Winter is here and you are well prepared to battle the cold for the next several months. However, despite all the preparation, there is one thing most car owners fail to remember—that winter driving also requires adequate preparation. Driving on snowy or icy roads can be tricky, and authorities even advice against driving during such severe weather. However, emergencies do arise and you might be required to make that drive on a snowy day. Therefore, it is critical to be prepared. Proper tyre preparation during winter is one sure way that can make your driving experience safer and easier. This article provides you with ways you can prepare your car tyres for winter.
Change to Winter Tyres -- Today, tyres are specifically made to suit different weather conditions. For instance, tyre manufacturers have come up with different technologies aimed at improving the driving experience regardless of the terrain. Winter tyres have more grip, which increases friction thereby ensuring that the car does not skid dangerously every time you make a corner. Most importantly, however, is that you are advised to change all four tyres. Simply changing one or two will not give you the traction and handling benefits, which exposes you to the dangers of winter driving.
Examine Tread -- Since the tyre is the only part that is exposed to the road, it is an important component in cornering, braking, and speeding and. As such, tyres requires through examination. Changing all four tyres to winter type is the first step, but that not enough. You need to ensure that the treads meet the minimum depth. One way of confirming this is by using a coin. If more than three quarters of the coin disappears into the tread, then it meets the minimum acceptable tread depth for winter tyres. If it does not, then you need to get another set of tyres. In the event of severe winter, the tread depth must surpass the minimum tread depth recommended.
Examine Tyre Pressure -- Pressure of the tyres plays an important role in the handling of a vehicle. If you put too little pressure, you risk stressing the tyres. On the other hand, too much pressure will lead to uneven wearing out. In both scenarios, handling and braking are adversely affected and this can be dangerous during winter. Therefore, as winter approaches, constantly check your tyre pressure because it is likely to decrease as atmospheric temperature gets low.
