Fall and winter weather present a variety of driving challenges, including heavy fog, wet fallen leaves, snowstorms, icy roads, and shorter days. As you prepare your vehicle for colder temperatures, pay special attention to the tires. They’ll help you stay safe on potentially dangerous roads. 

Top 4 Fall & Winter Tire Tips

1. Inspect the Tread & Sidewalls

Look at your tires’ sidewalls for cracks and blisters that can result in dangerous blowouts. Also perform the quarter test to determine tread depth, as balding tires have a much harder time gripping snowy roads. Make replacements as necessary to stay safe on the road—if you are only replacing the front tires, have the rear tires moved to the front axle for more even wear.

2. Order New Tires Early

Order new tires as early as possible to obtain exactly what you need. Tires are made during the offseason, resulting in significant inventory decreases by the start of winter. Choose options that best accommodate your region’s roads during fall and winter, such as all-season or snow tires. All-season tires feature several tread configurations to handle snow, rain, cold, and heat. If you routinely drive on snow and ice-covered roads, get snow tires for a perfect balance of handling and grip.

3. Check the Pressure Regularly

Invest in a tire pressure gauge and use it about every two weeks. Tire pressure drops in response to cold temperatures, meaning your tires will make more contact with the road and wear out more quickly. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct pressure, as overinflation decreases surface contact, which is particularly dangerous on slick roads. 

4. Add to Your Emergency Kit

Keep your pressure gauge in your emergency kit along with cat litter and tire chains. The litter provides traction if you become stuck in mud or snow, while the chains offer extra grip in seriously snowy conditions.
 

Muffler Brothers is the Goodyear® and Jasper-preferred® dealer proudly serving Chillicothe, Ross County, and Southern Ohio. Get your tires repaired or replaced for fall and winter or take advantage of the auto repair shop’s many other services, including wheel alignment and engine repair. Call (740) 772-1890 today to schedule service or find a location near you online. Follow the Google+ page for more car maintenance tips.