How to Deal with Frozen Car Tires?
2 Answers
First, remove the ice chips attached to the surface of the frozen car tires, then start the car. However, do not press the accelerator to move forward directly; instead, try to move the vehicle by engaging the clutch at idle speed. If the tires are severely frozen, it's best to let them thaw slowly on their own. Do not use boiling water to thaw frozen tires, as it can cause damage. The sudden temperature change from hot to cold can harm the rubber surface of the tires and reduce their lifespan. During snowy winter days, try to park the car in a garage whenever possible. If that's not feasible, avoid parking on puddles or icy surfaces on the road. In winter, it's essential to maintain your car properly to prevent damage. When washing your car in winter, it's best to use warm water instead of cold water directly. Especially after the engine has warmed up, washing with cold water can cause rapid cooling, leading to cracks in the paint on the hood. Additionally, after washing, promptly open the car doors to dry any water traces to prevent water from freezing in the door gaps and locking the doors. In winter, when temperatures are very low, ensure timely inspection and replacement of antifreeze to prevent it from freezing and expanding, which could cause the engine to fail. Car owners should replace antifreeze regularly and choose a standard antifreeze product with a freezing point 5-10 degrees Celsius lower than the lowest temperature in their region, replacing it at least every two years.
I've been driving in the north for over twenty years and have encountered frozen tires multiple times. There are actually quite a few solutions: the safest is to wait for the weather to warm up and let the ice melt naturally—if you're not in a hurry to go out, just wait a bit longer. If time is tight, you can pour warm water (not boiling water to avoid damaging the tires or rims) on the wheels to melt the ice; or gently rock the car back and forth to loosen the ice. Be careful to avoid forcing the car to move, as this could tear the tires or deform the rims. Preventive measures are even more important: when parking, choose a flat area without standing water, and avoid parking near melting snow; use a car cover to protect the wheels and reduce the chance of freezing. Regularly check the condition of your tires, especially before driving in freezing weather, to ensure the tires can rotate freely without any ice residue, guaranteeing driving safety.