With winter comes harsh weather, and vehicle owners need to take the necessary action to ensure they stay safe behind the wheel. In particular, you must have tires in excellent condition to handle the icy, snowy roads. The car maintenance experts at Village Auto Services in Cincinnati, OH, suggest taking a few steps to prepare your tires so they can handle the hazards better over the next few months.

How to Get Your Tires Ready for Winter

Examine Your Tire Treads

Tire treads are responsible for giving your vehicle a better grip on the road when braking and accelerating, which is especially important when the roads are covered in slippery ice and slush. Newer tires are manufactured with wear bars that form a small bridge between treads. If the wear bars are even with the rest of the treads, replace your tires. You can also place a penny into one of the grooves of your treads with Lincoln’s head facing down. If his head is partially covered, your tires are still safe to drive on; if it is completely visible, you’ll need new tires.

Check Tire Pressure

During the colder months, tire pressure drops, leaving it slightly underinflated. Not only does this cause uneven wear to your treads, but it is also dangerous to drive on. Underinflated tires come in contact with the road more than they should, creating friction that leads to separated treads, excessive wear, and blowouts. The next time you’re at a gas station, check the air pressure in each of your tires to avoid this problem. 

Consider Snow Tires

All-purpose tires might be enough to get you through winter, but brands specifically made to endure snow offer a safer driving experience. Even in areas where snow isn’t common, the drop in temperature can cause your car’s tires to harden and lose their traction. Snow tires don’t have this problem and will improve traction significantly so your car won’t slide or skid. Your mechanic will help you decide if this option is right for your specific car make and model.

If you need new tires this winter, contact the professionals at Village Auto Services. Servicing the Cincinnati area since 1970, they’ve become known as a trusted member of the community. Their team can help you with any car maintenance or repairs you might need. Make an appointment by calling them at (513) 561-­5350 or filling out a form on their website.