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Why does ice in my wheel well cause vibrations?

I live in ski country and often must drive to work in the snow. Recently I’ve noticed that my steering feels strange every time there’s ice in the wheel area of my car. Why does ice in my wheel well cause vibrations?

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Jim Burg · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s never a good feeling when you have a strange sensation coming through your steering wheel! When there’s ice in your wheel well, it throws off the balance of your tires, meaning they don’t evenly distribute the car’s weight. This can cause the steering wheel to vibrate.
In most cases, this is more uncomfortable than dangerous, but it is still a good idea to fix the problem as it’s important to have confidence in your car as you drive through the snow.
Here’s how you can fix ice build-up on your tires:
  • Remove the ice with a gloved hand, ice scraper, or hot water
  • Remove the top layer of snow and ice and wait for the rest to melt
  • Park your vehicle away from snow to prevent build-up in the first place
We all know that driving during the winter can bring added risks, so it’s important to make sure you have great insurance should any incidents occur.
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