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Winter Tire Tips

How to Drive Safely in Snow with Winter Tires: Expert Tips and Essential Guidance

Driving in snowy conditions around Huntington, WV, and nearby areas such as Barboursville, Union Township, and Ona requires careful preparation and expert knowledge to ensure safety and control. At Moses Auto Mall, we recognize the importance of mastering winter driving techniques and selecting the right tires, especially for our valued Cadillac, GMC, and Nissan customers. Whether you're navigating icy roads in Kenova or snowy stretches in Hamlin, understanding how to properly drive with winter tires is crucial. For personalized assistance, feel free to call us at (304) 736-5291 or visit us at 3301 US, Huntington, WV 25705.

Table of Contents

Driving Techniques with Winter Tires

Operating your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions requires deliberate, smooth driving inputs to maintain traction and control. In communities like Union Township and Hamlin, where winter weather can be unpredictable, adopting careful driving habits is essential.

First, accelerate gently using low revolutions per minute (RPM) and shift to a higher gear as soon as feasible to reduce wheel spin. Sudden or forceful acceleration can cause your drive wheels to lose grip and spin, leading to loss of control. Similarly, braking should be gradual and controlled. Applying the brakes too abruptly increases the risk of skidding on slick surfaces. Maintaining an extended following distance—at least double your normal spacing—is vital to ensure enough room for safe stopping.

Steering inputs should also be smooth and deliberate. Avoid sudden turns or jerky maneuvers. If your vehicle begins to skid, gently steer in the direction of the skid to regain traction. This is especially useful for drivers navigating the snowy hills in Kenova or icy bridges in Barboursville where black ice is common.

For optimal winter driving safety, consider equipping your vehicle with the latest winter tires from our extensive inventory, including models like the Nissan Rogue or the rugged GMC Sierra 1500, both built to perform well in winter conditions. Browse our New Vehicle SRP or Used Vehicle SRP for more options.

The 3% Rule for Tires Explained

When replacing tires, especially winter tires, adhering to the 3% rule—keeping the overall tire diameter within 3% of the original equipment—is critical for maintaining vehicle safety and performance. This rule helps ensure your speedometer and odometer remain accurate, preventing misreadings that can impact your driving and maintenance schedules.

Electronic safety systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and traction control depend on accurate tire data. A tire diameter outside the 3% range may cause these systems to malfunction, increasing accident risk. For example, swapping to a tire with a significantly larger diameter might interfere with your vehicle's drivetrain, causing undue stress on components like the transmission and differential.

Before purchasing winter tires, measure the diameter of your current tires and compare it to your prospective new tires. Use online calculators or consult experts at Moses Auto Mall to assist in this process. If you’re upgrading to wider tires, such as moving from a 185/65R15 to a 205/55R15, ensure the overall diameter remains compliant with the 3% guideline to avoid clearance issues with your vehicle's wheel wells or suspension.

For tailored advice and to explore compatible tires for vehicles in Hurricane or Ona, visit our Parts and Accessories department or schedule a consultation via our Service Scheduler.

Starting Your Car in Cold Weather

In colder areas like West Hamlin and Perry Township, understanding the proper engine warm-up process is beneficial for both vehicle longevity and safety. Modern vehicles equipped with fuel injection require only about 30 seconds to warm up after starting in cold weather, which is roughly the time it takes to buckle your seatbelt.

Extended idling is not necessary and may cause increased fuel consumption and engine wear. Instead, begin driving gently, avoiding hard acceleration or high RPMs until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature. Older, carbureted engines may require a few minutes of idling, but for most Cadillac, GMC, and Nissan models available at Moses Auto Mall, minimal wait time is sufficient.

Proper warm-up ensures oil circulates effectively, protecting engine components during cold starts. If you’d like assistance maintaining your vehicle's performance during winter, schedule service at our Service Scheduler.

The 3 C’s of Driving: Care, Caution, Courtesy

Defensive driving is especially important in winter conditions common in Huntington and neighboring areas. The fundamental principles known as the Three C’s of Driving—Care, Caution, and Courtesy—serve as a solid foundation for safe winter driving.

  • Care refers to being attentive to your vehicle’s condition and the road environment. This includes maintaining your winter tires properly and adjusting your driving to current weather and road conditions.
  • Caution involves anticipating the unpredictable behavior of other drivers, who may be inexperienced or impaired by icy roadways. Always expect the unexpected, especially on snow-covered roads near Union Township or Fayette Township.
  • Courtesy promotes patience and respect on the road. Avoid aggressive driving or retaliation against others, as this can escalate dangerous situations during stressful winter commutes.

By embodying these principles, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and maintain safer roads for everyone.

Do Nitrogen-Filled Tires Improve Performance?

Nitrogen inflation is often touted as a superior alternative to normal air in tires, including winter tires, but the benefits are modest for everyday drivers in Ashland and Branchland.

Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, so they escape the tire more slowly, helping maintain tire pressure longer and reducing the risk of underinflation. Additionally, nitrogen is dry, which prevents moisture buildup inside tires, reducing internal corrosion on wheels and valve stems.

