Winter tires improve driving safety during the coldest months of the year. Deep tread prevents slush from accumulating, while thin cuts and ridges across the tread allow snow to compact and improve traction on snowy roads. Thin cuts, or sipes, also contribute to winter driving safety by preventing ice from sticking. Here, review tips for maintaining your cold-weather tires this winter to help you stay safe behind the wheel.

What Are Some Winter Tire Care Tips?

1. Maintain Pressure

For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, the tire pressure lowers by 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch). Use a pressure gauge tool to check pressure about once a week or any time following lengthy non-driving periods. Routine checks are especially important if the vehicle remains parked on the street or within an unheated garage or carport. While the rubber is designed to withstand subfreezing temperatures, low air pressure accelerates wear. If you are not sure what the recommended psi is for your vehicle, review your owner’s manual.

2. Check the Tread 

By maintaining tire pressure, the tread will not wear out as quickly. However, it is still important to inspect the tread throughout winter, particularly if you drive daily on rough roads. Use the quarter test to check the tread- if you can see most or all of President Washington’s head, the rubber has worn down and can no longer provide sufficient grip in icy conditions. If the tread is not too worn, schedule tire rotation services to promote even wear.

3. Practice Safe Driving

Cautious, practical winter driving prevents tread from wearing out prematurely and keeps you and your passengers safe. Give yourself time to stop since hitting the brakes hard on icy roads can cause the vehicle to spin out of control. Also, take your time when turning and wait until your steering wheel is aligned with the rest of the vehicle post-turn before going faster. If conditions seem too challenging, pull over to a safe location and wait the weather out, or stay home. 

Purchase winter tires at Davis Tire in Chillicothe, OH. They offer a range of rubber as well as maintenance services such as wheel alignments, brake repairs, oil changes, and suspension repairs. Call (740) 774-3363 today with questions or visit the dealer online for more information. Read the latest reviews on Yelp.