Cold snaps and busy roads make winter trips less forgiving. Most holiday headaches come from a handful of avoidable habits that turn a simple drive into a roadside delay.
A little prep, a few quick checks, and smarter decisions behind the wheel keep you on schedule and out of trouble.
1. Skipping a Tire Check Before You Leave
Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall, which shrinks the contact patch and hurts traction. Set pressures to the driver door placard on a cold morning, not after a highway run. Look closely at inner and outer shoulders for thin spots, then measure tread depth so you know the tires can move water. If the steering wheel sits off-center or the car wanders, an alignment check is worth doing before a long trip.
2. Relying on Wipers and Defrost to Clear Ice
Wipers are not scrapers. Running them on an icy windshield tears the rubber and can burn out the wiper motor. Use a proper scraper, start the car, set the HVAC to defrost with A/C on to dry the air, and clear all glass before shifting into drive. Do not forget mirrors, headlights, and the backup camera lens. Clear lenses help others see you and let your driver assist work the way it should.
3. Driving on Old Washer Fluid and Dim Bulbs
Summer fluid turns to slush in a cold snap. Fill the reservoir with winter-rated fluid and keep a spare in the trunk. Test all exterior lights, including high beams, turn signals, brakes, and the license plate lamps. If the car has fog lights, make sure they actually improve the view rather than creating glare. Fresh, clear lighting reduces strain on dark, rainy commutes and makes your car easier to spot in spray.
4. Trusting a Weak Battery to Make One More Trip
Cold weather exposes weak batteries fast. Slow cranking, a dim dome light when you turn the key, or a start-stop system that rarely engages are early clues. A quick battery and charging test before you travel can save a jump start at a crowded fuel station. If the battery is more than three to five years old, consider replacing it before the trip, and keep the correct size jump pack on board as a backup.
5. Using Cruise Control on Slick or Standing Water
Cruise control holds speed when your tires need finesse. If the road turns shiny or you pass patches of standing water, switch it off and drive with light throttle. Keep inputs smooth and look far ahead to leave extra space. On long downhill stretches, use a lower gear to control speed rather than riding the brakes. Gentle inputs keep the chassis settled and give traction control less to manage.
6. Packing Like You Will Not Need Anything Until You Arrive
A winter kit is simple and takes up little space. Include a compact blanket, gloves, a flashlight with extra batteries, a phone charger, and a small first aid kit. Add a tire gauge, a 12-volt air compressor, and a quart of the correct oil. If you are heading into the hills, toss in traction mats or a small bag of kitty litter in case you need help getting moving. Keep the scraper and a small brush in the cabin so you can clear the windshield before opening frozen doors.
7. Ignoring Small Warning Signs on the Road
Cars talk if you listen. A new vibration at 55 can mean a tire just lost a wheel weight. A faint sweet smell hints at a small coolant leak that could turn into steam on the next climb. A flashing check engine light means the engine is misfiring and the catalytic converter is at risk. If something feels off, ease up, find a safe place to stop, and take a quick look. A short pause is better than waiting for a tow in holiday traffic.
A Few Driving Habits That Pay Off All Winter
- Leave earlier than usual and add extra space to the next car.
- Signal sooner, brake in a straight line, and keep speed down when the surface looks questionable.
- If you feel the tires start to slide, look where you want to go and steer gently in that direction.
- Keep the fuel tank above a quarter to avoid moisture issues and give yourself options if a detour appears.
Holiday Travel Confidence with Suwanee Service Station in Suwanee, GA
If you want a quick safety check before your trip, we will set tire pressures, test the battery, verify coolant protection, and confirm wipers and lights are ready for winter roads.
Call us to schedule your visit today, or stop by our Suwanee location, and start your holiday drive with a car that feels tight, surefooted, and ready for the miles ahead.
