To drive safely on wet or icy Texas roads, slow down, leave more space, and brake, steer and accelerate gently. Watch for ice on bridges and overpasses first. Before bad weather, make sure your tires have good tread and correct pressure, and that your brakes, wipers, defroster and battery are in good shape.
Are your tires ready for wet and icy roads?
Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, so they matter most in bad weather.
- Pressure: Cold weather lowers tire pressure. Check it when the tires are cold and set it to the number on the sticker inside the driver's door.
- Tread: Try the penny test. Put a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is low and the tires should be replaced.
- Uneven wear: Wear on one edge can point to an alignment or suspension problem. Our wheel alignment service can help tires wear evenly.
What else should you check before a freeze or storm?
- Brakes: They should stop smoothly without pulling, grinding or a soft pedal.
- Wipers and washer fluid: Replace streaking blades and use a winter-grade fluid that won't freeze.
- Heater and defroster: Test both so you can clear fog and frost fast.
- Battery: Cold weather weakens batteries. Have yours tested if it cranks slowly.
- Coolant: Make sure it is full and mixed to protect against freezing.
- Lights: Check headlights, brake lights and turn signals.
How do you drive safely on icy roads?
- Slow down. Drive well below the speed limit when roads are slick.
- Leave more space. Stopping distances are much longer on ice.
- Be gentle. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly. Sudden moves cause skids.
- Watch bridges and overpasses. They freeze before the rest of the road.
- Clear the whole car. Remove ice and frost from all windows, mirrors and lights before you go.
- Use headlights. They help other drivers see you, even during the day.
- Check conditions first. If roads are icy, the safest choice is often to wait.
What should you do if your car starts to skid?
- Ease off the gas.
- Look and steer where you want the car to go.
- Avoid overcorrecting.
- If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), press firmly and hold steady pressure. You may feel the pedal pulse. That is normal.
How do you avoid hydroplaning on wet roads?
Heavy rain is more common than ice in the Spring and Houston area. Hydroplaning happens when water builds up between the tires and the road. Slow down in heavy rain, avoid standing water, and turn off cruise control. If the car starts to hydroplane, ease off the gas and keep the steering straight until the tires grip again. Never drive into a flooded road.
How do you clear ice from your car safely?
Do not pour hot water on a frozen windshield. The sudden temperature change can crack the glass. Start the car, run the defroster, and use an ice scraper or a de-icing spray.
What should you keep in your car?
- Blanket, gloves and a flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Water and snacks
- Ice scraper
- Phone charger
When to see a mechanic
Get your car checked if the brakes feel soft or noisy, the car pulls to one side, the defroster is weak, or the engine is slow to start. Learn more about our brake repair in Spring, TX.
Want your car ready before the next storm or freeze? R&E Auto Repair is at 930 Rayford Road in Spring, TX. Every vehicle gets a digital inspection with photos and notes sent to your phone, and no work is done until you approve it. If something can wait, we say so. Call 832-585-0229 or contact us to book a visit. We're open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.