There are some precautions you can take to prepare and maintain your car, truck or SUV tires for and during Winter.
Taking these tips, provided by Tucker Tire, into consideration will make sure you are prepared and safe for the Winter season.
Check Your Tire Tread
Tread depth plays an important role in determining your vehicle’s safe stopping distance. A tire with low tread, can lead to a vehicle having a shorter stopping distance than a tire with proper tread depth. Checking your own tread depth is simple. Stick a penny upside-down in one of the grooves, and if President Lincoln’s entire head is visible, it’s time to replace your tires.
Ensure Proper Tire Pressure
The air inside your tires supports the weight of your car, and as outdoor temperatures drop, so does your tire pressure. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, your tires lose about 1 pound of pressure. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle so you can always make sure each tire is filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation level (typically located in the instruction manual or on the inside of the driver-side door, and in newer cars on the car’s display panel), or stop by a tire store, such as Tucker Tire, for a quick air check.
Rotate Tires Often
Standard recommendation is that tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles, or earlier if irregular or uneven wear develops. You’ll stay on track if you have your tires rotated every other or every time you have your oil changed, depending on the type of vehicle you drive.
Invest in Winter Tires
If you are going to be driving in some winter climates such as the mountains or to or through other states, since it stays relatively warm in Southern California, you may want to consider investing in Winter Tires. At 45 F all-season tires can start to lose traction and grip, which is why winter tires are encouraged for cold-weather driving. As an essential safety feature, winter tires can increase traction from 20-25%, which could be the extra boost you need to brake in time to avoid trouble on slick or icy roads.
Winter tires provide more control than all-season tires in situations involving snow, ice and low temperatures. In extreme cold, the tread rubber of an all-season or summer tire can stiffen and become less able to provide sufficient traction. In contrast, tread rubber compounds of winter tires are designed to remain flexible, allowing the tire to better grip the road with thousands of extra traction edges.
Not Sure? Ask Tucker
If you’re not sure about how to maintain your tires during Winter or if you think you need to invest in Winter tires, ask Tucker Tire. One of our sales associates will be happy to help. Give us a call at (626) 332-1142 or shoot us an email: Sales@TuckerTireCompany.com.
