The Challenge of a Missouri Winter In Missouri, winter isn’t as predictable as it is in Buffalo or Chicago. One week you’re driving in mild sunshine, the next you’re battling a sheet of freezing rain on I-64 or a surprise snowstorm that snarls traffic in downtown St. Louis. Winters in Ellisville and across the metro area are defined by temperature swings, sleet, slush that refreezes overnight, and sudden ice storms that can turn the morning commute into chaos. Every year, local drivers face the same problems: batteries failing during sudden cold snaps, fender-benders caused by black ice on suburban roads, and breakdowns when vehicles aren’t prepared for the season’s extremes. But the truth is: most winter driving emergencies can be prevented with the right preparation. At Ellisville Tire & Service, we’ve seen it all, from stranded commuters on Highway 40 to families stuck in subdivision driveways when their tires couldn’t handle the ice. This comprehensive guide combines expert maintenance advice, practical driving strategies, cost-saving tips, and real-world stories to help you get through Missouri winters safely, confidently, and without surprise repair bills.