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Why Winter Tires Matter

Winter tires, sometimes called snow tires, are made with special rubber compounds that stay flexible at lower temperatures. This allows them to grip icy and snowy surfaces better than all-season or summer tires. The tread on winter tires is also deeper, with unique patterns to channel snow, ice, and slush away from the tire, reducing the risk of skidding.

The difference in stopping distance alone can be significant. On snowy roads, a car with winter tires will often stop in half the distance compared to one with regular tires. This added safety feature could prevent accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.

Steps for a Winter Tire Check

Here’s a simple checklist to ensure your tires are in top shape for the season:

Inspect Tread Depth:
Proper tread depth is crucial for good traction on winter roads. A general rule is that winter tires should have at least 6/32 inches of tread. You can check with a tread depth gauge, or if you’re in a pinch, use the “quarter test” — insert a quarter into the tread groove; if you can see the top of George Washington's head, it’s time to replace the tire.

Check Tire Pressure:
Cold temperatures cause air in tires to contract, which lowers tire pressure. Under-inflated tires decrease control and wear unevenly. Check your tire pressure at least once a month in winter and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Many modern cars come with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), but it’s still a good idea to check manually.

Inspect for Damage:
Winter tires are tough, but ice, potholes, and road salt can damage them. Look for cracks, cuts, and punctures on the tire surface and sidewalls. Even small imperfections can worsen in winter conditions, so replace any tire that seems damaged.

Verify Tire Age:
Tires older than six years, even if they look fine, might not provide adequate winter performance. The rubber degrades over time, reducing flexibility and grip. You can find the tire’s manufacture date on the sidewall — it’s usually a four-digit code, where the first two numbers indicate the week and the last two indicate the year of manufacture.

Rotate Your Tires:
If you’ve been using your winter tires for multiple seasons, they may have uneven wear. Rotating them will extend their life and ensure a consistent grip on the road. Most tire manufacturers recommend rotating winter tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or at the beginning of each winter season.

Evaluate for Replacement:
If you notice significant wear, now’s the time to replace your winter tires. Some manufacturers place tread wear indicators in the grooves, making it easy to see when the tread is too low. Replacing worn-out tires is a wise investment that ensures your vehicle can handle the toughest winter conditions.

Don’t Forget the Spare!

A spare tire is often overlooked, but it’s vital, especially during winter. Make sure your spare is in good condition and that the tread, pressure, and rubber quality are all up to par. You’ll thank yourself if you ever have to rely on it in freezing weather.

Wrapping Up

Winter weather requires extra precautions, and your tires are the first line of defense. A quick tire check before the snow really sets in can prevent unwanted surprises on slippery roads and give you peace of mind. A little maintenance now will help you tackle winter with confidence and keep you safe on your seasonal journeys.