In winter, it’s important to make sure that your tires always have maximum contact with the road, as even the best roads can be hazardous when sleet, snow and slush create a thin film of water between your tires and the road. Plain and simple, maintaining traction helps keep you safer on the road.
Here are some things to remember as you drive this winter:
- Check your tire pressure monthly. Cold air lowers tire pressure, which can cause the tire to have less contact with the pavement and become much likelier to hydroplane; in addition, the tread on severely under-inflated tires can become concave and trap water. If you don’t know the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, look at the label inside the driver’s door. Remember, heat causes tire pressure to rise, so it’s a good idea to wait at least a half-hour after driving before you check the tires.
- Consider buying winter tires. Regular tires have tread compounds that can become even harder in the cold, but winter tires feature compounds that are specifically designed to remain soft and maintain grip. And the larger treads on winter tires provide more contact surface with the road, helping the car push through the snow and ice.
- Replace your worn-out tires. Old tires are extremely dangerous on wet roads, since the grooves aren’t deep enough to channel water out. If your tires don’t have a built-in wear indicator, use the penny trick: place a penny in the groove with Abe’s head facing out and upside down; if the entire head is visible, you need new tires.
- Slow down. This doesn’t need explaining, does it?
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