Winter Tire Inspection Tips

It’s winter, and your body might be feeling the cold. But just think about how your tires perform on icy roads. Your tires are a key component in making sure you and your family arrive at your destination safely. It is important for car owners to ensure that they are properly maintained. How to properly check your tires to ensure the best traction and longevity for your investment.

Inspect Your Tread

A penny can be used as a measurement tool to test tread depth. This method is known as the Lincoln Penny Tread Depth Test. Place your penny in the grooves between tread patterns. Make sure Honest Abe faces you, with his head pointed down towards the tread pattern. These guidelines are very simple. You can go if the tire tread completely covers the top of his head. If the tread of your tire covers his head at 2/32″, then it is likely that you have worn out the tread and need to replace it as soon as possible. Tread is vital as it is what grips the road in wet or icy conditions. A good grip and handling in any weather condition will be possible by ensuring that there is enough traction. You should visually inspect every tire for dry rot and other foul play, along with the penny test.

Inspect For Nails and Holes

Driving on highways and public roads can often lead to nails and screws getting into your tires. One screw can remain in your tire for many days or even weeks without being noticed. For traction, air pressure is also very important. Incorrect inflation can cause tire damage and unsafe driving. Winter months are when the air pressure needs to be adjusted. Cold weather causes the air volume to contract and lowers the pressure by one PSI for every 10 degrees. The correct amount of air should be indicated on the sticker located inside your car’s driver’s side doors. If you don’t have the sticker, or if you can’t find it, call us today. One of our skilled technicians will gladly assist you in making sure your tires are safe.