Winter driving in Ohio and other regions with cold, snowy weather can be challenging. Icy roads, limited visibility, and unpredictable weather patterns make safety a top priority for drivers. Thankfully, modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features designed to mitigate the risks of winter driving. These systems enhance control, improve visibility, and reduce the likelihood of accidents in hazardous conditions.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top five winter safety features every driver should know about in 2025, explain how they work, and highlight why regular maintenance is critical to ensure these systems function properly during the harsh winter months.

1. Traction Control Systems (TCS)

How It Works: Traction control systems are designed to prevent wheels from slipping on icy, wet, or snowy surfaces. When the system detects that one or more wheels are losing grip, it reduces engine power and applies brake pressure to the slipping wheel(s), redistributing torque to maintain traction.

Why It’s Essential for Winter Driving:

• Enhanced Stability: On slippery surfaces, traction control helps maintain stability, reducing the likelihood of losing control during acceleration.
• Safer Turns: It’s particularly useful when navigating turns on icy roads, where wheel slip can cause skidding.
• Added Confidence: Even with winter tires, TCS provides an added layer of safety when conditions are extreme.

Maintenance Tip: To ensure your traction control system is functioning properly, schedule a diagnostic check. The system relies on sensors, which can fail or become dirty. If your TCS warning light is on, it’s time to visit a trusted service center like D&S Automotive.

2. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

How It Works: Lane keep assist uses cameras and sensors to monitor lane markings on the road. If your vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling, the system gently steers the car back into position or alerts you with a visual or audible warning.

Why It’s Essential for Winter Driving:

• Reduced Risk of Sliding: Winter storms often obscure lane markings, making it easier to unintentionally drift. Lane keep assist acts as an additional set of eyes, ensuring you stay in your lane.
• Enhanced Focus: Long winter drives can be exhausting. LKA helps combat driver fatigue by providing alerts when unintentional lane changes occur.
• Better Control in Low Visibility: Snow and fog reduce visibility, making lane monitoring crucial for preventing accidents.

Maintenance Tip: The cameras and sensors that power lane keep assist need to be clean and properly calibrated. Winter road grime can block their functionality. Regular cleaning and calibration checks ensure this feature works optimally.

3. Adaptive Headlights

How It Works: Adaptive headlights automatically adjust their angle and intensity based on speed, steering input, and road conditions. They pivot to follow the curve of the road, providing better illumination in corners and turns.

Why It’s Essential for Winter Driving:

• Improved Visibility: Adaptive headlights enhance visibility on winding or poorly lit roads, which are common in rural Ohio during winter.
• Better Reaction Time: By illuminating more of the road ahead, they help drivers spot hazards like black ice, deer, or stalled vehicles sooner.
• Safer Night Driving: With shorter daylight hours in winter, adaptive headlights reduce the strain of night driving and make spotting obstacles easier.

Maintenance Tip: Headlight systems require regular cleaning, especially in winter when road salt and grime can reduce brightness. If your adaptive headlights seem dim or misaligned, a professional inspection can restore their effectiveness.

4. Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

How It Works: ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, which can cause the vehicle to skid. When you brake hard or on slippery surfaces, ABS rapidly pulses the brakes to maintain traction and allow you to steer.

Why It’s Essential for Winter Driving:

• Controlled Stops: On icy or snowy roads, ABS reduces stopping distances and prevents the vehicle from skidding out of control.
• Steering Control: Unlike traditional brakes, ABS lets you maintain steering capability while braking, giving you more control in emergencies.
• Improved Confidence: With ABS, drivers can brake hard without fear of sliding or spinning out.

Maintenance Tip: ABS relies on sensors in the wheels, and these sensors can fail or become obstructed by dirt or debris. A warning light on your dashboard usually indicates an issue. Regular brake inspections are vital to ensure ABS is functioning correctly.

5. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

How It Works: Electronic stability control detects when a vehicle is losing traction or skidding and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to stabilize the car. It works in conjunction with other systems like ABS and TCS.

Why It’s Essential for Winter Driving:

• Prevents Spinouts: ESC helps maintain control during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers on slippery roads.
• Helps in Hydroplaning: If your car starts to hydroplane, ESC kicks in to correct the skid and stabilize the vehicle.
• Added Safety on Hills: Winter driving often involves navigating hilly terrain, and ESC provides extra stability when going up or down slopes.

Maintenance Tip: ESC relies on multiple sensors, including those for ABS and TCS. If you notice a stability control warning light, schedule a professional diagnostic check to ensure the system is working as intended.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial for Winter Safety Features

Winter weather in Ohio is tough not only on drivers but also on the advanced safety systems in vehicles. Dirt, ice, and salt can interfere with sensors, cameras, and mechanical components. Regular maintenance ensures that these systems function properly when you need them most.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Safety Features Working:

1. Schedule Winter Inspections: Have a professional inspect your vehicle’s safety systems to ensure all sensors and cameras are calibrated and functional.
2. Keep Sensors Clean: Regularly wash your vehicle to remove road grime and salt buildup, especially near areas housing sensors and cameras.
3. Update Software: Many modern safety features rely on software. Check with your manufacturer or service center to ensure your vehicle’s systems are up-to-date.

How D&S Automotive Can Help

At D&S Automotive, we understand the importance of reliable safety features during winter driving. Our experienced technicians can inspect, repair, and calibrate your vehicle’s advanced safety systems, ensuring you’re prepared for Ohio’s winter roads. With locations in Mentor, Chardon, East Mentor, Elyria, and Kirtland, we’re ready to help you stay safe this season.

Contact us todayto schedule a winter vehicle inspection and ensure your safety systems are functioning at their best. Let’s make 2025 the safest driving year yet!