The winter season, it seems that everyone has a winter driving tip to help you navigate the challenges of cold, ice and snow. Be careful, not all those tips are worthwhile. 

Here' are some of the biggest winter driving myths to help you separate fact from fiction,  

  1. You should warm up your car before driving in cold weather.
    This is a commonly held belief that can actually do more harm than good.
    According to Consumer Reports, your car's engine is fully lubricated after less than a minute of idling. The fastest way to warm up your vehicle is by getting behind the wheel and driving. Warming up your car wastes fuel and causes unnecessary exhaust emissions, but nothing to benefit your engine. 
  2. Letting air out of your tires will improve traction.
    Your car's tires were designed to be inflated to a specific pressure (measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI). Keeping them underinflated won't give your wheels better traction. In fact, it may actually make it harder to stop. Be sure to check your tire pressure regularly during the winter months, lowering temperatures can lead to lower tire pressure. Look in your owner's manual or for a sticker on the driver's side door jamb to find the correct tire pressure. 
  3. Four-wheel drive makes it safe to drive in the snow.
    A four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle can have a definite advantage when driving in snow or ice. But safe winter driving is more dependent on having the right tires and developing good driving habits.
    Even if your car is equipped with four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, traction control, winter tires or other safety features, never let overconfidence replace good judgment and smart driving. Know your limitations as a driver, and don't overestimate your vehicle's capability in a dangerous situation. 
  4. Pouring hot water on your windshield makes ice melt fast.
    While it seems to make sense, hot water on ice-cold glass can be a recipe for broken glass and the puddles can cause a nasty spill.  You can even make a simple homemade deicer spray with a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol.  
  5. You don't really need winter tires.
    With the advent of modern "all-season" tires many assume that winter tires are no longer necessary. In places where the temperatures drop below 45 degrees during the winter months snow tires feature a more aggressive tread pattern and different rubber compounds that remain more pliable when freezing temperatures hit. You will always get better traction in cold, ice and snow from a set of dedicated winter tires. 
  6. There's nothing you can do about black ice.
    Black ice is a dangerous winter condition that can be invisible to an unsuspecting driver. But you are not helpless. If you encounter black ice, maintain your speed and take your foot off the accelerator to reduce your speed. Don't suddenly apply the brakes or gas pedal.  If the back of your car fishtails to the right, turn your steering wheel slightly to the right to regain control of the vehicle. Focus on the direction you want to go. 
  7. Pump your brakes when stopping on ice.
    If your vehicle has an antilock braking system (ABS), you don't need to pump the brakes when driving on slippery roads.  ABS has been required by the NTSB since 2006. If you try to stop on an icy surface, your vehicle will activate ABS automatically by pulsating the brakes as soon as the system detects a wheel skidding. Just firmly press your foot on the brake and maintain steady pressure. You'll feel the brake pedal pulsate and the ABS light will flash on the instrument panel. 
  8. Emergency kits aren't necessary for urban drivers.
    If you're trapped in a winter storm, it could take a tow truck hours to reach your location. And extreme winter weather could make it unsafe to walk to a nearby store or residence. It's important to carry an emergency kit along with you – no matter where you live or drive. 
  9. Winter car washes are a waste of money.
    We can all appreciate the benefits of driving a clean, shiny car in the summer. But keeping your car clean during the winter months is a tougher task. Regular car washes can help remove road salt and other ice-melting chemicals that cause rust and corrosion on your vehicle – with fuel and brake lines being the most susceptible to damage. Regular car washes are an important part of good vehicle maintenance. 
  10. You only need to use headlights at night.
    It's  important to purposefully use your headlights if visibility is poor, even during the daytime. It helps other drivers see you when approaching or following. And, of course, you should always turn on your lights when the windshield wipers are operating in the rain.