On this episode of Maintenance Matters on Road Gang Radio, host Jimmy Mac is joined by Kevin Lindsey of TravelCenters of America for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about driving safely on icy winter roads and the maintenance details drivers often overlook.
Kevin and Jimmy break down why icy conditions demand more than just slowing down—and why tires, pressure, tread depth, and even the air inside your tires can make the difference between staying upright or losing control. The discussion covers real-world scenarios drivers face when moving from warm climates into freezing conditions, and what to check before hitting slick roads.
Topics include:
Why driving on ice should be avoided whenever possible
The importance of drive tires over steer tires in winter traction
Why uneven tire pressure on duals reduces grip on ice
How cold temperatures lower tire pressure and stiffen rubber
What happens when moisture inside tires freezes
Why “rock-hard” tires lose traction in winter conditions
How to safely break ice loose before rolling
Why gentle throttle input matters on icy starts
When chaining makes sense—and when it doesn’t
How over-inflating tires in cold weather creates new risks
Simple checks drivers can do to evaluate traction before committing to bad roads
Kevin explains how traction really works on heavy trucks, why the rear axles provide stability, and how even small maintenance decisions can have serious consequences in winter weather. This episode is essential listening for drivers, owner-operators, and fleet managers navigating cold-weather operations.
Maintenance Matters airs weekly on Road Gang Radio and is brought to you by TravelCenters of America.
Learn more about TravelCenters of America:
https://www.ta-petro.com
Thanks for tuning in! You can catch our shows and segments anytime on your favorite podcast app or listen live on YouTube, Facebook, iHeart, and RadioNemo.com!
POWERED BY BLUBRRY
