Winter Driving Tips in NY: How to Stay Safe on Snowy, Icy, and Salt Covered Roads

Winter driving in New York is a different challenge than most of the country. Between snowstorms, black ice, road salt, and potholes that seem to appear overnight, even experienced drivers need to adjust how they drive and what they drive.

Whether you are navigating Brooklyn side streets, Long Island parkways, or Manhattan traffic, these winter driving tips will help keep you safe all season long.

1. Tires Matter More Than You Think in NY Winters

Cold temperatures, slush, and salted roads drastically reduce traction.

  • Check tire tread depth before winter hits

  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated (pressure drops in cold weather)

  • All season or winter rated tires are critical for NY conditions

Low tread, icy roads, and potholes are a recipe for blowouts and loss of control. If you are comparing vehicle options, car leasing options can be a great way to get into a newer, safer vehicle for winter.

2. Slow Down, Especially on Side Streets and Parkways

NY roads freeze unevenly. One block may be clear, the next can be pure ice.

  • Reduce speed well below posted limits in snow or freezing rain

  • Double your normal following distance

  • Brake earlier than you think you need to

Parkways, bridges, and overpasses freeze first, especially overnight and early morning.

3. Watch Out for Potholes After Snowstorms

Snow hides potholes, and road salt eats away at pavement.

  • Avoid puddles when possible (they often hide deep potholes)

  • If you hit one hard, check tire pressure as soon as you safely can

  • Misaligned steering after winter often means suspension or alignment issues

This is one reason many NY drivers prefer leasing newer vehicles with better suspension, safety tech, and warranty coverage, especially during winter. If you are shopping, browse our new lease deals.

4. Clear All Snow, Not Just the Windshield

Flying snow and ice is dangerous for other drivers, and NY drivers can be ticketed for unsafe clearing.

Before driving:

  • Clear the roof, hood, mirrors, headlights, and taillights

  • Fully defrost windows before moving

  • Use winter windshield washer fluid

Snow sliding off your roof at a stoplight can seriously injure someone behind you.

5. Do Not Overtrust AWD or 4WD

All wheel drive and four wheel drive can help you move forward in snow, but they do not change how quickly you can stop on ice.

Four wheel drive does not mean four wheel stop.

  • AWD and 4WD do not reduce braking distance

  • Ice does not care what badge is on your trunk

  • Smooth steering and gentle braking still matter

6. Expect Reduced Visibility, Even When It Is Not Snowing

Salt spray from other cars can coat your windshield fast, especially on highways and parkways.

  • Keep washer fluid topped off

  • Replace worn wiper blades before winter

  • Turn headlights on earlier than usual

Gray skies, dirty roads, and early sunsets reduce visibility quickly.

7. Plan Extra Time and Check Conditions Before You Leave

NY winter driving rewards patience.

  • Check weather and road conditions before driving

  • Allow extra time so you are not rushing

  • Avoid unnecessary trips during active storms when possible

Why Leasing the Right Car Matters in NY Winters

Winter highlights weaknesses in older or poorly equipped vehicles. Leasing a newer car often means improved stability systems, advanced braking and safety technology, and more reliable cold weather performance.

At Wheels To Lease, we help NY drivers find vehicles that make sense for real world conditions, not just showroom floors.

Have a Lease Quote? We Will Review It

If you are unsure whether a lease makes sense, or you want a second set of eyes before signing, we are happy to help.

Email us your quote and we will review it: sales@wheelstolease.com
Call: 718 817 7749

We have reviewed thousands of leases, and our goal is simple: transparent numbers, no dealer games, and cars that actually work for NY driving.