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The first winter I experienced driving, around 2004, I crashed my RX-7 into a snowbank. After a helpful passerby assisted me and we confirmed the vehicle wasn’t damaged, I got rolling again, only to discover the steering wheel shook intensely. I managed to get it into a friend’s garage, where we found no harm—but the wheels were completely clogged with snow. It was so packed that it had thrown off the tire balancing. A simple cleaning fixed the issue.
If you woke up to a lot of snowfall today and noticed your car felt a bit unsteady or “off” on your journey to work this morning, there’s a strong possibility an ice chunk is lodged in a wheel and not melting. It takes minimal weight to disrupt a wheel’s balance—when your tires are installed at a shop, the weights used can be as light as a quarter-ounce. An ice chunk can easily weigh more than that and get caught in a wheel after a storm.
This isn’t a “do this or your car will crash” situation, and no real harm was done if you drove a little with some snow stuck in a wheel. Nevertheless, you want your tires to be balanced, particularly in winter when driving is already more demanding than usual.
You’re more likely to notice an imbalance in the front wheels, but it’s wise to inspect all for peak performance. Often, snow stuck in wheels will simply melt before you detect any change in driving behavior. Yet here in NY, it’s not expected to rise above 30 Fahrenheit for a while, so I suspect I’ll have to clean my own wheels. Our BMW F31 has been out once today, and I’ve noticed some snow is still clinging to at least one wheel (which prompted this public service announcement).
One last piece of advice: I’d suggest using a thick work glove for clearing snow from the wheels. Personally, I favor yellow ones like this; it’s also a good idea to keep a pair in your car at all times. They come in handy during summer, too, for picking up turtles that take too long to cross the road (an amusingly frequent occurrence in my area).
If you force your snow brush into the wheels, it may pick up small stones that could be transferred to your paint or windshield the next time you clean off the top of the car. Wheels are always dirty, so proceed cautiously if you’re wearing a nice jacket.
Have any other great winter driving tips (or wild snow stories)? Share a comment or reach out to me at [email protected]
**Promptly Remove Snow from Your Wheels**
As winter arrives, snow accumulation can create significant obstacles for vehicle owners. One of the most essential tasks during snowy conditions is to ensure that snow is swiftly cleared from your vehicle’s wheels. Ignoring this can result in various issues, including safety dangers, mechanical complications, and diminished vehicle performance. Here’s a thorough guide on why and how to efficiently eliminate snow from your wheels.
### Significance of Clearing Snow from Wheels
1. **Safety Risks**: Snow buildup on wheels can influence your vehicle’s handling and braking ability. It can result in reduced traction, making it hard to control the vehicle, particularly under slippery conditions. Clearing snow ensures that your tires maintain ideal contact with the road.
2. **Preventing Harm**: Accumulated snow can freeze and form ice that may damage wheel components, such as brake calipers and rotors. This can lead to expensive repairs and shorten the vehicle’s lifespan.
3. **Fuel Economy**: Extra weight from snow can elevate the burden on your vehicle, leading to lower fuel efficiency. By removing snow, you can help sustain better fuel economy.
4. **Preventing Corrosion**: Snow combined with road salt can cause corrosion on metal parts of your wheels and brakes. Regular cleaning can help avert rust and extend the life of these components.
### Steps to Remove Snow from Your Wheels
1. **Gather Required Tools**: Before beginning, collect a snow brush, a shovel, and possibly a bucket of warm water (avoid boiling) if the snow is particularly stubborn.
2. **Clear the Vicinity**: Make sure the area around your vehicle is free of excess snow to facilitate the removal process.
3. **Focus on the Wheels**: Use a snow brush to gently clear snow from the wheels. Be cautious not to scratch the rims. Begin from the top and work downward to prevent pushing snow back onto already cleared spots.
4. **Examine the Wheel Wells**: Snow can build up in the wheel wells, which can affect suspension and steering. Clear any snow from this area as well.
5. **Look for Ice**: If the snow has turned into ice, use a shovel or a scraper to carefully chip away at it. Steer clear of using metal tools that could harm the wheel surface.
6. **Use Warm Water Sparingly**: If the snow is particularly resistant, you can use a small amount of warm water to assist in melting it. However, refrain from pouring hot water directly on cold metal, as this may warp it.
7. **Dry the Wheels**: After clearing the snow, use a cloth to dry the wheels to avoid any leftover moisture from freezing.
8. **Regular Upkeep**: Make it a routine to inspect your wheels consistently during winter months. Swift removal of snow after each snowfall can prevent buildups and associated issues.
### Final Thoughts
Timely removal of snow from your wheels is crucial for maintaining safety, performance, and the longevity of your vehicle during winter months. By following the outlined steps, you can ensure that your vehicle stays in prime condition, prepared to face the challenges of snowy roads. Consistent attention to this task can spare you from potential hazards and hefty repairs, allowing for a safer driving experience throughout the winter season.
