Winter driving myths to steer clear of

Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) Atlantic wants to help prepare drivers drive in the winter by sharing five winter driving myths they should avoid.

• Winter Driving Myth #1: Heat your car for at least 10 minutes.

Today’s engines don’t require it. Letting your vehicle idle wastes fuel and won’t speed up warming your vehicle’s engine. At the most, heat your car for a couple minutes, if only for your own comfort.

• Winter Driving Myth #2: Hot water can clear your windshield.

Hot water can cause the glass to crack. The best way to clear your windshield of ice and snow is to use a window scraper and your vehicle’s warm air. Clear visibility is very important, so make sure to leave enough time to properly clear your car of ice and snow, including headlights and taillights.

• Winter Driving Myth #3: AllSeason tires are fine for winter.

With low temperatures, the tread rubber, depth and pattern and biting edges on winter tires provide essential traction in winter. Additionally, they provide far better breaking power in snow and ice – up to 25 per cent. Winter tires are, hands down, the safest option in winter.

• Winter Driving Myth #4: Put anti-freeze in your brake lines to avoid them from freezing up.

Brake fluid is designed to never freeze. It’s not only unnecessary to add anything, but it could cause serious mechanical issues.

• Winter Driving Myth #5: Four-wheel drive helps you brake better.

Four-wheel drive can be helpful in snow, but it doesn’t help

you stop. Braking is the same in two-wheel or four- wheel drive, so remember to always allow extra stopping distance in winter conditions.