We’ve had to say goodbye to summer and hello to the cooler
times. It’s time to make sure your
vehicle is prepared for those hard Michigan winters. No one wants to have any kind of car troubles
in the middle of a snow storm. And one
of the most important ways you can make sure your car is ready for the snow is
to make sure your tires are in good condition.
Here are a few tips to make sure that your tires handle the
winter road conditions.
-
Maintain Proper Inflation Pressure
· You need to check the pressure in your tires
frequently (we recommend at least monthly) with an accurate tire pressure
gauge. You always want to make sure you
have them inflated to the manufacturer specifications.
-
Don’t Excessively Spin Your Tires
· If you do get stuck, don’t just let your tires
spin at high speeds. It can cause tire
damage or even explosion. Use a gentle
rocking motion to gain momentum to get yourself unstuck.
-
Check Your Tires for Wear and/or Damage
· You should always check your tire tread depth to
make sure you are getting the proper amount of traction. If your tires have less than 3/32” of tread,
it’s time for new tires. You can use the
Penny test; take a penny and put Lincoln’s head down in the tread. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time
to get new tires. Also make sure there
are no holes, or shredding anyone on the tire.
These are weak spots that could result in a blowout.
-
Make Sure to Get Regular Maintenance
· You should have your tires rotated
regularly. A good rule of thumb is every
other oil change or so. Also make sure
your alignment is correct. If your
vehicle pulls to one side or another or your steering wheel is not straight
when you are driving in a straight line, it’s time to get it in and make sure
adjustments are made.
Taking the proper steps to make sure your vehicle’s tires
are in good condition will give you peace of mind when you look outside and see
the snow falling. Enjoy the beautiful
sights of a Michigan winter!
