As the weather gets colder, it’s important to make sure your vehicle can safely drive on snow, ice, and wet roads. Keeping your tires in good condition is an essential auto maintenance task during the winter. Unsafe tires can shorten your stopping distance and even cause accidents. Use the following tips to ensure safe journeys throughout the season. 

How to Maintain Your Tires in the Winter

1. Check the Treads

While you can probably drive on tires with worn treads during the summer, they become a liability when it starts to snow. The treads push water from under the tires to the sides of the vehicle, keeping the car against the road.

When the treads are worn, you’re more likely to have water under the tires, which will cause the vehicle to hydroplane. To check the treads, find a penny and insert it into the rubber with Lincoln facing down. If his full head is visible, the tires need to be replaced by an auto maintenance professional.

2. Look at Your Maintenance Schedule

Certain tire-related auto maintenance tasks need to be performed regularly after a certain number of miles. Look at your auto manual to determine whether the vehicle is due for service.

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or every six months. You should also have the tires realigned once or twice a year or more often if you drive on uneven roads. Having these tasks performed during winter will ensure you don’t face any unexpected issues as the car handles the season’s harsh conditions.

3. Check the Tire Pressure

Cold air causes tire pressure to decrease, which can result in uneven wear. When the tires wear down incorrectly, they’ll need to be replaced sooner than necessary. Underinflated tires also make it harder to stop and more likely that you’ll experience a blowout.

Closely monitor the vehicle’s tire pressure using a gauge. You can find the ideal psi for the tires in the owners manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door. Add air or let some out until your vehicle’s tire pressure is in that range.

The professional mechanics at Mattie’s Service Center will replace your tires and help you with any auto maintenance issues. Located in Milford, CT, they have 50 years of combined experience working on cars and solving a wide range of auto problems. They offer top-of-the-line tires in a variety of trusted brand names to get you ready for winter. Visit their website or call (203) 877-3701 to schedule an inspection.