Every winter, parents and kids cram into the car to visit loved ones over the holidays. But with the season of snowfall comes a flurry of dangerous driving conditions. By checking the pressure, alignment, and traction of your tires, you can keep your family safe on the road all winter long.   

3 Things to Check Before Winter Driving

1. Tire Pressure

Checking your tire pressure only takes a few minutes, but the benefits are long-lasting. During the wintertime, cold temperatures cause the air inside a car’s tires to contract. As a result, the tires deflate. Driving on tires insufficiently filled with air can be dangerous and damaging to your vehicle’s wheels.

2. Tire Alignment

Before beginning a road trip, make sure that the wheels of your vehicle are in alignment. When streets become wet with condensation, ice, or snow, a car with poor alignment can easily veer off the road. Accidents occur when misaligned tires impair your vehicle’s frame and interfere with the driver’s control. Take precautions and check your alignment before driving down any slippery streets.

3. Tire Traction

Over time, rubber tires erode from grinding against gravel, asphalt, and other granulated surfaces. This causes tires to become less capable of gripping the ground. Because they’re too weak to properly clutch the road, worn-down tires cause cars to lose control, swerve, and hydroplane. Along with checking your tire traction, it may be constructive to have your vehicle fitted with snow tires. Treaded with extra grip, snow tires allow your vehicle to safely operate in otherwise hazardous road conditions.

For over 16 years, Mullanphy Tire & Automotive has serviced Florissant, MO, and its surrounding communities with dependable, affordable auto repair. Their certified team of technicians is committed to performing premium engine repairs, oil changes, fluid checks, brake services, tuneups, battery replacements, and transmission services. Call (314) 921-4961 to schedule a tire rotation with one of their master mechanics and visit them online for a full list of their specialty services.