Winter driving safety starts with checking tire pressure, tread and battery health before temperatures drop, then adjusting speed and following distance once roads turn icy. Agencies including the U.S. National Weather Service, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend specific vehicle checks and techniques for snow, ice and black ice.
As temperatures fall across the Northern Hemisphere, road safety agencies issue seasonal reminders that most winter crashes are preventable with basic vehicle maintenance and adjusted driving habits. The guidance below draws on recommendations published by the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as relayed in an Army.mil report on NHTSA's winter guidance.
Preparing the vehicle before winter arrives
NHTSA recommends inspecting tires at least once a month and before long trips, checking pressure when tires are cold — meaning the car has not been driven for at least three hours. The agency stresses that drivers should inflate tires to the level listed in the owner's manual or on the driver's-side door frame placard, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself. Tread should measure at least 2/32 of an inch, and some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of mileage, according to NHTSA guidance reported by Army.mil.
AAA adds that tire pressure can drop significantly as outside temperatures fall, because cold air compresses inside the tire, so it recommends checking pressure weekly through the winter months. AAA also suggests using the 'quarter test' to check tread depth and notes that installing winter tires on all four wheels gives the best traction in areas with heavy winter weather.
Both NHTSA and AAA recommend having a mechanic inspect the battery, charging system and belts before winter, since cold weather reduces battery power and can reduce the driving range of electric vehicles. AAA advises EV owners to precondition the battery while still plugged in and to keep the vehicle charged overnight.
Other fluid and equipment checks recommended by AAA include switching to winter-grade windshield washer fluid, confirming coolant is rated for freezing temperatures, using lower-viscosity motor oil suited to cold weather, and replacing worn wiper blades.
What to pack in a winter emergency kit
NHTSA's recommended kit, as described in the Army.mil report, includes a snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, an abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, jumper cables, a flashlight, warning devices such as flares or reflective markers, blankets, a charged cell phone, water, food and any necessary medications. The NWS lists a similar kit for drivers who travel often in winter: a flashlight, windshield scraper, paper towels, extra clothing, matches or candles, booster cables, a compass, maps, sand, tire chains, blankets and high-calorie non-perishable food.
Tire pressure gauge and portable air pump
Ice scraper, snow brush and small shovel
Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Blankets, extra warm clothing and non-perishable food
Flashlight, phone charger and reflective warning markers
Driving techniques for snow, ice and black ice
The NWS defines black ice as a hazard that forms when wet roads refreeze overnight or when temperatures drop rapidly behind a cold front, producing a coating that is difficult to see because the road surface remains visible underneath. The agency's safety guidance for icy roads includes slowing down and pumping the brakes when trying to stop on snow- or ice-covered roads.
AAA recommends increasing the gap between vehicles to at least five to six seconds on winter roads, compared with the standard three to four seconds in normal conditions, to allow more time and distance for stopping. For acceleration and braking, AAA suggests applying pressure gently and gradually, likening the technique to avoiding breaking an egg placed under the pedal, and using the ball of the foot for finer brake control.
As if there's an egg under your pedal that you don't want to break.
— AAA, describing gentle acceleration and braking technique for icy roads
If a vehicle begins to skid or lose traction, AAA advises releasing the accelerator immediately and steering smoothly in the direction the driver wants the front of the car to go, rather than slamming on the brakes. On vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), AAA says firm, steady brake pressure can be applied once the steering is corrected.
Getting unstuck and staying safe if stranded
AAA's guidance for a vehicle stuck in snow includes clearing snow from around the tires, shoveling a path in the direction of travel, confirming the tailpipe is clear, and then using a rocking maneuver — alternating gently between forward and reverse gears to build momentum. Placing sand, kitty litter, cardboard or floor mats under the drive wheels can add traction; AAA notes that roadside assistance should be called if these methods do not work.
For drivers who become stranded in severe weather, NHTSA's guidance reported by Army.mil says to remain with the vehicle, keep it visible using bright markers, and run the engine only briefly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning — making sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow before doing so.
Checking road conditions before a trip
The NWS recommends calling 511 or checking a state transportation department's website for current road conditions before setting out, and suggests avoiding solo travel when possible during hazardous winter weather.
Key winter driving numbers cited by agencies
Item
Recommendation
Source
Minimum tire tread depth
2/32 of an inch
NHTSA (via Army.mil)
Tire age for replacement
Every six years, per some manufacturers
NHTSA (via Army.mil)
Following distance on winter roads
5–6 seconds (vs. 3–4 seconds normally)
AAA
Tire pressure check frequency in winter
Weekly
AAA
When to check tire pressure
After car is unused for 3+ hours ("cold")
NHTSA (via Army.mil)
Questions
How often should I check tire pressure in winter?
AAA recommends checking tire pressure weekly during winter because cold air compresses inside the tire, causing pressure to drop as temperatures fall.
What is black ice and how do I spot it?
According to the National Weather Service, black ice is a thin, often invisible coating of ice that forms when wet roads refreeze overnight or temperatures drop quickly, leaving the road surface looking clear even though it is slick.
What should go in a winter car emergency kit?
NHTSA and the National Weather Service both recommend a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, blankets, food, water and warning markers, with NHTSA also listing a charged phone and any needed medications.
How much following distance is safe on icy roads?
AAA recommends increasing following distance to five to six seconds on winter roads, compared with the standard three to four seconds used in normal driving conditions.
What should I do if my car starts to skid?
AAA advises releasing the accelerator and steering smoothly in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, rather than braking hard, and applying firm steady brake pressure only after regaining control if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes.
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