Are your tires winter weather ready?
With winter weather in full swing, driving can be a nightmare for some. It can even turn deadly if you or your car are not prepared.
Getting your tires checked and possibly changed can be your best defense against sliding out on icy streets.
But, how do you know when you need new tires?
Examining the tread on your tires is your first step. Use a quarter to measure the depth of your tread on the top side of your tire. Stick the quarter upside down, between the cracks. If Washington’s head is visible before the hairline, you know it’s time to get them checked by a professional.
“People should start thinking about their tires [for winter] in August and September,” says Brian Grandstaff, owner of Brian’s Tires and Auto Point Test, in Pocatello. “You never know in Idaho, when it can snow in October.”
But, Grandstaff says it’s never too late.
“If there’s ever any question about it, don’t hesitate. We’re always willing to check your tires anytime no charge.”
Choosing between all-weather tires and “snow” tires seem to be a frequently asked question. Grandstaff says, “it’s a personal preference and a matter of where [you] live.” For certain areas in Pocatello, snow tires are highly recommended in order to stay safe on the roads. However, the city streets don’t constitute for winter tires. Driving through mountains or other rural areas is another story.
Regardless if you have snow tires or all-weather tires, heavy snow in rural roads might call for tire-chains. There are two different variations of chains. The first is cable chains which perform best on smaller vehicles. Whereas, “link chains” are used for towing vehicles are even large trucks.
“Both are relatively easy to install and with a little instruction, you can have your car chained up in about 15 minutes.”
Regardless of what you have on your car, the best tip for staying safe is reducing speed.
“Speed makes everything worse. So, no matter how good your traction is on your car, you need to slow down when it’s slick outside.”