However, since regular air is approximately 78% nitrogen, the difference is not dramatic. Regardless of inflation gas, regular pressure checks remain necessary. Mixing nitrogen with air can negate its benefits, and nitrogen inflation may incur extra costs.

For practical purposes, maintaining correct tire pressure using a quality pressure gauge is more critical than the inflation gas itself. Visit Moses Auto Mall’s Parts and Accessories department for tire pressure monitoring tools or schedule a maintenance check through our Service Scheduler.

Best Practices for Driving in Snow

Driving safely in snow-covered areas like Kenova and Barboursville requires preparation and awareness:

  • Vehicle Preparation: Remove all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof before driving to ensure clear visibility and prevent flying snow hazards.
  • Tire Readiness: Use winter tires with adequate tread depth and consider chains or tire socks in heavy snow conditions. Moses Auto Mall stocks a wide selection of winter tires tailored for Cadillac, GMC, and Nissan models.
  • Driving Habits: Reduce speed significantly, increase following distance to at least eight seconds, and apply throttle and brakes gently to avoid skidding.
  • Emergency Kit: Keep essentials such as a shovel, sand or kitty litter, blankets, and a flashlight in your vehicle in case of getting stuck.

If you are interested in upgrading to a winter-ready vehicle or need expert advice on winter tires for models like the Cadillac Escalade or GMC Terrain, explore our inventory online or visit us at 3301 US, Huntington, WV 25705.

When You Should Avoid Driving on Winter Tires

Winter tires are engineered specifically for cold weather and snowy or icy roads but are not suitable for warm conditions prevalent in late spring or early autumn around Huntington and nearby towns.

The soft rubber compounds that provide excellent traction below 7°C (45°F) wear out rapidly on warm, dry pavement. Driving on winter tires when temperatures rise above this threshold can lead to:

  • Accelerated tire wear, reducing tire lifespan by up to 60%.
  • Diminished handling and longer stopping distances due to tread design optimized for snow, not warm asphalt.
  • Increased rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency.

For safety and cost-effectiveness, switch back to all-season or summer tires once temperatures consistently exceed 7°C. If you need assistance with tire swaps or want to invest in premium tires for your GMC or Nissan, use our Service Scheduler or browse our parts selection at Parts and Accessories.

How Cold is Too Cold for Winter Tires?

Winter tires excel in temperatures below 7°C (45°F), offering critical flexibility and tread performance that all-season tires cannot match. Temperatures above this often signal it's time to swap tires to preserve performance and tire health.

In regions like Hurricane and Union Township, carefully monitor local temperature trends. Early fall and late spring can be transitional, making it important to check forecasts before deciding on tire usage. Erring on the side of caution by installing winter tires in late October and removing them by mid-April aligns with best practice and local regulations.

How to Drive Over Snow Without Losing Traction

Maintaining traction on snow-covered roads around Catlettsburg and Perry Township requires a combination of proper vehicle control and tire technology.

  • Acceleration: Apply the gas pedal slowly and steadily to prevent wheel spin.
  • Braking: Use gentle, progressive pressure on brakes; abrupt braking increases skid risk.
  • Steering: Make smooth, controlled steering adjustments to avoid sudden directional changes.
  • Following Distance: Increase to 6-10 seconds behind other vehicles to allow for extended stopping times.

Using winter tires, such as those available for the Nissan Versa or Cadillac XT5, dramatically improves your ability to maintain traction in these conditions.

How to Improve Tire Grip in Snow

Enhancing tire traction in snowy conditions can be achieved with practical measures:

  • Add Weight in Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles: Placing sandbags or kitty litter in the trunk or truck bed increases rear axle traction.
  • Drive in Cleared Tracks: Follow paths already compacted by other vehicles to reduce resistance.
  • Use Tire Socks or Chains: These accessories wrap around tires to improve grip on ice and heavy snow.
  • Invest in Quality Winter Tires: Tires designed specifically for snow and ice, like those sold for GMC and Nissan models at Moses Auto Mall, offer the best performance.

For tire accessories or replacements, visit our Parts and Accessories department or schedule a maintenance appointment using our Service Scheduler.

Safest Speed to Drive in Snow

Adapting your speed is one of the most critical safety measures on snowy roads in places like Barboursville and Ona. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration advises reducing speed by one-third on wet roads and by at least half on snow-packed roads. For example, if the typical speed is 60 mph on dry pavement, slowing to 30 mph on snowy surfaces is prudent.

Driving slower increases reaction time and reduces the chances of skidding or losing control. It also allows more space for braking and maneuvering. Always adjust your speed to current road conditions, visibility, and traffic, particularly when approaching curves, ramps, or bridges.

Service and Trade-In Resources at Moses Auto Mall

Preparing your vehicle for winter driving or upgrading to a new Cadillac, GMC, or Nissan is easy with Moses Auto Mall’s comprehensive services.

Our dealership at 3301 US, Huntington, WV 25705 is fully equipped to support all your winter driving needs. Contact us at (304) 736-5291 for expert advice and service.

Mastering winter driving with the right knowledge, equipment, and vehicle preparation allows you to navigate Huntington and surrounding areas safely. Trust Moses Auto Mall for your winter tire needs, vehicle service, and expert guidance to keep you moving confidently through every season.