In winter, drivers can expect to encounter snow, sleet, ice, and high winds. As a consequence, they should prepare their tires to handle these challenging conditions. Here are four ways to ready your tires to improve safety before the cold arrives. 

How to Ready Your Wheels for Winter

1. Check the Treads

Treads promote traction and help the wheels go straight, whether driving on pavement or snow. To ensure your treads are deep enough for safe driving, use the penny test.

Insert a penny in the deepest part of the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s face toward the center of the wheel. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, get new tires. Your treads may not provide enough resistance to keep you on the road if your treads are worn.

2. Adjust the Pressure

Adequate pressure prevents flats and blowouts and raises gas mileage. Look in your car owner’s manual or along the edge of the tire’s sidewall for the recommended pressure and add air if needed. 

3. Rotate Them

Rotating tires seasonally ensures they wear evenly. Schedule an appointment for rotation in late fall for optimal tread in winter. Rotation increases the life of your tires and improves vehicle handling so you can better navigate snowy, icy roads.

4. Purchase New Wheels

Most tires last three to four years if you drive between 12,000 to 15,000 miles annually. If you drive more than 15,000 miles a year, your tires may wear out sooner. As a wheel ages, it loses traction. The rubber tread may separate from the wheel, and a tire may blow out due to weakened walls. Have a mechanic check your wheels annually after three years to ensure they’re in shape for winter's unique driving conditions.

If you need new tires to prepare for winter, visit Lee Tire in Lexington, KY, to find the perfect set. Their sales and service team has over two decades of experience with installation, mounting, and tire balancing. Call the Eastland Drive location at (859) 254-6157, or visit their website for information on their top brands, including Goodyear®, Michelin®, and Cooper®.