Do You Have Healthy Tires?

A Polar Vortex is on the horizon and it could bring snow and ice along with it. Driving on icy, snow-covered roads can be challenging. There are a few things you can do to help ensure your tires have as much traction as possible. Consider these tips to help prepare for severe winter weather:

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE’S TIRE TREADS
Tire treads are what gives them their ability to grip the road. So, one way to tell if your tires are ready for winter roads is to examine your tires’ tread, and don’t forget the spare! If any of your tires have uneven or excessive wear, they should be replaced. If you can’t afford to replace all four, the next best option is to replace them in pairs. To check the health of your tires, hold a penny between your thumb and forefinger so that Lincoln’s head is showing. Place the top of Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves of the tire’s tread. If any part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, you have a safe amount of tread. If you can see above Lincoln’s head, then you need a new tire.

MAKE SURE YOUR TIRES ARE INFLATED CORRECTLY
Tires that are not inflated to the correct pressure may negatively affect your car’s handling. And, as the temperatures outside drop, your vehicle’s tires will lose pressure. This is why it’s important to check your tire pressure throughout the winter.

CONSIDER BUYING WINTER TIRES
Winter tires are designed to work in colder temperatures regardless of road conditions. Colder temperatures may cause standard tires to become too hard and lose their normal traction, even when the roads are dry.

There are several types of tires you may want to consider for winter driving:

All-Weather: A type of all-season tire that is designed to handle winter conditions.
Winter: These tires have both large treads and narrow grooves, allowing them to grip snowy roads.
Studded: Winter tires with small metal points fitted into the tread. These studs grip and pierce snow and ice, but they are not allowed in all states, so make sure you check before purchasing them.
Preparing your car for the winter can take a little extra work, but it can be worth it in the long run. Ensuring the health of your car’s tires can help keep you safe on the road during winter.