How Cold Weather Affects Your Vehicle



Understanding the science behind it all helps explain why winter prep matters:

· Batteries: Car batteries rely on chemical reactions. Cold slows them down, reducing available power by up to 50% at 0°F. Meanwhile, your engine oil thickens, requiring more power to start. That’s why batteries often fail on the first really cold morning.

· Tires: Rubber hardens as temperatures fall and all-season tires start losing traction in temperatures below 45 degrees.  Air contracts, dropping tire pressure. Every 10°F decrease = about 1 PSI lost. In Buffalo’s January lows, your tires could lose 5 PSI in a week.

· Fluids: Oil thickens, antifreeze must work harder, and regular washer fluid freezes solid.

· Brakes: Salt and moisture accelerate rust. Brake lines corrode quickly in Erie, where slush and salt linger.

· Metal Components: Constant freeze-thaw cycles expand and contract parts, creating cracks, leaks, and suspension stress.

In Buffalo and Erie, where subzero stretches are common, these effects multiply.

The Complete Snowbelt Winter Maintenance Checklist



1.    Battery Health: Your First Line of Defense

In upstate New York, we’ve seen drivers stranded simply because their battery gave up after years of wear. A three-year-old battery that cranked fine in September may be dead by December.

Be sure to test your battery before the first freeze. Dunn Tire offers free battery testing as part of our winter prep.

2.    Tires: Traction Saves Lives

• Tread Depth: Worn tires hydroplane on slush and lose grip on ice. Aim for 6/32” or more.
• Winter Tires: Essential for Buffalo, Rochester, and Erie. They’re designed with softer rubber and deeper tread patterns to grip ice and snow.
• Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure weekly. Underinflation reduces traction and fuel efficiency.

3.    Brakes & Suspension

Salt + slush = corrosion. An inspection ensures your brakes won’t fail when you need them most. Potholes formed by freeze-thaw cycles damage suspensions, don’t let small issues go unchecked.

4.    Fluids & Oil

Switch to synthetic or synthetic blend oils, top off antifreeze, and use washer fluid that won’t freeze, blue summer fluid won’t survive a Buffalo cold snap.

5.    Visibility Systems

Replace worn wipers and check lights and keep extra fluid in your trunk. Whiteouts are extremely unforgiving; visibility is everything.

Book a visit to Dunn Tire for winter prep, one appointment covers battery test, tire inspection, brake check, wiper blade check, and fluids.

The 3 P’s of Winter Driving: Prepare, Plan, Perform



1.    Prepare

Clear all snow and ice. Don’t just scrape a small window on the windshield. Snow chunks sliding off your roof on I-90 can blind drivers behind you and cause accidents.

2.    Plan

Check forecasts. Buffalo lake-effect squalls can appear suddenly. Rochester drivers know conditions change by the mile. Leave early, and always keep fuel above half a tank in case you’re delayed.

3.    Perform

Drive with patience. Accelerate slowly, double your following distance, and brake gently. Even AWD SUVs slide on ice.

Building and Using a Snowbelt Emergency Kit



Drivers in the snowbelt know storms can trap you for hours.

What to pack:

• Warm blankets, gloves, hat, socks.
• Ice scraper, snow brush, folding shovel.
• Jumper cables or portable jump starter.
• Bag of kitty litter or sand for traction.
• Portable phone charger (car adapter or power bank).
• Bottled water & non-perishable snacks.
• Flashlight + batteries, reflective triangles, or flares.
• First-aid kit.

How to Use It:

Blanket & Gloves: If your car stalls, conserve fuel by running the engine only 10–15 minutes every hour. Use blankets and gloves to stay warm in between. Always make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow before idling, a blocked pipe can cause deadly carbon monoxide buildup.

Kitty Litter or Sand: Scatter it around your drive wheels (front or rear, depending on your car) if you’re stuck on ice. Where plows take time to arrive, this can give just enough traction to get moving again

Jumper Cables or Portable Starter: If your battery dies in subzero weather, line up another vehicle nose-to-nose and attach the cables carefully: red to positive on both, black to negative on the good battery and a metal ground on the dead vehicle. If you’re unsure, use a portable jump starter, no second car required.

Flashlight & Flares: Flashlight & Flares: Use these to make yourself visible if you’re stuck at night on a busy road like I-90. Reflective triangles or road flares help alert plows and passing drivers to your presence.

Food & Water: Even a short delay can become hours-long in a whiteout. Keeping high-energy snacks and bottled water ensures you and your passengers stay comfortable until help arrives.

Phone Charger: A car adapter or power bank keeps your phone alive for calling roadside assistance or loved ones. In prolonged traffic jams during storms, this becomes essential.

Pro Tip: Do a quick practice run at home, test your flashlight, try using your traction aids, and check that your cables or jump starter work. A few minutes of practice makes using your kit in an actual emergency much less stressful.

Get a free emergency kit checklist at Dunn Tire with your winter appointment.

Real-World Stories: Breakdowns Prevented



• Buffalo Commuter: One customer came in for a battery test in November, it failed under load, so we replaced it. The following week, a cold snap left dozens stranded, but he drove to work without issue.
• Rochester Family: Brake inspection revealed salt-eaten pads. Repairing them early avoided a dangerous failure on an icy school run.
• Erie Driver: One Erie driver installed winter tires. Weeks later, he safely navigated a slushy curve while another car slid off.
• Richmond Resident: Thought winters were mild enough for all-seasons. After sliding on black ice, she switched to winter tires, and hasn’t had a close call since.

