Driving in winter poses many risks. Snow, slush, and ice-covered roads cause around 116,000 crash-related injuries in the U.S. each year. Fortunately, properly preparing your vehicle's tires can help you maintain control and increase safety behind the wheel. Here are three aspects of car tires that are essential to this process. 

A Guide to Winter Tire Care

Pressure

Incorrect or uneven tire pressure can negatively impact the vehicle's movements, making it challenging to control. Along with regular wear, colder temperatures cause natural pressure loss. It can decrease by 1 pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees the outdoor temperature drops. This is because the air inside the rubber condenses in cold weather, taking up less space.

Check and adjust each tire’s pressure before cooler weather hits, and continue doing this once a month during the winter season. You can find the correct psi for your vehicle on the inside panel of the driver’s side door or by checking the owner’s manual. Most passenger cars recommend a psi between 32 and 35.

Tread

Tread refers to the grooves carved into the rubber of a car’s wheels. It is designed to push water into the divots so the raised sections maintain contact with the road’s surface. This makes it possible for the rubber to grip the asphalt or concrete in wet, snowy, and rainy conditions.

The goal is to keep tread above 2/32 of an inch. Inspect the tread using a depth gauge, thin ruler, or a penny. For the penny test, place the coin upside down in the tread grooves with President Lincoln facing you. If part of his head is covered by the rubber, the tires have adequate traction. If you can see the entirety of Lincoln’s head, it's time for new wheels. 

Alignment

Misalignment is a common side effect of regular driving. When it occurs, it results in uneven rubber wear that can lead to blown tires. If the wheels are misaligned, the vehicle may pull to one side or the other while in motion.

These factors can have devastating consequences on slick roadways. Have your vehicle inspected prior to the arrival of winter weather to ensure proper alignment. This is also an excellent time to schedule other important maintenance services, such as tire rotation and balancing.

Get your vehicle ready for winter weather with assistance from the team at Davis Tire in Chillicothe, OH. This local auto repair shop serves drivers throughout Ross County and the surrounding communities. They offer a wide selection of services and products, including oil changes, suspension repairs, and new and used tires for sale. Learn more about their services online, or call (740) 774-3363 to request a quote.