Cold weather car myths
Friday, March 7, 2014, 2:15 PM -
It’s cold out!
During these winter months we all have our tricks to make sure our cars survive the freezing temperatures, but I’m sure we’ve also been given tips that we’re just not sure works.
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Putting sandbags in your trunk can help, but it all depends on the type of car you drive. Traction is determined by a few factors; the weather and condition of the roads, rear wheel or front wheel drive and the type of tires you have just to mention a few. Car manufacturers now cater to specific markets based on our needs. For example, (“slangish”), sedans were usually heavy in the front and rear wheel drive. In that case, people would put sandbags directly over their back tires to provide added weight, which helps when you accelerate.
@Raisa_BTT I put sandbags in the back of my truck right over the wheels for traction and I also carry chains in my truck to put on my tires
— Brent Caister (@BCaister) March 1, 2014
Putting sandbags in your trunk can help, but it all depends on the type of car you drive. Traction is determined by a few factors; the weather and condition of the roads, rear wheel or front wheel drive and the type of tires you have just to mention a few. Car manufacturers now cater to specific markets based on our needs. For example, sedans were usually heavy in the front and rear wheel drive. In that case, people would put sandbags directly over their back tires to provide added weight, which helps when you accelerate.
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Today, most cars have all wheel drive or front wheel drive, which means better weight distribution. For front wheel drive, sandbags are not needed and will actually make driving more difficult! There is already added weight from the engine in a front wheel drive vehicle, putting sandbags in the trunk actually adds too much and you’ll notice the nose of your car tilting up. This actually deters from better traction by making you over steer on slippery surfaces, while also throwing off the balance and suspension of your car. At the end of the day, the best way to get better traction, is to invest in a good set of winter tires.
Plus, as this one Twitter user points out, you may need that extra trunk space for something else!
@Raisa_BTT No I don't put sandbags in the trunk...where would my mother in law ride with us?
— Steve Overend (@SteveOverend1) March 1, 2014
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