4 Myths About Driving in the Snow

I know a lot about driving in the snow.  You may even call it an extra curricular activity of mine.  I drive on frozen lakes for fun and I follow tire technology with the same enthusiasm some people follow the NFL Draft.

Living in Colorado, I often hear people talking about driving in the snow (or their reluctance to do so), and I want to set the record straight on a few things.

Here are 4 common misconceptions about driving in the snow:

Myth 1: You need an SUV or 4-wheel drive to get around

For those of us that live along the front range of Colorado, we're no strangers to snow, but unless you regularly travel through more than half a foot of snow on unpaved roads (back-country skiing anyone?), almost all modern cars are acceptable for driving year-round.

As of November 1, 2011 all new cars in the US have mandatory stability control, which means that your car can help keep you on the road. So even if you are regularly traveling to the mountains in the winter, if you have a sedan with good tires you should be able to get around without issue.  Which brings me to my next point.

Myth 2: You need studded snow tires in winter

Let's clear this one up quickly - you don't! This is a hold-over from the days when rubber technology wasn't very advanced and the studs could help grip better in the ice and snow.  Studs are primarily helpful if you are driving on ice, which is not very common if you live in Colorado. These days, studs are mainly responsible for tearing up city streets and noise pollution.  Also, they handle very poorly on dry days.

This isn't to say that tires play no part in keeping you safe during the winter months.

Myth 3: Big, chunky, off-road tires are best for snow

Off-road tires are great, but not in the snow. They are great at riding on rough trails and in the mud. Good tires for the snow will have some things you can see and some things you can't. For example, many all-season and snow tires made today have additives to the rubber like silica to help keep the rubber soft in freezing temperatures. Also, the shape of the tread is very important in helping you stop, go and turn when the roads are dicey.

Big, chunky tires don't work well in the snow because they tend to ride on top of the snow instead of pushing down to the road - making for a slippery commute. Instead, opt for tires narrower tires that have a multi-varied tread pattern.

In my opinion, the best winter tires are found at tirerack.com. They do a great job of helping you select the right tires for your car. And they will ship to you (or to your mechanic's shop).

Myth 4: I can drive faster in the snow if I have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive

All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive helps with just one thing, helping you accelerate. It doesn't help you stop faster, turn more smoothly or have more control while you are driving your car. You're just as likely to slide off the road in your big SUV than in a front-wheel drive car if you are driving too fast for the conditions. The best bet is to use common sense and always drive with care, even if you've been driving in the snow all your life.

Stay safe out there!