Local Winter Weather Challenges in Each Region



• Buffalo: Sudden lake-effect snow. Whiteouts. Heavy plowing.
• Rochester: Wind-driven ice and snow near Lake Ontario.
• Erie: Slush that freezes nightly.
• Richmond: Black ice, freezing rain, less snowplow coverage.

Driving Strategies for Snowbelt Conditions



1.    Whiteouts (Buffalo & Rochester)

Visibility can drop to zero in seconds. Slow down, use low-beam headlights, and avoid sudden stops. If visibility vanishes completely, pull safely off the road, keep headlights on, and stay inside the vehicle until conditions improve.

2.    Slush-to-Ice (Erie)

Slush during the day freezes into black ice at night. Morning commutes are especially treacherous. Increase following distance and avoid sharp steering inputs. If you hit a patch of ice, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.

3.    Freezing Rain (Richmond)

Rain on cold pavement creates invisible ice. Bridges and overpasses freeze first. Treat wet-looking pavement with caution. Keep windshield wipers clean and stocked with de-icer fluid to prevent dangerous buildup.

General Tips: When braking on slick roads, apply steady pressure, never pump the brakes if your vehicle has ABS. If you begin to skid, steer gently in the direction of the skid and stay as calm as possible to avoid overcorrecting. Always keep your headlights on during snow, sleet, or rain to improve visibility for yourself and make your vehicle more visible to others.

Salt, Rust & Corrosion: The Hidden Cost of Winter



Salt keeps roads drivable but destroys vehicles:

• Brake Lines: Corrode quickly.
• Suspensions: Rust weakens joints.
• Exhausts: Pipes rot from salt buildup.
• Body Panels: Wheel wells rust first.

Prevention: Be sure to wash regularly, especially undercarriage. Apply protective coatings and inspect mid-season.

Ask Dunn Tire about rust-prevention services during your winter prep appointment.

Cost of Neglect: What Happens If You Skip Prep


Skipping winter preparation can end up costing far more than investing a little time and money upfront. A dead battery that leaves you stranded could mean a tow bill of $150 or more. Ignoring brake maintenance can lead to failure, with repairs running between $800 and $1,200. Driving on bald tires raises the risk of a crash, leaving you with an insurance deductible and higher premiums. And if salt and slush aren’t addressed, rust damage can accumulate over time, potentially costing thousands in repairs.

Seasonal Maintenance Timing: The 30-60-90 Rule



• Every 30 Days: Tire pressure, washer fluid, wipers.
• Every 60 Days: Battery test, brake inspection.
• Every 90 Days: Rotate tires, alignment, full inspection.

Timing Tip: Prepare your vehicle in October or November before the first major storms hit. Schedule a mid-season check in January to make sure tires, fluids, and batteries are still performing well during the coldest stretch of winter. Once the season winds down, plan a post-winter inspection in March to address any damage caused by salt, potholes, or prolonged exposure to snow and ice.

Vehicle-Specific Tips



Sedans

• Low clearance = high risk of getting stuck in deep snow or plow ridges.
• Winter tires are essential for traction; all-seasons aren’t enough.
• Carry a small shovel and traction aids (sand, cat litter, or traction mats).

SUVs

• AWD/4WD improves acceleration but does not shorten stopping distance.
• Heavier weight can make skids harder to correct, drive cautiously.
• Taller profile makes SUVs more vulnerable to crosswinds on open highways.

Pickup Trucks

• Rear-wheel drive trucks are especially prone to fishtailing on ice.
• Add 100–300 lbs of sandbags, salt, or gear in the bed for stability.
• Keep weight secured and centered over the rear axle.

Hybrids & EVs

• Cold weather reduces range by 20–40%. Plan charging stops in advance.
• Regenerative braking may feel different on slick surfaces, practice in a safe area.
• Keep the battery above 20% in extreme cold to avoid power loss.

DIY vs Professional Prep

Some winter preparation can be handled on your own, such as checking tire pressure regularly, topping off windshield washer fluid, and washing salt off the vehicle to prevent rust. Other tasks are best left to professionals, including brake inspections, battery load testing, tire installation, and suspension checks. Together, these steps ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the toughest winter conditions. Dunn Tire bundles services so you get maximum protection for minimum cost.

Winter Driving FAQs



Do I need winter tires if I have AWD?
Yes, AWD helps with acceleration, not stopping. When it comes to traction, your tires matter the most.

When should I schedule prep?
October or November, before the first storm.

What if I’m on a budget?
Start with essentials: battery, tires, wipers, washer fluid. Add professional checks as you can.

How often should I wash my car?
After every storm to prevent salt corrosion.

Can I use regular oil in winter?
Use synthetic and synthetic blend oil for easier cold starts.

Why Choose Dunn Tire?



• Local Expertise: We live and drive here too.
• Convenience: Multiple locations across Buffalo, Rochester, Erie, and Richmond.
• Trustworthy Service: Safety first, no unnecessary upsells.
• Emergency Hours: Open during storms.
• Commitment: Protecting families, commuters, and budgets all winter.

Don’t Wait for the First Storm

In the snowbelt, winter isn’t optional, it’s guaranteed. Preparation now prevents breakdowns later. With the right care, you can face lake-effect snow, black ice, and freezing rain with confidence.

Schedule your winter prep appointment at Dunn Tire today. Our expert technicians will keep you safe, mobile, and ready for every storm.