintenance, News

Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe on Snowy Roads

As the winter chill sets in, British drivers face some of their toughest driving conditions. Freezing temperatures and icy roads are a stark reminder that it's best to avoid travel if possible, but when you must hit the road, these tips can help keep you safe.Key TakeawaysAvoid unnecessary journeys in bad weather conditionsSelect appropriate lights for visibility and safetyMaintain a smooth driving style to prevent skiddingDriving on snow and ice requires more than just four-wheel drive. It demands caution, planning, and an understanding of how your vehicle behaves in challenging conditions.The first step is deciding whether you need to go out at all. If it's not essential, staying home eliminates the risk entirely. But if travel is unavoidable, make sure your car is ready with winter tire...
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Why Semi Truck Drivers Prefer Snow Chains Over Winter Tires
30Dec By M.ChenNo Comments
News, Pickup Trucks

Why Semi Truck Drivers Prefer Snow Chains Over Winter Tires

Truckers face unique challenges when driving in winter conditions, especially with the heavy loads they carry. While passenger vehicles can often avoid harsh weather or opt for better-equipped tires, commercial drivers don't have that luxury.Key TakeawaysSemi trucks are required to use snow chains in many areas despite the availability of winter tires.The cost of switching to winter tires for large fleets can be prohibitive, with some commercial vehicles opting out due to budget constraints.In icy conditions, tire chains provide better traction and stability compared to standard or even winter tires.Winter tires offer improved performance on snow but fall short in extreme ice conditions. Semi trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making them more prone to sliding out of contr...
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Snow-Covered Cars? You Could Face Fines in These States!
26Dec By S.MartinezNo Comments
News

Snow-Covered Cars? You Could Face Fines in These States!

Winter's icy grip has arrived, and with it comes the annual debate over whether or not to clear snow off your car. But here’s a heads-up for drivers: some states are cracking down hard on those who don't take this chore seriously.Key TakeawaysNew Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania have laws requiring cars to be free of snow before driving.Pennsylvania's Christine’s Law mandates clearing vehicles within 24 hours after a storm ends.Fines can range from $250 upwards and may include points on your license for negligent driving.It doesn't take much imagination to picture the scene: you've just shoveled out your driveway, but now there's an inch of snow sitting atop your car. You think about scraping it off, then decide against it because it seems like such a hass...
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Cold Weather Battery Blunders to Avoid
12Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
News

Cold Weather Battery Blunders to Avoid

Winter mornings can turn into nightmares when your car won't start due to a dead battery. Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, warns that freezing temperatures significantly strain batteries.Key TakeawaysCold weather can reduce a car battery's power output by up to 50%Heated seats and defrosters draw extra amps from the battery, especially when idling or on short tripsMaintaining your battery’s health year-round is key to avoiding cold-weather woesCold weather slows down chemical reactions in batteries. At 0°C, a car's battery can lose up to 20% of its power; at -17°C, it drops by as much as 50%. Imagine your battery trying to run through molasses—it just doesn't have the oomph.Heated seats and defrosters are lifesavers on cold mornings but are major drains on batterie...
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Winter Tires Beat All-Wheel Drive for Snowy Roads
10Dec By E.WilsonNo Comments
News

Winter Tires Beat All-Wheel Drive for Snowy Roads

When it comes to winter driving, the debate between all-wheel drive (AWD) and winter tires often heats up. But does spending extra on AWD make sense when you can get better grip with a good set of snow tires?Key TakeawaysWinter tires outperform all-season or summer tires in cold weather.A car equipped with winter tires handles better than one with AWD and regular tires.The rubber compound of winter tires stays flexible at low temperatures, improving traction.With the arrival of snowy conditions, many drivers wonder if they should invest in a vehicle with all-wheel drive or stick to front-wheel drive models fitted with winter tires. The truth is that while AWD can provide some benefits on slippery roads, it doesn't match up against dedicated snow tires when it comes to handling and stopping...
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Clean Snow Off Wheels for Safer Winter Driving
6Dec By J.CarterNo Comments
News

Clean Snow Off Wheels for Safer Winter Driving

Winter's grip on roads can be as unpredictable as the weather itself. As we navigate icy streets and snow-packed highways, one often-overlooked maintenance task is cleaning ice and slush from wheel wells to maintain optimal tire balance.Key TakeawaysClean your wheels regularly after winter storms to prevent imbalances caused by hidden ice clumps.A quarter-ounce of weight can throw off a car's wheel balance, making minor snow accumulation significant.Maintain a thick work glove in the trunk for safe and easy access when clearing out stubborn snow from your wheels.Back in the day, before winter tires were commonplace, many drivers relied on all-season radials to get through harsh winters. These days, even with better tread patterns and rubber compounds designed specifically for cold weather ...
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Massive Snow Crash on I-70: A Winter Warning
1Dec By S.MartinezNo Comments
News

Massive Snow Crash on I-70: A Winter Warning

Imagine the shock and disbelief as a chain of events unfolded, turning Interstate 70 near Terre Haute into a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Forty-five vehicles collided in one massive pile-up, yet miraculously, no major injuries were reported.Key TakeawaysA 45-car crash on snowy I-70 outside Terre Haute left zero major injuries.The Riley Fire Department called it the largest wreck they've ever seen.Traffic was halted for nearly six hours before resuming normal flow.On a day when winter seemed to sneak up unexpectedly, drivers found themselves in an icy nightmare. The initial report from Indiana State Police suggested around 20 vehicles involved, but as the snow continued to fall and visibility dropped, that number swelled to 45 cars, trucks, and semi-trucks scattered across I-70.I...
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Winter Driving Tips for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: A Comprehensive Guide
26Nov By AGN EditorNo Comments
EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Winter Driving Tips for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: A Comprehensive Guide

Winter driving presents unique challenges to various vehicle types, including electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), conventional hybrids (HEVs), fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs), extended-range EVs (E-REVs), and traditional gas and diesel cars. This guide offers specific advice for each type of powertrain, emphasizing the importance of battery management in cold weather conditions.Electric Vehicles (BEVs) face significant challenges due to their reliance on batteries that are less efficient in low temperatures. Cold weather can reduce an EV's range by up to 40%, making it crucial for drivers to precondition their vehicles and plan trips carefully, especially when fast charging is required. Preconditioning allows the battery to reach optimal temperature before driving, enhancing perfo...
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